SailZen’s goal is to provide the best sailing trips & tours with a sailing crew in Azores
Happily serving you since 2018
Founded in 2017, after more than a decade of experience in the yacht charter and private sailing industry, SailZen was born from a simple idea: to share the true essence of sailing in the Azores. What started as a one-person dream has grown into something even more meaningful — today, we are a sailing family, sharing this journey with our newborn and running SailZen as a true family business.
At the heart of SailZen is a deep love for the ocean, for people, and for the wild natural beauty of the Azorean islands. Every experience is thoughtfully designed to reflect these values, inviting our guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover the islands from a unique and peaceful perspective.
Unlike large-scale operators, SailZen focuses on authentic, personalized sailing experiences in the Azores. We believe in quality over quantity, sustainability over speed, and presence over pressure. Each trip is intimate, safe, and comfortable — guided by a professional sailing crew in Azores and shaped by the rhythm of the wind and the sea.
Our philosophy is simple: go where the wind will take you. Routes are flexible and adapted to real weather conditions, allowing us to offer the best possible sailing tours, whether it’s a calm coastal cruise, island hopping, or a private yacht experience.
More than a company, SailZen is a way of life. A passion turned into purpose — now lived not only as sailors, but as a family raising a child by the sea. We dedicate ourselves to creating meaningful moments on the water, where guests are not just passengers, but part of a shared journey — one that leaves lasting memories, lighter minds, and deeper connections with the ocean.
We sail to surprise, to inspire, and to spread the feeling of freedom that only the sea can offer — and we plan to keep doing it for generations to come 🌊⛵
First SailZen Promotional
Our Mission
Sailing Crew in Azores
We love welcoming people on board, sharing each moment together, while offering a professional service with attention, care, and a personal touch.
Responsible Travel
We work closely with local people and small businesses, supporting farmers, fishermen, artists, and friends while respecting local culture and traditions.
Reduce Carbon Footprint
We choose the wind whenever possible, sailing quietly between the islands without relying on fuel as our main way of moving across the ocean.
Connect People with Nature
We share awareness about sustainable tourism, marine life, environmental responsibility, and simple actions that help protect the planet.
Eco-Friendly
We sail with the wind between the islands over 80% of the time, and the household electricity we consume aboard comes from a powerful solar panel plant.
A fair price for our passengers
We offer affordable travel when it comes to value for money compared to the yacht charter industry by providing service, support and toys with no hidden costs.
Crew
André Branco
André Branco
Hello, traveler!
My friends call me Branco, and I was born in Vila Franca do Campo, on São Miguel Island in the Azores, where the ocean has always been part of my life.
My sailing journey began in 1999, when a school teacher invited me to try dinghy sailing at the local nautical club. From that very first moment, I fell in love with the sea — and I never looked back.
In 2007, I turned this passion into a profession, working as a professional skipper and crew member, sailing across different parts of the world. Along the way, I experienced new cultures and worked with some of the best yacht charter companies and private yacht captains in the industry. Eventually, I became a superyacht captain, gaining invaluable skills and unforgettable experiences at sea.
But no matter how far I traveled, the Azores always called me back. In 2017, I returned home to create SailZen, bringing together everything I had learned about sailing, hospitality, and life on the ocean. For me, SailZen is more than a business — it’s a way to share the freedom, peace, and connection that sailing brings.
The spirit of SailZen comes from a song my father loved: “The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.” And just like the wind, I let nature guide each journey, creating authentic and unforgettable sailing experiences in the Azores.
With every trip, my goal is simple: to make sailing smooth, safe, and deeply relaxing — a moment to slow down, breathe, and feel truly present.
You are more than welcome aboard.
I hope you enjoy the journey, you sail… and you feel Zen 🌊⛵
Claudie Bombardier
Claudie Bombardier
Hello, traveler!
My name is Claudie Bombardier, and I was born in Quebec, Canada, but today I call the Azores my home – where I live, sail, and raise a family by the sea.
A natural adventurer at heart, I’ve always been drawn to travel and new experiences. Before sailing became part of my life, I worked in various hospitality roles, from restaurants and bars to hotels, and as an air hostess with Air Transat, which allowed me to travel the world and connect with people from many cultures.
My sailing journey began in 2024, when I joined a diving liveaboard sailing catamaran in the Azores as a cook. That season changed my life and opened the door to a new world on the ocean. Soon after, I started sailing full-time, learning by doing, and discovering what it truly means to live at sea.
In the same year, I completed the required safety and distress management training, building strong foundations in seamanship and emergency procedures. In 2025, I earned my Coastal Skipper license, allowing me to take on more responsibility and continue growing as a sailor.
Together with Branco, we sailed across the Caribbean, preparing Explora for the Atlantic crossing — a journey we completed side by side, delivering the boat safely back to the Azores. Since then, I have logged around 4,000 nautical miles, living onboard full-time throughout 2025 — even during pregnancy.
Today, I am part of SailZen not only as a sailor, but as a family. I take care of all land support between trips, from organization and logistics to food preparation and cabin setup, ensuring every detail is ready before guests step on board. Whenever possible, I also join the sailing, especially on day trips.
Now, with a newborn in our arms, my role has naturally evolved. I sail when I can, stay ashore when needed, and continue supporting every journey with care, presence, and love.
For me, SailZen is about balance — between sea and land, adventure and home, movement and stillness. It’s about creating a space where people feel welcomed, cared for, and deeply connected to the experience.
And just like sailing taught me, life flows better when you trust the wind 🌊