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Where we sail

If there is any pattern to our wide selection of sailing grounds – it is the destinations with the best unspoilt coastal scenery, wildlife opportunities and sailing winds. We are excited by mountain backdrops and natural anchorages, self sufficient local communities, historic ports and islands rather than tourist hotspots.

The list is not exhaustive and it varies from year to year, but here are some of our popular haunts:

Celtic Fringes of Europe:-  Cornwall, West Coast of Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Brittany, Northern Spain and Portugal. The Atlantic edge of Europe has some of the most biologically rich seas in the world - which is good news for spotting dolphins, whales, basking sharks and seabirds without going far. A seafaring culture prevails in the historic ports, and the local communities respect fellow sailors

Antarctica & Arctic Sailing Expeditions:- Tall ships and traditional boats keep you warm pulling on ropes. Working as ships crew you spend more time outdoors and see more wildlife. Explore Antarctica and follow in the wake of Shackleton to South Georgia. Closer to Europe and deep within the Arctic Circle is the Svalbard Archipelago / Spitsbergen. Look for polar bears and walrus and learn about global warming.

South Pacific and New Zealand:- If you are planning to travel to the Southern Hemisphere then brigantine Soren Larsen is our South Pacfic expert. Her home port is now Sydney, Australia so she sails out of Sydney Harbour on short trips and then each year wanders the South Seas exploring some of the more remote South Pacific islands in a circuit following the trade winds.

Caribbean for ocean passages & island hopping:  Winter 2011-12 we will be offering a Trans Atlantic passage from Tenerife to Guadaloupe in the Caribbean on a  three masted barque.  Tenacious will be based in the French Caribbean island of Guadaloupe for a couple of voyages before moving on to Antigua, Bahamas and Bermuda. Opportunities to actually pull ropes as crew in the Caribbean are rare.

Island and Archipelagos:- Isles of Scilly, Outer Hebrides, St Kilda, Channel Islands, Biscay coastal islands like Belle Isle, South Atlantic outposts like Tristan Da Cuhna, St Helena; Trade wind route stops like Canaries, Madeira, Azores or Cape Verde. Wildlife rich destinations like the Falklands or one off voyages toSouth Orkney Islands in the Weddell Sea where only British Antarctic Survey staff ever get to visit.

Ocean Ambitions: We have some fantastic 'rites of passage' voyages from 2-7 weeks: Cross the South Atlantic on a tall ship; Sail downwind in the Southern Ocean; cross the equator or wander the South Seas on a wooden brigantine.

Skippers with Local Knowledge

New destinations are always exciting but to have things pointed out to you by people with local knowledge really brings them alive. Our vessels do roam far and wide but each have special locations they have become expert in.

Our skippers usually know where to barter for fresh crab off fishing boats, and can tell you about the wildlife you see, local history and landscapes. Ashore they can guide you to the best place to watch the sunset, spy on seals or help you to choose between splendid solitude or a pub with local character!  

PDF of Current Classic Sailing Schedule with all vessels, destinations, dates & prices 2011-2012

If you can’t find one of these destinations on our current sailing schedules then give us a ring and we can tell what is in the pipeline. It also helps us to know where our customers want to go next.

Not sure what is suitable for you?

Call a Skipper 01872 58 00 22 or send a question? >>