Bark Europa Ocean Sailing - Across the Equator
Submitted by adam on Tue, 06/04/2010 - 16:09
| Voyage Number | LS220910 |
| Voyage price | €2340 for 36 days |
| Voyage Dates | 22/09/2010 - 17:00 - 28/09/2010 - 09:00 |
| Depart from | Lunenberg/Halifax, Canada |
| Finishing Port | Salvador Brazil |
| Voyage area | Atlantic , South America |
| Voyage type | Adventure Voyage , Ocean Passages , Tall Ships |
| Vessel | Europa |
| Availability | Available |
| BOOKING FORM >>> |
Voyage Description
Sail Between Continents
A 36 day ocean passage from Nova Scotia / Newfoundland in the Northern Hemisphere south to the sun, crossing both the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator on impressive Square rigger Bark Europa. The voyage leg ends in Salvador, Brazil, so you will have truely sailed between Continents, and if you have the time you can continue on the next leg to Terra de Fuego.
If you are planning to travel the world why not consider doing at least one major hop between continents by boat. How much more cool to say you have done the trans ocean voyage under square rig – with few modern concessions and a lot of physical bravery and effort from you. The wind might be free, but you do have to constantly add (set sail) and take away (hand) sail so the ship can crack on at a decent pace without being too much of a handful for the human crew.
Low Carbon Footprint
Sailing between continents is not fast, but you will gain a humility and respect for the sea – our last wild frontier, and appreciate the true scale of the world that you have been exploring. Bark Europa is a self sufficient ship and prides herself on using engines as little as possible. Enjoy the amazing whoosh of the sea down the side of the hull as 300 ton of ship and 50 souls on board are transported by the wind alone to a new continent or remote island outpost.
Crossing the Line Ceremony
Cross the Equator on a tall ship Bark Europa and become a true sailor at the hands of King Neptune and his assistant Badger Brush. The “Crossing the Line Ceremony” is a traditional way of becoming a true salt. It’s a great laugh and everyone has not been across the equator is anointed by King Neptune and his cronies.This is going to be a hot voyage and as far as possible Europa will use the trade winds and not have to long a time in the Doldrums. With today’s instant weather information the Captain will plot the best course possible and if need be there are engines but they prefer not to use them.
This is the first leg of Europa's winter migration from the Northern Hemisphere accross the equator to South America, and ever southward to Terra del Fuego. In case you are tempted to stay on - the ports are Halifax - Salvador and then leg two is Salvador in Brazil to Ushuaia in Argentina - through the Roaring Forties.
Sailing Before The Mast
Crossing an Ocean on a tall ship is a challenge and once in a lifetime ambition you should seize whilst you can. It is possible to live life comfortably and dare we say boringly, but you may never know your true strengths and what you can achieve working with others, or experience the truly humbling effect of being alone in a wide vast ocean. The sailors who followed the trade winds in square riggers were a special breed, and after a your voyage on Bark Europa you will earn yourself a place in a unique ‘club’, and make friendships which will bond you for a lifetime.
Do I Need Sailing Experience?
You do not need any sailing experience to go on Bark Europa’s voyage as you will be trained and well looked after. However these are the most challenging voyages we offer and not to be taken lightly. We want you to enjoy it, so if you have never spent longer than a few hours on a boat or ferry then please speak to us for realistic advice. This 9 day voyage is often a long way from land - but not beyond the ambitions of an adventurous newcomer to sailing, but if you plan to stay on for several legs, we may be able to suggest a trial voyage before the big challenge.
Europa sailing past Bermuda by Lucy Hollis
On Watch At Four Bells
Being woken up in the middle of the night has its compensations; helming the ship under the brightest stars you have ever seen, being in charge as the ship as she ploughs through the unseen waves and the welcome hot drink at the end of your watch. You do need to be reasonable confident in your level of fitness and stamina for Ocean Passages and settling into the ships routine as she sails day and night is the key to becoming an ocean sailor. Taking advantage of opportunities to rest or sleep when off watch in the daytime will help you enjoy this extended period at sea. Life back on shore will feel very strange once you get used to the rhythms of the sea and shipboard life.
Blue Water Sailors
There is more to becoming a blue water sailor than swapping oilskins for shorts, but a suntan certainly helps. Ocean sailors happily adapt to a watch routine and the constant motion of the ship day and night. Experience all the ships moods from glassy calms to white capped swells launching flying fish from crest to crest.
Equatorial Waters
Approaching equatorial crossings the extra skysail masts and yards are sent aloft and the whole crew can easily be kept busy setting the studding sails that few training ships dare rig. The 14 professional crew and guest crew soon become indistinguishable as you learn the ropes, gain a healthy tan and perhaps help out with the ships maintenance.
Food
The Dutch are great eaters and there are snacks all through the day and night on top of three regular good meals every day. Dietary requirements on not a problem even on these longer ocean voyages, just let us know on your booking form of any dietary requirement you may have. Fresh bread is baked every day and the ship has large freezers. There is also a bar on board for when you are off watch.
Experienced and first time ocean sailors
If you are an adventurous spirit sailing for the first time then Europa keeps the romance of sailing alive with a great library, lectures, and enthusiastic crew who can teach a range of topics. If you have already sailed on a tall ship or are an experienced yacht sailor wanting to immerse yourself in square rig seamanship or maybe learn some Astro Navigation, then Europa is an excellent choice.
Wildlife at Sea
On a long ocean passage on Bark Europa you are almost bound to see whales, these hump back were spotted on a Voyage from Ushuaia to Cape Town and photographed by Debbie Purser from aloft. The bird life will vary depending on your sailing grounds. In the Southern Atlantic you will see many different sorts of albatross, skuas and gulls. A sea bird that seems to crop up in many different waters is the tiny storm petrel, about the same size as a swift but having a different flight pattern. If I was asked to choose a bird to be I think on land I would choose to be a swift but at sea it would have to be the storm petrel, such a small bird in such a big ocean.
Life on board
On deck you work with the crew to sail the ship, joining in the watch system; you may assist with manoeuvres, steering and navigation. Bark Europa may be steered from within the wheelhouse or on deck at the ships wheel. The ship is ideal for ocean crossings and longer voyages, with various places for relaxing: library, lounge, cosy corner and deckhouse. These different areas allow you to do your own thing: perhaps some quiet reading or perhaps a more active role in the social life in the deckhouse. The ship is equipped with television/DVD, CD player, I-pod and radio.
There are two 2-person cabins, six 4-person cabins and four 6-person cabins. During these expeditions the 6-person cabins will have a maximum of 5 occupants. The comfortable cabins have an en-suite toilet and shower. An experienced cook and cook’s assistant will prepare three meals a day.
The majority of the crew is Dutch, but usually you will find various nationalities among the crew. All crew speak English, some are native speakers.
Getting to Salvador
There are direct flights from the Uk.
photo by guest crew Lisa Islg (Alaskan customer who has worked in Antarctica Macmurdo Station)
56m Dutch Tall Ship Barque Europa
Classic Sailing staff Adam and Debbie have been guest working crew for many months on Bark Europa in Anarctica and South America so we can tell you what it is really like to sail on our favourite tall ship.
Read about our most recent adventures on our Classic Sailing Facebook blog. We joined old friends on the Centennial Voyage Expedition to sail from Montevideo to the Falklands, South Georgia and South to remote Antarctic research stations on South Orkney and back via the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula. We love to talk about the ship, destinations, her crew and what it is like to sail her on extended ocean voyages - so just ring us on 01872 580022.
NEWS UPDATE: 2012-2013 Antarctic Voyages dates open for booking - see below.
NEWS UPDATE: Round the World Voyage Planned for 2013-2014.
Tall Ships Europa and Oosterschelde are making detailed plans to sail around the world . All ages and nationalities will be able to take part in the voyage legs.
Europa's route will be Ushuaia, Argentina - Antarctica - South Georgia - Cape Town (this section can be booked already see ANT 5 2013 below). In Cape Town (April 2013) she will be joined by Oosterschelde and possibly 2 other ships. They sail for Madagascar and Mauritius, then accross the Indian Ocean to Freemantle, Jakarta in Indonesia, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart in Tasmania. Tall Ships Races are planned from Hobart to Sydney and Sydney to Auckland in New Zealand. Europa and Oosterschelde will then sail accross the South Pacific and around Cape Horn to the Falklands.
Make an enquiry below and we will send the dates and updates as soon as they are announced.
Ocean Wanderer
56m Dutch Barque Europa has sailed the world, doubled the Horn, cruised the Southern Ocean with charter crews, and is well known in ports for sailing in under sail—almost to the dock. This Tall Ship has earned her reputation for piling on the canvas and really sailing. Built in 1911 and completely re rigged as a 3 masted barque in 1986, she follows the trade wind routes to maximise downwind sailing and is equally at home in the
roller-coasters of the ‘roaring forties’ or in lighter tropical conditions where she can set an awesome suite of 30 sails.
The working language on board is English but like the tea clippers of old, the cultural mix of guest and professional crew are truly international, so the conversation can get complicated—but never dull.
"I feel totally changed by the whole experience, and can't wait to get back sailing again!" Sarah S.
Bark Europa - Antarctic Specialist
The lure of the Antarctic is hard to resist, and for the last 8 years this tough 300 ton sailing ship has made the long passage down to the Southernmost tip of South America. From Ushuaia in Patagonia she runs to run a series of 21 and 52 day sailing expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea and South Georgia. If you want to experience the polar wilderness as Shackleton, de Gerlache and Scott did - then help Tall Ship Europa sail amongst the icebergs with full instruction from an extremely tough and knowledgable professional crew, and wildlife guides who pull ropes with you too.
2012 and 2013 Dates - see table below
Individual Antarctic voyage descriptions, prices, itineraries, travel tips 2011-2012
PDF General Brochure - Falklands - Antarctic - South Georgia & the Ship 2011-2012
PDF Brochure - Europa 22 day Antarctic Peninsula Expeditions 2012
PDF Brochure - Europa 34 Day Centennial Expedition 2011-2012
PDF Brochure - Europa 52 Day Antarctica - South Georgia - Cape Town 2012
Read magazine articles and more details and photos on Europa's adventures in the ice.
5500 miles accross the Southern Ocean
If you have talked about doing a Trans Atlantic crossing, then Tierra del Fuego to Cape Townis is the ultimate route for a square rigger, but with the Antarctic and South Georgia to explore on the way. The Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties latitudes in the South Atlantic are where the westerlies blow around the world without interuption. Iff you want to experience the windjammers emortalised by the black and white photos of Newby and Villiers, then Tall Ship Europa is about as close as you can get.. The sailing is awesome but so is the wildlife, so if you are a brave bird watcher, pack your bags and harden up your hands !
Warm Ocean Sailing & Square Rig Advanced Class
If you have already sailed on a tall ship or are an experienced yacht sailor wanting to immerse yourself in square rig seamanship or maybe learn some Astro Navigation, then Europa is a good choice. Approaching equatorial crossings the extra sky-sail masts and yards are sent aloft and the whole crew can easily be kept busy setting the studding sails that few training ships dare rig. The 14 professional crew and guest crew soon become indistinguishable as you learn the ropes, gain a healthy tan and perhaps help out with the ships maintenance. If you are an adventurous spirit sailing for the first time then Europa keeps the romance of sailing alive with a great library, lectures, and enthusiastic crew who can teach a range of topics.
Ocean Voyages for Autumn 2012 Amsterdam-Lisbon-Las Palmas-Salvador- Punta Arenas
Tall Ships Race 2012
Europa in France, Spain, Portugal and Britain this Summer
A rare chance to sail barque Europa in the Northern Hemisphere and from UK ports this summer as she returns from Cape Town to take part in the Sail Training International Tall Ships Race. Europa crew rarely shout to get things done, so it appears quite casual - but they are very proud of the ship and like to help you sail it to her full potential. Europa is one of the smaller class A tall ships but they are always determined to steal the scene and win tall ships race legs ( and often do). Over 50% of the crew must be under 25 for tall ships races, so if you think you can show up the energetic young crew then now is the time to apply for the limited berths for over 25 years, or better still - bring some young people with you.
Bark Europa comes to Falmouth, Cornwall in 2012
There are two 7-8 day voyages on Europa this summer - open to all ages. One from La Coruna in Northern Spain to Falmouth, and the nest sails from Falmouth to Amsterdam. If you are thinking about a longer ocean voyage (or sailing around the world on her in 2013) then these would make a good taster voyage to see if you like the style of sailing on this Dutch ship.
Tall Ships Race Legs 2012 - voyage descriptions, dates & prices
Summer Voyages for adults from Spain and Cornwall 2012
Captains
Europa has two regular Captains:- Klaas Gaastra (ex submariner) and Eric (ex viking ?) who generally live on the ship for 3 month blocks. All have sailed Europa for many years, are excellent linguists and have a real love and deep knowledge about square riggers, the marine environment and the ocean wildlife. For non- Antarctic voyages you may find Klaas and Marianne's new ships dog 'Sirius' on board. Their last dog was an excellent whale watcher !
Ocean Voyages on Tall Ship Barque Europa 2012
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24 Day Ocean Voyage from Cape Town to Ascension Island via St Helena €1775 / €2495 euros KA-010512 |
Europa | Cape Town, South Africa | Ascension Island, South Atlantic | Tue, 01/05/2012 - 17:00- to Thu, 24/05/2012 - 09:00 |
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67 Day Ocean Voyage from Cape Town to St Malo €4375 euros KS-010512 |
Europa | Cape Town, South Africa | St Malo, France | Tue, 01/05/2012 - 17:00- to Fri, 06/07/2012 - 09:00 |
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30 Days Cross the Equator from Ascension Island to the Azores €1975 / €3050 euros AH-240512 |
Europa | Ascension Island,South Atlantic | Horta, Azores | Thu, 24/05/2012 - 17:00- to Fri, 22/06/2012 - 09:00 |
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15 Days Ocean Passage from Azores to St Malo for Tall Ships Race Gathering €1395 euros HS-220612 |
Europa | Horta, Azores | St Malo, France | Fri, 22/06/2012 - 17:00- to Fri, 06/07/2012 - 09:00 |
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COMBINATION VOYAGE OFFER on Europa. Sail between Continents on a square rigger - 81 days 'before the mast' for €4975 euros AP-090912 |
Europa | Amsterdam | Punta Arenas, Chile | Sun, 09/09/2012 - 17:00- to Sat, 01/12/2012 - 09:00 |
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Blue Water Ocean Passage to the Canaries - 12 days from €1075 euros LL-230912 |
Europa | Lisbon, Portugal | Las Palmas Canaries | Sun, 23/09/2012 - 17:00- to Thu, 04/10/2012 - 09:00 |
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Epic Trans Atlantic passage and cross equator to Brazil on a square rigger - 28 days from €2175 euros LS-061012 |
Europa | Las Palmas Canaries | Salvador Brazil | Sat, 06/10/2012 - 17:00- to Fri, 02/11/2012 - 09:00 |
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Southwards from the Tropics to the Roaring 40's where the Albatross play. Patagonia via the Magellan Strait. 27 days from €2095 euros SP-051112 |
Europa | Salvador Brazil | Punta Arenas, Chile | Mon, 05/11/2012 - 17:00- to Sat, 01/12/2012 - 09:00 |
Tall Ships Race on Bark Europa 2012
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Bark Europa - Tall Ships Race 2012 - Leg 1 - St Malo to Lisbon - 15 days from €1425 SL-070712 |
Europa | St Malo, France | Lisbon | Sat, 07/07/2012 - 17:00- to Sat, 21/07/2012 - 09:00 |
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Bark Europa - Tall Ships Race 2012 - 37 days - from €3300 SA-070712 |
Europa | St Malo, France | A Coruna (Spain) | Sat, 07/07/2012 - 17:00- to Sun, 12/08/2012 - 09:00 |
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Bark Europa - Tall Ships Race 2012 - Leg 2 - Lisbon to Cadiz - 8 days - from €795 LC-210712 |
Europa | Lisbon, Portugal | Cadiz, Spain | Sat, 21/07/2012 - 17:00- to Sat, 28/07/2012 - 09:00 |
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Bark Europa - Tall Ships Race 2012 - Leg 2 and Cruise in Company - 14 days - from €1325 LL-210712 |
Europa | Lisbon, Portugal | Lisbon | Sat, 21/07/2012 - 17:00- to Fri, 03/08/2012 - 09:00 |
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Bark Europa - Tall Ships Race 2012 - Cruise in Company - Cadiz to Lisbon - from €695 CL-280712 |
Europa | Cadiz, Spain | Lisbon | Sat, 28/07/2012 - 17:00- to Fri, 03/08/2012 - 09:00 |
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Bark Europa - Tall Ships Race 2012 - Both Cruise in Company - 16 days - from €1520 CA-280712 |
Europa | Cadiz, Spain | A Coruna (Spain) | Sat, 28/07/2012 - 17:00- to Sun, 12/08/2012 - 09:00 |
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Bark Europa - Tall Ships Race 2012 - Cruise in Company - Lisbon to A Coruna LA-030812 |
Europa | Lisbon, Portugal | A Coruna (Spain) | Fri, 03/08/2012 - 17:00- to Sun, 12/08/2012 - 09:00 |
Come and try Europa this summer
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Rare Summer Opportunity to Sail Barque Europa to Cornwall from Spain - 8 days from €775 euros AF-120812 |
Europa | La Coruna, Spain | Falmouth, UK | Sun, 12/08/2012 - 17:00- to Sun, 19/08/2012 - 09:00 |
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Try Dutch Tall Ship Europa from a UK Port (and find out why she is Classic Sailing Directors favourite barque) - 7 days from €685 euros FA-190812 |
Europa | Falmouth, UK | Amsterdam | Sun, 19/08/2012 - 17:00- to Sat, 25/08/2012 - 09:00 |
2012-2013 Antarctica Season Voyages are NOW open for booking
All prices for Europa are fixed in Euros. Ring us for a price quote in sterling 01872 580022
* For South Georgia voyages the British Government in South Georgia charges a €192 euro landing fee per person which is not included in the voyage price.
(Revised dates and prices 26-01-12)
What to Bring
Personal items
• Passport
• Flight tickets
• Voyage Information
• Any Medication
• Sun tan lotion
• Washing kit and toiletries
• Clothing for a warm climate or extra for Antarctica - plenty of layers
• Shoes and sandals that protect your toes - warm water proof boots for Antarctica
• Swimwear - warm wind proof hats for Antarctica
• Beach Towel only
• Light weight wet weather gear - heavy wieght for Antarctica
• You can charge electrical appliances if you have an adapter for European two pin sockets.
• A book for the flight - there is a good library of books ,CD's and videos on board.
• Camera and batteries – film, spare batteries and storage cards
• Sketching materials if you are an artist
• Small musical instrument are always welcome
Already provided
Hand towels
Bed linen
All meals on board
You may purchase alcoholic drinks on board.
Photo: Europa racing around Cape Horn - South American Tall Ships Race 2010
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