Bark Europa Cape Horn Adventure

Submitted by adam on Sun, 02/08/2009 - 15:50
Voyage from Classic Sailing
Voyage Number UV-220310
Voyage price €3800
Voyage Dates 22/03/2010 - 17:00 - 16/04/2010 - 09:00
Depart from Ushuaia Argentina
Finishing Port Valparaiso
Voyage area Pacific , South America
Voyage type Adventure Voyage , Ocean Passages , Tall Ships Race
Vessel Europa
Availability Fully booked

Voyage Description

Following Seas - Sketch by Debbie Purser on Bark Europa

Directors Choice: Around the Horn to Valparaiso 

A Wild Reputation Amongst Sailors

In days of old when sailors were tough they considered one particular piece of sailing as the toughest of them all, namely sailing around Cape Horn. Cape Horn has earned a well deserved reputation for rough weather and extremely difficult sailing. Today we know from the exploits of around the world sailors, like Dame Ellen Macarthur, that it is still Cape Horn that sets the upper limit of the challenge. 
 

Windjammer Fleet to Sail Around the Horn 

For years directors of Classic Sailing Adam and Debbie have been transfixed by the film footage of Irvine Johnson (Around The Horn) and the black and white photos of Villers and Newby showing the last great windjammers battling around the Horn.

"It has always been my life ambition. I have sailed many tall ships, I have been in storms in the Bay of Biscay, nearly flattened by squalls in the Pacific, survived ship wreck and yet I still want to sail around Cape Horn, but it has to be on a square rigger" Adam Purser.

 .  

Velas Sudamerica 2010 Regata Bicentenario

Now the very rare opportunity has come to sail around Cape Horn on a tall ship as part of the Velas Sudamerica 2010 South American Tall Ships Race in 2010. Bark Europa will be one of the few tall ships taking part that is not a Naval Training Vessel, so you will be unique as civillian crew in the South American ports you visit on route. The event is celebrating 200 years since the first South American government won independance. The countries of Argentina, Chile, Columbia, Uruguay and Brazil have some of the largest tall ships in the world (Cisne Branco, Libitad, Esmeralda, Gloria) and an amazing political sea change has occured for all these navies to come together, plus other tall ships taking part from India, Mexico Malaysia and Poland.
 

Once in a Lifetime

Adam hase been watching for a chance to do this for many years and only noted only three other occasions in his lifetime when an opportunity to sail an authentic tall ship around the Horn has been there to seize. He is not going to miss this one. This truly unique opportunity to try to sail round Cape Horn has come about as a result of a combination of factors that will not be repeated in the foreseeable future. We can think of no more experienced tall ship to do it on than Bark Europa. She sails south fairly close to the Horn four or five times every year on her way to Antarctica and back again from there into Ushuaia. Past it but not around it.
 

 

If it was easy there would be no challenge

Cape Horn is actually an island. This time it is Bark Europa's intention to do a complete circumnavigation of Cape Horn. Please note the phrase “Bark Europa's intention” even on a well found experienced ship there is no guarantee that she will achieve this voyage around Cape Horn. If the conditions are right the fleet will sail out of the Beagle Channel, North of the islands of Cape Horn so they can sweep downwind and south around the famous Cape with the Roaring Forties, then back into the Beagle Channel,sailing East to West to emerge on the wild Pacific side and into the Straits of Magellan to the first port of Punta Arenas. There is a safer alternative inshore route direct through the Beagle Channel and eventually the Straights of Magellan and she will have to take thi

s passage if the Captain thinks it too dangerous to go south around Cape Horn due to the weather.

Chilean Fjords & Race Leg to Valpariso

After some partying in Punta Arenas (Chile) The fleet will sail in company up through the miriad of Chilean Fjords backed by high Andes, with impossibly steep glaciers and unpredictable katabatic winds. First Pacific port stop is Talcahuno. After Talcahuno is the time to really put your hard earned sailing skills into action with an offshore Pacific Tall Ships Race to the beautiful port of Valparaiso. Perhaps the skysail masts and stun'sail booms may come out and Bark Europa will fly acroos the ocean.
 

You can help - Recruit the Best

This voyage must be viewed as a challenge, it may or may not go south around the Horn – and you can help in a small way to make it possible. The more experienced roughty toughty sailors we can get on the voyage the more chance the Captain will feel he can sail it. Mind you it is still and always will be the Captains decision on the route the ship takes.
 

Directors Cut

Adam has 'persuaded' his wife Debbie to join him (she would have stowed away onboard anyway). We have even shortened our own boats season to do this trip. Debbie has sailed on Bark Europa form Ushuaia to Antarctica and from there to South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha and ending in Cape Town South Africa in 2007 and has been dying to go back. There are many photos of Bark Europa, and Antarctica on our web site taken by Debbie on this voyage, so if you want to know a bit of what to expect - give her a ring in the Classic Sailing Office.
 
Our next task is to persuade you to do it – you know you want to – chance of a lifetime – all those ultra imperative phrases really are true for this voyage. We need artists, shanty singers, spanish speakers, film makers, romantics and crew of character to join us to make this voyage the trip of the century.
 
Gold earing, Tattoo or stiff drink?
Traditionally the mark of a sailor who had sailed around Cape Horn was to wear a gold ring in there left ear. Adam claims that when he gets to Valparaíso he will be looking for an ear piercing and maybe a tattoo parlour.
 
"This is the only way I’m going to have either a ring in my ear or a tattoo. If I do have a tattoo it will say on the eight knuckles of my hands “Hold Fast”. Can any one tell me where you could have seen or heard the phrase “Hold Fast” in the twenty first century?  No prizes for knowing - just watch the movie and you will see actual footage of Cape Horn from a Tall Ship. (Answer below.)"  Adam
 

Wildlife at Sea

Around the Horn 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 wilsons storm petrel, about the same size as a swift but having a different flight pattern. Look out for Magallenic Penguins and fur seals in the Fjords. A deep trench runs down the South Amercian east coast - creating a histoic hunting ground for whales all the way to the Galapagos. 

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 for film nights and slide shows, CD player in the bar, I-pod and radio.

There are two 2-person cabins, six 4-person cabins and four 6-person cabins.  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 fluent like native speakers.

 

 

 25 Day Cape Horn Adventure

 This is a fantastic voyage and the best way to look at the proposed route is to look at this Google Map

Part 1 Ushuaia – Cape Horn to Punta Arenas 

The story behind the passage plan. At sea you never set sail to go anywhere without a passage plan. The purpose of this is to ensure that the voyage is well thought out and all safety features have been covered. A good plan includes not only the chosen preferred route but also alternative plans for what if scenarios. The what ifs for a sailing boat are mostly to do with the wind direction and strength.  For the Cape Horn voyage the main consideration has to be that there are strong westerly winds almost all of the time. This far south is not called the Roaring Forties for nothing. So if you look at the map you will see Europa leaves Ushuaia heading east along the Beagle Channel until she can head south and then south west to get in a position north west of Cape Horn. From there she can sail if “all is well” south of Cape Horn going east and then north East to north and back into the Beagle Channel. Apart from the wind there is also a steady sea current going west to east pushed along by the prevailing wind. So to go east to west would not only be extremely difficult in tall ship but it could also take a very long time. For this reason Europa will be going back into the Beagle Channel and using it to go north west as far as practical before entering the eastern Pacific for a short stretch in a north westerly direction. She then pops back between islands to join the Magellan Straight and head up to Punta Arenas. 

Part 2 Punta Arenas to Talcahuano 

After a short stay in Punta Arenas we head back into the Magellan Straight and retrace our steps for about 60 miles before heading fully north west. We travel out of the Magellan Straights into the Pacific once again but by now we should have gained ground enough to the west to make sailing further up the coast of Chile practical.
There are some incredible sights in the Straights of Magellan with mountains and glaciers close at hand, narrow passages and gusty winds. 

Part 3 Talcahuano to Valparaiso 

Having spent a little time in Talcahuano we leave port and line for the start of the Velas Sudamérica, South American Tall Ships Race. Velas Sudamérica we will be accompanied by many Tall ships and windjammers from all over the world, like the Capitan Miranda from Uruguay, the Libertad from Argentina and Tall Ships from Brazil (Cisne Branco), Chile (Esmeralda), Columbia, Mexico, India, Spain, Malaysia and Poland and our own Bark Europa. 

Valparaiso

Fabled port of Cape Horn Tall ship sailors – time to go ashore and celebrate. The ground will feel hard and unforgiving and the smells and noises of a city strange after so long at sea. The only cure is to book your next voyage!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ushuaia, Joining & Leaving Port for Antarctic Adventures

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in Argentina. Located in a stunning mountain setting on the shores of the Beagle Channel, it has become starting point for most expedition ships visiting the Antarctic Peninsula. It has plenty of accommodation of all types (see below), restaurants and places to explore nearby if you arrive a few days early. We recommend to plan to arrive in Ushuaia at least the day before the voyage starts as internal flights down to Ushuaia can sometimes be delayed due to Andes weather.

Getting to and from Port

The normal route from Europe is an international flight to Buenos Aries. This arrives at Ezeiza (EZE) International Airport (also known as Ministro Pistarini Airport). You will need to transfer to Jorge Newbery domestic airport / areoparque on the other side of the city and take a 3.5 hr internal flight from Buenos Airies to Ushuaia – with the main Argentinian airline Aerolineas Argentinas. See more details below.
 

Flight Advice

It is best to plan all your flights in one go as individual single journeys add greatly to the price. In this instance the internet is not much use and I strongly recommend using via a very helpful lady at Dial a Flight 0844 811 4444 or direct line to Sally on 0161 953 1016 or email sally.burton@dialaflight.co.uk
(There is no financial reward for Classic Sailing in this suggestion.)

Flights from Europe To Buenos Aires

Direct flight time from the UK is typically 13 hours. Going via a European city takes about 16hrs.
There is more choice of flights for Europe – Buenos Aries to choose from, compared with the availability on internal flight to Ushuaia so check Aerolineas Argentinas times with seats first.
Try
British Airways (www.british-airways.com)
Aerolinas Argentina (www.aerolineas.com

Often better deals via mainland Europe with
Lufthansa London via Frankfurt – Buenos Aries (www.lufthansa.com)
Air France London via Paris – Buenos Aires (www.airfrance.com)
Iberia via Madrid (www.iberia.com)
LanChile (www.lanchile.com)
KLM via Amsterdam

Beware cheap flight websites – check the fuel charges and taxes as they can be substantial. Beware going via USA airports as customs insist upto 3 hours to get off plane and clear customs – even for transit customers.
 

Flights from North America

Direct flights to Buenos Aries and a few west coast routes via Santiago in Chile but I think you then need to fly across Andes to Buenos Aries and then down, so sounds more expensive ?

Flights from Australia, New Zealand & South Africa
Aerolineas Argentinas and Quantas fly from Sydney via Auckland to Buenos Aries.
South African Airways flys from Johannesburg to both Buenos Aries.

Internal Flights from Buenos Aries to Ushuaia

The normal route from Europe is an international flight to Buenos Aries. This arrives at Ezeiza (EZE) International Airport (also known as Ministro Pistarini Airport). You will need to transfer to Jorge Newbery domestic airport / areoparque on the other side of the city and take a 3.5 hr internal flight from Buenos Airies to Ushuaia – with the main Argentinian airline Aerolineas Argentinas. There is no train route and the distance down the length of Argentina is vast. If you plan to do a Che Gevara motorbike epic please leave plenty of time !!
 

Transfers between Airports

It is not difficult to transfer between airports in Buenos Aries. You have two options – bus or taxi.
Bus: buy your ticket from Manuel Tienda Leon Transport Company. They have a desk inside the Ezeiza International Airport. In 2007 the price was 28 pesos or 9 US$. The bus trip takes 1.5 hrs with a stop at the Manuel Tienda Leon company office downtown before proceeding to Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport.

Taxi: Price was 79 pesos ($25) in 2007 and the trip takes approximately 60 minutes. We recommend you book a taxi inside the airport and beware of private car owners / unauthorised taxis offering lifts outside the airport.

Accommodation in Buenos Aires

Posada de las Aguilas

Near the international airport. Convienient for guests wh need an easy place to sleep between international and domestic flight down to Ushuaia. Free pick up service from the airport

website www.posadadelasaguilas.com.ar

tel 0054 (0) 11 448096370159

e mail   info@posadadelaguilas.com.ar

Gran Hotel Hispano

Hotel in the centre of Buenos Aires, next to a very famous Tango Cafe (Cafe Tortoni)

website www.hhispano.com.ar

tel/fax 0054  (0) 11 4345 2020

e mail hhispano@hhispano.com.ar
 

Ushuaia Airport into town

Ushuaia is a busy travel hub but a relatively safe place, even if you arrive at night. People you meet are all nationalities and generally very helpful and practical, as you would expect from a frontier town and discerning eco tourist destination. The taxi from Ushiaia airport to town / waterfront is only 10 mins and about 15 pesos. Bark Europa will be docked alongside the pier in the Puerto Commercial. It’s a very small place - not really a city and the main pier is easy to spot as all the cruise ships and expedition ships dock along it. To join the ship you must pass through security who will want to see your papers. Tell them you are ‘passagero’ on Barque Europa. Spanish for sailing vessel is ‘el velero’ and ship is el barco.

 History

.

Attractions

Great little bookshop with coffee table type explorer and wildlife books in all languages near where Bark Europa is moored.

Try the Patagonian Lamb.

Events

 

Accommodation

For a good family B&B you should try La Casa de Alba used by many guests joining Europa and by Adam Click Here

 

There is a wide range of accommodation types in Ushuaia and surrounding countryside. Busiest time is peak Antarctic summer / Andes mountain trekking season in January so do book before you arrive.
 

High Quality accomodation

If you have more time in Patagonia before you sail, try a stay on a working sheep farm or estancia. Some are very special with horse riding and great food, particularly the Patagonian lamb.

See Footprint travel guide to Patagonia for more accommodation tips.

Mid range accomodation
Standard accomodation (2007 prices)

Hosteria Los Fuegos www.hosterialosfuegos.com
Situated on the edge of Ushuaia
2006 prices 270 pesos (75 euro)

Hotel Cabo San Diego www.caboandiego.com.ar
Located in downtown Ushuaia near ship
Large rooms, spotless.
2006 Prices from 50 euro

Hotel Del Monte www.hosteldelmonte.com.ar
Close to airport with mountain backdrop. Only 20 min walk from downtown.
2006 prices from 25 US$

Pueblo Viego - Hostel

Located in downtown Ushuaia near ship. www.puebloviejo.info  tel: 0054 (0) 2901 432 098

e mail: reservas@puebloviego.info


 

 

Valparaiso - Seaport for Santiago the Captial of Chile 

The port of Valparaiso is on the coast of central Chile about 120 miles northwest of the country’s capital, Santiago.  The port is beside an outlying ridge of the Andes making a long peninsular that provides a large sheltered bay for the port and shipping.
 
 In 2003 UNESCO designated the city’s historic quarter as a World Heritage Site. Valparaiso (or Valle Paraiso) translates from the Spanish to “paradise valley.” Valparaiso is one of Chile’s most important ports and an important cultural center as it has been open to the comings and going of many sailors from lots of different cultures for a long time.
 
Santiago the country’s capital but Valparaiso is home to the National Congress. A devastating earthquake struck Valparaiso in 1906 that killed almost three thousand people. Today the city has a population of 230,000 five universities, libraries and museums.
 
The town is built on steep hillsides in a labyrinth of cobblestone alleys and streets. It is a treasure trove of cultural and architectural history with many  brightly-coloured houses, beautiful vistas of the sea, and a bohemian culture. So an international tall ship crew should feel right at home as you are part of the continuing pattern of its past and present.
 

Trip advice for Valparaiso

Flight Advice

It is best to plan all your flights in one go as individual single journeys add greatly to the price. In this instance the internet is not much use and I strongly recommend using via a very helpful lady at Dial a Flight 0844 811 4444 or direct line to Sally on 0161 953 1016 or email sally.burton@dialaflight.co.uk
(There is no financial reward for Classic Sailing in this suggestion.)
 
Flights to and from the UK
Returning from to Santiago to the UK is best done as part of package including your flight to Ushuaia.
As an example on 2-8-9 a single from Santiago to London on 17th April 2010 was £799, The round trip for dates to suit this voyage from London Heathrow to Ushuaia via Paris and Buenos Ares  and back from Santiago to London via Paris was only £995.

Getting to Santiago from Valparaiso is easy and cheap and vice a versa.

The bus terminal in Valparaiso is on Av Pedro Montt, near the Congress Building and Plaza O'Higgins.

(O’Higgins was the son of Spanish officer born in County Sligo in Ireland, and he was famous for his role in gaining independence for Chile.)
 
Every 15 minutes buses leave for Santiago and go to the Bus Terminal San Borja which is near the Central Station for about $7 US and takes about an hour and a half. You have to buy your tickets before boarding so that you have an allocated seat. The modern buses have comfortable reclining seats, are clean and keep to good time.
There is a choice of companies offering this route but they all seem to charge the same and provide a similar high quality service.
 
 

 photo by guest crew Lisa Islg (Alaskan customer who has worked in Antarctica Macmurdo Station)

56m Dutch Barque Europa

Classic Sailing staff have been working crew on Bark Europa so we can tell you what it is really like to sail on our favourite tall ship. Debbie sailed over 5000 miles on her exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, accross the Southern Ocean to the wild anchorages and ex whaling ports of South Georgia, an exciting landing on Tristan Da Cuhna and accross the South Atlantic to Cape Town.

Ocean Wanderer

Bark Europa56m 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. She 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.

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. 

Europa's Captain

Europa has three regular Captains:- Klaas Gaastra, Robbert Voss and Eric 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 on board. Their last dog was an excellent whale watcher !

 

Bark Europa Voyages 2010-2011

 

Great Lakes Tall Ship Challenge - Summer 2010

Voyage Dates Days Join Depart Description € Euros 15-25yrs € Euros 26 yrs +
TC-030710 3-8 July 5 Toronto Canada Cleveland USA Tall Ships Cruise in Company €500 €620
CP-110710 11-16 July 5 Cleveland USA Bay City, USA Tall Ships Race & Fleet Cruise €500 €620
PS-170710 18-21 JUly 3 Bay City, USA Sault Ste Marie, USA Tall Ships Race €300 €372
SD-210710 21-30 JUly 9 Sault Ste Marie, USA Duluth USA Tall Ships Cruise in Company €840 €1050
DS-020810 2-8 Aug 6 Duluth USA Sault Ste Marie, USA Tall Ships Race €600 €744
SG-080810 8-13 Aug 5 Sault Ste Marie Greenbay USA Tall Ships Cruise in Company €500 €620
GH-150810 15-20 Aug 5 Greenbay USA Grand Haven USA Tall Ships Race €500 €620
HC-220810 22-25 Aug 3 Grand Haven USA Chicago Tall Ships Cruise in Company €300  €372

 

North to South - Cross the Equator - Ocean Sailing

Voyage Dates Days Join Depart Description Price per person 4/6 berth cabin Price per person 2 berth cabin
CL-290810 29 Aug -16/19 Sept 18-21 Chicago USA Lunenberg/ Halifax Canada Delivery voyage from Great Lakes via St Lawrence River round to Novia Scotia €990 €1275
LS-220910 22 Sept - 28 Oct 36 Lunenberg/ Halifax Canada Salvador, Brazil Ocean Sailing & Cross Equator €2340 €3420
SU-311010 31 Oct - 27 Nov 28 Salvador, Brazil Ushuaia, Argentina South Atlantic - heading for Patagonia €1700 €2550

 

Antarctica Dates 2010-11 and Cape Horn to Cape of Good Hope via Antarctica 2011

 

Voyage Dates Days Join Depart Description Price per person 4/6 berth cabin Price per person for 2 berth cabin
ANT1 30 Nov - 21 Dec 22 5pm Ushuaia 9am Ushuaia Antarctica Adventure & Wildlife Exploration €5300 €6500
ANT2 22 Dec - 12 Jan 22 5pm Ushuaia 9am Ushuaia The Ultimate White Christmas & New Year! €5500 €6700
ANT3 14 Jan - 4 Feb 22 5pm Ushuaia 9am Ushuaia Antarctica Adventure & Wildlife Exploration €5500 €6700
ANT4 5 - 26 Feb 22 5pm Ushuaia 9am Ushuaia Antarctica Adventure & Wildlife Exploration €5500 €6700
ANT5 1 Mar - 21 April 52 5pm Ushuaia Cape Town Explore the Antarctic Peninsular & South Georgia before 5500 miles of fast downwind sailing in the Roaring Forties & Southern Ocean to Cape Town via Tristan Da Cuhna €6700 €7700

 

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.
 

Search for Voyages

Format: 2010-07-31

Call a Skipper 01872 580022

Skippers Adam and Debbie Purser of Classic SailingSkippers Adam and Debbie Purser of Classic Sailing

Flickr random photos

Ken at the helmPendennis Castle and Cutters - 2008 Pilot Cutter ReviewCRIM0021AJ looking lovely in the sunshine