The TWINNEDbySTARS project has spotlighted its innovative eco-tourism platform at Portugal’s Nauticampo fair in Lisbon. Members of the European initiative showcased Atlantic Star Adventures (ASA) to boating enthusiasts and industry stakeholders from 11-15 March.
Event Presence
Nauticampo, held from 11-15 March at Lisbon’s Feira Internacional de Lisboa, drew crowds keen on recreational boating, adventure sports and outdoor pursuits. Project partners from the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores and Martinique used the vibrant setting to promote one of the project’s tourism products, ASA, a sea-based stargazing travel product that blends navigation with astronomy.
From Madeira, representatives of Horizonte Celeste and Madeira Sunkiss Sailing, Manuel Borrero, Duarte Oliveira and Carlos Gastelu, described sunset sails away from light pollution, using lasers to point out constellations and sharing tales of Greek mythology and ancient navigators’ star-based wayfinding. Sérgio Castro of Marina do Funchal backed the venture, noting profound involvement from the two madeiran regional firms taking part in developing these experiences.
Xavier Martínez Sirvent, CEO of Nautic Ocean and a TWINNEDbySTARS partner, said the stand at 4A18 aimed to position the product as a leader in sustainable astrotourism linking the Atlantic’s clear night skies to maritime heritage.
Pedro de Noronha from Sailingside in the Azores spoke about heading to Nauticampo 2026 to feature ASA products launching on São Miguel, always with certified monitors and experienced captains from the Azores. “We always have a certified monitor and an experienced captain to guide you,” he told visitors, who were checking the product website.
On the last day, Gerard Martínez of Nautic Ocean told crowds about Atlantic Star Adventures’ platform for stargazing trips beyond shore lights, covering mythology, ecology and star lore in Madeira, the Canaries and Martinique. “Join us and find your next adventure,” he encouraged.
Gerard Martínez – Nautic Ocean
ASA is now live online at its dedicated platform, ready to book stargazing sea outings across partner destinations and accessible at www.atlanticstaradventures.com.