Bark Europa Tall Ships Race 2010 Valparaiso-El Callao

Submitted by adam on Thu, 01/10/2009 - 14:46
Voyage from Classic Sailing
Voyage Number VC-190410
Voyage price €850 for 11 days
Voyage Dates 19/04/2010 - 17:00 - 29/04/2010 - 09:00
Depart from Valparaiso, Chile
Finishing Port El Callao, Peru
Voyage area Pacific , South America
Voyage type Adventure Voyage , Tall Ships Race
Vessel Europa
Availability Call 01872 580022 for availability
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Voyage Description

 

Velas Sudamerica 2010 Regata Bicentenario

Now the very rare opportunity has come for adults of all ages and nationalities to take part in the first ever South American Tall Ships Race on Dutch owned Tall Ship Bark Europa. The working language is English, but Europa proudly flys the European Union Flag as well as her Dutch Ensign and has always attracted adventurous travellers from all over the world. Whatever you nationality you will usually find someone who speaks Spanish, Dutch, German, French and I think Captain Klaas on this trip even speaks Norweigan.
 
Three masted barque Europa (known as Bark Europa in Dutch) is taking part in the following legs of this Tall Ships Race around the South American Continent: The Complete route is from Rio de Janerio, Mar del Plata, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, around "End of the World" lighthouse on Staaten Island, Cape Horn, Punta Arenas, up the Chilean Fjords and Andes Pacific coast to Talcahuano and  Valparaiso in Chile, Callao in Peru, Guayaguil in Ecuador, through the Panama Canal into the Caribbean to Cartagena in Venezuala and onto La Guaira.
 
You can book the following legs on Europa as Tall Ship Voyage Crew (link)
 
Leg 1: Ushuaia, Around Cape Horn, Punta Arenas, Chilean Fjords, Race from Talcahuano to Valparaiso
Leg 2: Pacific Ocean Leg: Valparaiso in Chile to Callao in Peru. - See this description
Leg 3: Pacific Ocean Leg: Callao, Peru to Guayaquil, Ecuador (gateway port to the Galapagos)
Leg 4: Pacific Ocean Leg: Guayaquil, Ecuador through Panama Canal to Colon in the Caribbean.
 

All the Nice Girls Love a (Navy) Sailor

Velas Sudamerica 2010 Regata Bicentenario (The first South American Tall Ships Race) has been organised principally by the Argentinian and Chilean Navies - which is an amazing achievement of peacemaking and co-operation for this sometimes turbulent continent. 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 following Countries have now also joined in the organisation of the event so the ships visiting can be part of massive celebrations going accross each country as they celebrate their own 200 years since independance, so it is a great time to visit these South and Central American countries whilst they are in party mood.
 
Bicentential Celebrations in 2010 are taking part in Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Mexico.
 

 A Tall Ships Fleet never seen in Europe

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.
 
 Esmeralda
4 masted Barquentine
Length 371 ft (113m)
Chilean Navy Ship
Home port Valparaiso
 
Europa
3 masts - Barque
Length 184 ft (56m)
Civillian (see www.classic-sailing.co.uk) 
Home Port NL, The Hague
 
Gloria
3 masts - Barque
Length
Columbian Navy
Home port Cartagena de Indias
 
Guayas
3 masts - Barque
Length 257 ft (78m)
Ecuador Navy -Home Port Guayaquil
 
Cisne Branco
Fully Rigged Ship - Clipper
Length 249 ft (76m)
Brazillian Navy -Home port Rio de Janeirio
 
Cuauhtemoc
Three mast - Barque
Length 297 ft
Mexican Navy
 
Simon Bolivar
Three Masts - Barque
Length 270ft (82m)
Bolivian Navy -Home Port La Guaira, Bolivia
 
Tarangini
Length 177 ft (54m)
Three Masts - Barque
Indian Navy -Home port Kochi
 
Iskra
Barquentine
length 157 ft (48m)
Polish Navy
 
Juan Sebastian Elcano
Four masted barquentine
Length 340ft (113m)
Spanish Navy - Cadiz
 
Libertad
Fully Rigged Ship
Length 341 ft (104m)
 
So Bark Europa is not quite the smallest of the barques but she will be sailing with some pretty big sisters in the  windjammer fleet.
 

Leg 2: Valparaiso to Peru & Land of The Incas

See ITINERARY (tab at top of the page) for detail on the actual voyage experience on Europa and this unique tall ships race leg on 'The Far Side of the World'

See 'End Port Description'  for travel tips and ideas on combining this voyage with Peruvian adventure highlights ashore. Seven must do destinations and challenges include The Inca Trail, Machu Piccu, Colcha Canyon and the condors, 'Touching the Void' mountains, Lake Titicaca.

 

 

Velas Sudamerica 2010 Regata Bicentenario

Leg 2: Valparaiso to Peru & Land of The Incas

Leg 2 of the South American Tall Ships Race 2010 starts in Valparaiso. Join Europa in this beautiful harbour. Valparaiso has been sailors city for centuries and the theme of many a shanty. It is a great excuse to visit the "long, thin country" with the Andes mountain chain running close to the coast behind Valparaiso.

 Starting your voyage at 34 degrees south you are on the same latitude as Cape Town. Now well clear of the wild  Cape Horn and the roaring forties Bark Europa can spead her wings and set her stunsails and skysails. Not all the fleet have these extra sails so hopefully Europa can sail past the bigger tall ships with pride. Stun'sails extend out from the yards with extra wooden spars and skysails are set on an extra skysail mast and yard which have to be hoisted aloft. The ratlines don't quite reach this extra mast so you need to be pretty agile to reach the foot ropes and stow them right at the top of the foremast and mainmast. Bark Europa can set a total of 30 sails and if the wind is fickle there will be plenty to do.
 

 Wildlife at Sea

  A 8500metre deep trench runs down the South American West coast on the East side of the mighty Pacific Ocean. This underwater feature combined with a cold current running down the continent creating a historic hunting ground for whales all the way to the Galapagos. 

Sailing Before The Mast

Ocean racing 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.
 

South American Tall Ships Fleet

For photographers and artists the chance to capture images of other tall ships sailing with us in the Pacific or against the mountains as we approach land is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

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 ocean voyage 'on the far side of the world'  is often a long way from land - but not beyond the ambitions of an adventurous newcomer to sailing.

 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.

Combine with Inca Trail, Andes Treking & Machu Picchu

Callao is the port for Peru's Capital city Lima so once you arrive as a seasoned tall ship sailor confident to tackle the rest of the world, you are in the perfect location to move onto your next adventure (see tab above 'El Callao end port' for details on travel, any other Peru highlights in detail).
 
Its a long way to fly to Santiago and back from Lima so this would be a great experience to combine with another trip of a lifetime. The voyage finishes in May which is a perfect time of year for high altitude trekking. Walking the Inca Trail to see the Inca city of Machu Picchu, or similar less well known high Andes Treks; Island hop on Lake Titicaca; Mountain climbing in Cordillera Hauyhuash - famous for Joe Simpsons book and film 'Touching the Void' or even cross the Andes and roam the Amazon rainforest.
 

More suggestions on the best adventures in Peru in port description for El Callao

Or stay on for the next leg to Ecuador, and finish off your big tall ships adventure by booking a Galapagos Cruise from Guyquil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.
 
 

El Callao, Port for the Capital City of Lima

Callao (pronounced Kay ya oh) is the still the most important port in Peru and was founded in 1537. It soon became the main port for Spanish commerce in the Pacific. Virtually all the goods produced in Peru, Bolivia and Argentina were carried over the Andes by mule to Callao, to be shipped to Panama, carried overland (before the canal) and then transported on to Spain via Cuba.

There are several islands off Callao; some are military but on Palominos is a virtually untouched island ecosystem with a large number of sea lions and seabirds.

Callao is built on and around a peninsula. There is a large naval base so the tall ships fleet will be well looked after by the Peruvian Navy.

Peru's International Airport is in El Calleo.

El Callao is the port city for Lima, Peru's capital city.

Jorge Chavez International Airport (Aeropeurto International Jorge Chavez) is Peru's main international and domestic airport and actually located in El Callao and only 7 miles (11km) from the historic centre of Lima. . so it it an important hub for all tourist destinations in Peru and South America.

Domestic flights from the same airport link you to some fantastic world heritage sites and world famous high altitude treks like the Inca Trail; Once in a lifetime tourist destinations like the ancient Inca city of Machu Piccu, so make the most of your trip.

Seven 'Must-do' Adventures in Peru in 2010

This voyage leg on tall ship Bark Europa is great value at 600 euros so it makes a great experience to combine with other Peruvian travel adventures. Do check visa requirements carefully though.

1: Arrive in Peru as a Tall Ship Sailor.

Become tall ship race crew on Barque Europa and arrive in Peru through your own efforts, powered by the wind. Compensate for your international flight to south America by spending two weeks with a minimal carbon footprint on this 1912 sailing ship. As the tall ship fleet are racing you won't be using the engine !

2: Tackle the High Altitude Inca trail

The voyage ends just before peak season for this trail, but you do need a trek permit in advance as numbers are limited. Even if you have been getting fit climbing the rigging on Bark Europa, the Inca Trail will leave you gasping with exhuastion and awe. Inca ruins, mountain beauty trekking along Inca pathways to the citidel in the mountains - Machu Picchu - one of the seven wonders of the world. Find a trekking company that takes you to this mysterious lost city in its spectacular setting high up in the Andes and can explain the Inca culture. 

3: Island Hop on Lake Titicaca

Sail the Pacific on a square rigger, cross a deep ocean trench over 8500 metres deep and the head inland to island hop on ocean at high altitude - Lake Titicaca. Clear azure blue waters, man made floating islands, indigenious communities and centuries old customs are connected with this sacred and revered body of water.

4: See Condors Soar over Colca Canyon

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colcha Canyon is 100km long and 3000m deep. (The underwater trench you sailed accross on Europa is over twice as deep again). It is surrounded by volcanoes and snow peaked mountains in the distance. Condors soar and the local Peruvian villages are home to the Quencha. The women folk are decoratively adorned as only Peruvians know how.

5: Mountain Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca or Cordillera Huayhuash

Huayhuash is the mountain range that was the famous setting for Joe Simpson's famous book and film "Touching the Void" - A true story of being left for dead in a glacier crevasse. Don't go on your own.

6: Book an Amazonian Rain Forest Trek

7: Over the Peruvian mountains to the East side and you are in the upper catchment of the huge Amazonian Rain forest

 

 

 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.
 

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Call a Skipper 01872 580022

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

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