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Ocean Passages - 10 days to 52 days

Crossing an ocean on a square rigger

It is possible to live comfortably, and dare we say boringly, but you will never know your true strengths and weaknesses, or what you can achieve working with others. Crossing an ocean on a square rigger is a challenge and a lifetime ambition you should seize whilst you still can. It is also a very ethical way to go between continents - powered by the mighty trade winds - as part of your world travel plans.

The beauty of the open ocean

Is it boring ? What will I do ? Paint a sunset, mend a sail, follow an albatross, help the cook bake bread, climb higher up the rigging each day, switch to ocean time, breathe deep and take stock of your life.

What did civilisation do before TV, facebook, the internet. They talked, entertained each other with stories, co-operated with their fellow humans to achieve things, taught each other new skills, read books, shared dreams for the future, set each other challenges, lived in fear and wonder of nature.

 You establish a routine that is relaxing and comfortable but keeps you occupied. Sailing at night with absolutely no light pollution makes the night sky brilliant. Experience all the seas moods from glassy calms to white capped swells launching flying fish from crest to crest.

Am I up to extended offshore or ocean sailing ?

These longer voyages are ideal adventure sailing holidays for the ambitious sailor, world traveller or determined romantic. Some love the physical challenge of being hands on crew, others muck in but their real passion might be ocean bird spotting or just finding time for themselves.

Our ocean voyages may travel from one country to another or even cross between continents so early planning is essential. Classic Sailing office can give travel advice to many ports around the world, often from first hand experience. Each voyage description on this website will have a section on joining and end ports that we constantly update as we research new destinations, and get feedback from our crews. You may need visas and innoculations to enter one country from another, but we can advise you.

Though no experience is required, you do need to know you enjoy sailing and be reasonably confident about your health and stamina.  It can be a long way from the nearest hospital - days rather than hours. These voyages are long and you will be part of a watch system helping sail the ship day and night (typically 4 hours on, 8 hours off type rota). The ship will be in constant motion so things like getting into a top bunk or eating meals at an angle can be hillarious but also exhausting. Sleep is not usually a problem, once you get used to the pleasant concept of naps in the daytime, whilst the ship rushes on through the waves. 

Mile Building Voyages

Barque Europa - Ocean Voyages 2010 and 2011

Barque Europa has a reputation for ocean wandering, and in tropical seas she can really spread her wings with stun'sails and skysails.

Brigantine Soren Larsen - Ocean Voyages 2010

Soren Larsen is our only wooden sailing ship that has sailed around the world. She has made her home in New Zealand and goes off roaming the South Pacific for part of the year for true South Seas adventures.

Brig Stavros S Niarchos - Ocean Voyages 2010

Topsail Schooner Oosterschelde - Ocean Voyages 2010 - 2011

Oosterschelde is a historic Dutch ship that once carried cargoes but has also sailed around the world as an adventure charter vessel for many years.