Bark Europa - Tall Ships Race 2012 - Cruise in Company - Lisbon to A Coruna

Tall Ships Race 2012 Cruise in Company from Cadiz to Lisbon and then from Lisbon to A Coruna

The Tall Ships all take a break from racing, as they cruise in company to different ports. If you would like to be part of the excitement, but cannot join one of the race legs, why not join the Bark Europa as she cruises from Cadiz to Lisbon, and then from Lisbon to A Coruna.

The host ports will make sure that whilst you are alongside, there is plenty to see and do, and there will be some great photo opportunities to be had, as everyone is a bit more relaxed as they are not racing. You will still be asked to join in as crew, and hoist the sails, helm the ship and take watch on board this purpose built sail training vessel.

Freedom to Anchor

The enjoyable part of a Cruise in Company is that the ship can stop and anchor in beautiful spots, rather than race past them.  It is great to be able to escape the razza-m-tazz of a tall ship host p

ort and seek out more remote scenery, a nature reserve on an island, or swim off a beach in a Portuguese ria (drowned river valleys on a vast scale, so you can sail a tall ship or two far inland)

A Voyage for the Ships Crew

The well informed and wise will seek out the cruise in company because you get the best of both worlds. The ship will often enjoy more sailing than a Race leg, as there is less crew parades and parties at either end of the passage.  In such a small stretch of coastline you will still find yourself sailing with other tall ships or smaller vessels, and may even agree to stop somewhere together en route with your favourite ships, for a barbeque or raft up in a small port or village quay.

Making an Entrance on Europa

Europa has a reputation for keeping her sails up, nearly to the dockside, so if you like to be the star of the show, then this is the best ship in the fleet for making an entrance or departure for the crowds at the Tall Ship Race Ports. Cadiz is a city built on a long isthmus so there are many viewing points all along the city seaward walls to watch the fleet leave. The fleet will no doubt create a Parade of Sail along the mighty river Tagus to enter and depart the maritime city of Lisbon. The historic waterfront of Lisbon with its 7 hills behind, create a spectacular backdrop for your tall ship photos on board.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a city that is open to the sea,  its three thousand years of history are marked by a maritime tradition that lives on to this day.  Cadiz also has a great tradition of Tall Ships Races, with events in 1992, 2000 and 2006 all of which have been a great success.

In July 2012 Cadiz will again host a Tall ships event.  This time however it will be a particularly special celebration.  The city`s grand maritime tradition will join with the commemoration of the Bicentenary of the first Spanish Constitution which was drawn up in Cadiz in 1812.

Cadiz has been chosen as Iberoamerican Culture Capital and host city for the Iberoamerican Heads of State and Government Summit in 2012.  These two important events together with the stopover of The Tall Ships Races will form the base of the cities Bicentenary celebrations.

Cadiz is a city steeped in maritime history, from the Phoenicians, to the voyages to the New World. The city’s historical centre reflects this in its architecture and monuments, making it ideal for walking around.

Cadiz is also a gastronomic paradise with a grand variety of restaurants and tapas bars. In addition to this is the city’s sunny, warm climate and the friendliness of its people which will make your stopover at The Tall Ships Races unforgettable.

Lisbon

Lisbon's history has always been tied to the sea.  In 1500, it was the centre for the Portuguese Navigations and it was sailing down the Tagus river that Portugal's brave navigators went out to sea to discover the world.

In 1956 the city welcomed The Tall Ships Races for the very first event and became part of the huge celebration of youth and sail training that has lasted year after year.  The amazing fleet returned to Lisbon in 1982, 1992, 1998 and 2006 and this experienced port is looking forward to welcoming the Tall Ships back again in 2012!

From the 19th to the 22nd July, the Tall Ships fleet will be moored right next to the old part of the city providing a unique and magnificent experience.  A daily entertainment programme is being planned and the entire city is committed to making this event an unforgettable experience for Captains, crews and visitors.

A Coruna

A Coruña is an ocean of sensations that can only be enjoyed by those who come to the city. The waves of the Atlantic, the heartbeat of the streets, the exquisite and unsurpassable cuisine, the maritime taste of the city in itself ... A Coruña is made to live, touch, look, taste, enjoy, discover and feel. A Coruña is the destination for everyone who is searching for their way. The city is the perfect place for families and couples thanks to all the leisure events on offer. A Coruña is in itself an invitation to live the city.

A CORUÑA, LIVE ME

... With a population of 400,000 people in the metropolitan area, A Coruña is a city for services that centralises the social and economic activity of the north of Galicia. Its textile industry is one of the most thriving sectors in the north-west of Spain. A Coruña is home to fashion company Zara, and currently the headquarters of the Inditex group, which implies a significant boost for the city’s economy.

A Coruña enjoys good communications both nationally and internationally, thanks to the airport just 15 minutes from the city centre. There are direct flights from Alvedro to Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Valencia, Lisbon and London, and starting in March 2011 there will also be flights to Amsterdam and Paris.