Soren Larsen 2011 - Cook Islands - Surwarrow - Samoa

Submitted by adam on Tue, 20/07/2010 - 15:25

Description
Itinerary
Starting Port
End Port
Vessel Details

Voyage Number	V333
Voyage price	£2735 for 17 nights
Voyage Dates	06/06/2011 - 10:00 - 23/06/2011 - 10:00
Depart from	Cook Islands -Rarotonga
Finishing Port	Samoa, South Pacific
Voyage area	Pacific , South Pacific
Voyage type	Adventure Voyage , Ocean Passages , Tall Ships
Vessel	Soren Larsen
Availability	Available
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Voyage Description

Soren Larsen - South Pacific 2012

Tall Ship Adventures in the South Seas

From April 2012 tall ship Soren Larsen will undertaken a series of voyages to the very best of the tropical South Seas. There are ten voyages to chose from - varying in length from 10 to 32 days. Some are pure ocean passages, others have island hopping as a main theme, and a few have a combination of a long ocean passage and some exploring amongst island groups.

A true ocean passage takes us from Auckland to the Cook Islands.From there we sail to Tonga and then Westwards with the trade winds on a series of voyagesaccross the best of Polynesia and Melanesia from Tonga to the outer islands of colourful Fiji.

We explore the wild untouched beauty and undisturbed culture of the islands of Vanuatu; sailing as far North as the rarely visited islands of the Banks and Torres Group and we see the classical South Sea beauty of New Caledonia.

The last two legs include an authentic square rig passage from New Caledonia to Sydney harbour in Australia, or sail from Sydney accross the Tasman Sea to Soren Larsens home port of Auckland, New Zealand.

Leg 3: Cook Islands to Samoa

A great voyage combining ocean trade wind sailing and island cruising between two of the most idyllic Polynesian island groups. Total distance is 1100 miles, with a decent 500 mile passage between Suwarrow and Samoa.

Soren Larsen has been visiting the Cook Islands over a number of years so the locals are always pleased to see her return. Sailing North from Rarotonga, Soren Larsen will aim for remote Palmerston, Aitutaki, or Suwarrow atolls, before heading downwind on an ocean passage to the Samoan Coast and Apia - the home and final resting place of Robert Louis Stevenson.

Few stop over travellers have time for anything more than a chill out few days on Rarotonga so the places you sail to by ship are very special.

Rarotonga & Palmerston

Rarotonga is the capital of the 15 island group of the Cook islands and Soren Larsen will be berthed at Avarua where there are some great island style seafood restuarants (see our port details). The central volcanic peak dominates the island and you can spend a day trekking through the rainforest jungle if you have time before joining the ship.

Leaving the sheltered water behind the reef the ship will set off NW towards Palmerston Island, which will take 3-4 days from Avarua. Palmerston is home to a small and isloated community, living amongst the ring of uninhabited atolls around a reef lagoon.

Aitutaki & Suwarrow Atoll

If the weather systems are favourable there may be time to visit both Aitutaki and Suwarrow, before setting off for the next Pacific island group of Samoa.

Aitutaki is a hook shaped island creating a huge triangular lagoon. The outer reef of the lagoon is dotted with beautiful 'moto' (lagoon islets). The colour of the water around the ship is truely incredible and sometimes the Tarzan rope swing emerges so you can dive off the ship. There are plenty of masks and snorkels on board.

Buried treasure & International wildlife reserve

500 mles from NZ is this perfect atoll - Suwarrow. It was described by Mrs Robert Loius Stevenson as " the most romantic island in the world" and was nmade famous in the1960's by NZ recluse Tom Neale and his book "An Island to himself" Buried treasure has also been found here from Spanish treasure ships from the 1600's.

Suwarrow Atoll (see photo above) is equally close to paradise and the Cook Islands first National Park. It has category IV status from the International Union of Nature. The preservation of this fragile marine and island environment is in the hands of the few who visit, and it is truely a pristine place.

The islands caretaker John, his wife Veronica and children spend from April to September on the island. John is employed by the Cook Islands Environmental Service and it is his job to make sure visiting yachts respect the National Park and the marine wildlife.

For more on Soren Larsen's last visit to the Cook islands read the article in Escape Magazine

Full Article -PDF with photos "By Square Rigger to Palmerston & Suwarrow"

Up the rigging

On arriving aboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the first day will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works. For those who wish we try to give you a chance to be shown aloft in the rigging before we get underway.

Rythmn of Watch Keeping

If you have never sailed before then adjusting to a home which is in constant motion takes a few days for most. Soren Larsen sails through the day and night, whether the seas are benign or impressive ocean swells, and everybody helps sail and maintain the ship. As voyage crew you will stand deck watches and work within a normal 4 hours on / 8 hours off watch system. This rotates during the course of the voyage so you one day find yourself on watch at sunrise with a whiff of fresh bread, or another day be woken at midnight to steer under the brightest stars you have ever seen.

Whilst you are on watch the voyage crew are under the care and instruction of the watch officer and two permement crew. Everyone stands a trick on the helm, takes lookout on the bow watch, helps fill in the ships deck logbook and help handle sail as required.

On longer sea passages like this there is time for talks about navigation, seamanship theory, ropework and the history and development of square rigged ship.

Pacific Wildlife

The wandering Albatross is our constant companion in these waters in addition to mollyhawks, cape petrels and fulmars that we will see. Sightings of Sperm Whales, Southern Right Whales and other ceteceans are logged and the data passed on to various organisations around the world.

South Sea Island Exploration

Once in the Cook Islands and sailing between the islands most nights will be spent at anchor. We then use Søren's 17 ft inflatable for runs to the beach to explore ashore. The ship has sufficient sets of masks, fins and snorkels to allow everyone to swim from the ship in the warm waters around these islands.

Our sailing passage between anchorages may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. However sailing by day and stopping most nights allows those who would rather relish the amazing scenery to stand back and let the keener sailors get involved in handling the ship under sail. Everyone is involved in the duty watch system which will operate while we are under way and once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you the Voyage Crew are free to explore ashore.

FLEXIBILITY

Voyages are planned to allow us some flexibility on route as to where we stop and anchor, how long we stay at each place and where we choose to go. We feel this is the key to the sailing authenticity and the genuine adventure of the ship's voyaging. Itineraries may change due to weather conditions, readiness of the vessel or any other reason and so are without guarantee. If winds are unfavourable we may make use the ship's engine to maintain the schedule. All decisions regarding our route and itinerary will be that of the ship's Master.

WEATHER

January and February is the best of the NZ summer and the weather is usually warm, with light cotton shirts / shorts are sufficient during the day and a sweatshirt with jeans for evenings. Most go barefoot on deck and swimming gear gets worn most days. A hat, sun block and sunglasses are essential protection from sun over water.

YOUR ROLE ON BOARD

A Søren Larsen voyage is a holiday adventure where your enjoyment is of paramount importance. Participation in the ship and the voyage is central to the experience and you will be signed on ship as Voyage Crew as part of the ship's crew for your trip. However the level of involvement is up to you and no previous experience is necessary. The ship requires authentic seamanship to sail her but participating Voyage Crew are treated in a friendly and informal way and Søren Larsen's level of comfort and facilities reflect this.

On arriving onboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the first morning will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works.
Our sailing between anchorages at our island destinations may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. This allows everyone to get involved, although those who would rather relish the amazing scenery to stand back and let the keener sailors get on with handling the ship under sail can do so. Everyone is involved in the duty watch system as Voyage Crew which will operate while we are under way and you may have your turn at the helm, on bow lookout or helping trim sail or help tack ship. Going aloft is a unique experience but is not compulsory and everyone can decide when or if they’d like to. People of all ages join us and many have never sailed before - previous experience is certainly not necessary.

CREW

There are 13 permanent crew who maintain and sail the ship, and who are there to assist and help you enjoy your time aboard. Once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you the Voyage Crew are free to explore ashore.

Classic Sailing Office: 0044 (0) 1872 580022

Soren Larsen Booking Agent UK & Tall Ship Holiday Specialists

Classic Sailing office is run by working skippers. We all have extensive experience of sailing all types of tall ship in many parts of the world, so you can ask us just about anything. Adam in the office has sailed in New Zealand and on Soren Larsen and our new Cornwall skipper James MacKenzie has just returned from sailing in the Caribbean so we are very excited about helping you book this amazing series of blue water voyages.

See Voyage Description for Typical Itinerary

The Voyage Description section (see tab above) includes typical destinations and highlights for each Pacific Adventure leg on brigantine Soren Larsen as she follows the trade winds around the South Seas. Some voyages are adventurous island hopping and a few are pure Ocean passages. The most popular are those that involve a mix of Pacific blue water passages and shorter sails between island groups with lots of anchoring and meeting the locals.

Wind Powered Travel

If you want to travel around the Pacific for several months powered only by the wind and your own efforts as crew, then spending a few pacific ocean legs living on Soren Larsen is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel.

Vessel Details

See the tab above for a full description of this historic wooden ship

photo: Soren Larsen Anchored off Suwarrow - The Cook Island's first National Park

The Cook Islands

Rarotonga

Rarotonga is probably the nicest long haul flight stop over option in the world, but few airline travellers on the way to NZ or Australia, will have the chance to visit the more remote islands in this 15 island group.

You will join the ship at the small harbour of Avarua on Rarotonga. The islands have a population of 21,000 and are mainly Maori in descent. The people of the islands in this part of the Pacific are cosnidered to embody the beuaty of Polynesia.

Seafood is a staple Polynesian cuisine and Rarotonga's restuarants offer traditional as well as island style dishes.

The Cook Islands are truly far removed from the frenetic outside world. They have long been a refuge for travelers, hermits, runaways and the likes of Robinson Crusoe. Set in the middle of the Pacific Ocean they dazzle visitors with a mix of blue lagoons, whiter than white beaches and captivating reef life.

Whilst you explore these Islands, take time to soak up the ancient ways of the people and don’t be surprised if you never want to leave!

Time Zone: GMT-10 When it is noon in the Cook Islands, it is 10pm in London

Currency: New Zealand Dollars One pound sterling= 2.2 NZD (21.07.10)

Typical Costs:

I Litre bottled water: $3.50

Stubbie of Matutu Beer: $5.00

T-shirt: $ 25-35

Tipping is not really part of the culture but neither is bartering so be careful not to offend.

Airport and Island Transport

The international airport is on Rarotonga and is fed by Air NZ, Pacific Blue and Air Tahiti. Many international flights from USA and Europe use the Cook Islands as a possible stop over. The airport is refreshing in that you are often welcomed with flowers and the departure lounge has a garden where you can watch the sunset.

Most Hotels and Hostels supply transfers from the airport but RARO tours operate a shuttle service to anywhere on the island costing NZ$10 one way.

In the town you can hire a car, motorbike or push bike, catch one of the local Island buses (NZ $7 return trip) or get in a taxi (NZ $2.50 per km). There is one road around the island and you can travel it by bus.

Internet:

All over Rarotonga

Banks:

Again, plenty of ATM’S scattered all over Rarotonga but as soon as you leave the metropolis, they will be few and far between.

Accommodation:

The Lonely Planet Guide gives a wide range of options. Postcard views come at a premium but there are budget options too.

Adam and Debbie at Classic Sailing stayed in an inexpensive thatched hut only yards from the beach / reef with rusty bicycles to borrow and cockrels to wake you up to see the sunrise !

http://rarotongaaccommodation.com

www.rarotonga.islands-resorts.com

www.cookislandsatoz.com

Food:

A large amount of Italian Restaurants but a huge mix of cuisine at a large range of prices for every budget. Plenty of fritters and chowders at cafes to top end dining in restaurants.

Classic Sailing Directors tip - try Trader Jacks on the waterfront - grilled 'mahi-mahi' or dolphin fish (not dolphin!)

Mosquito’s

Mossies can be a real pain in the Cook Islands or any other tropical destination so make sure you take a strong repellant. Once at sea the trade winds keep them away.

Souvenirs:

Black Pearls are exclusive to the Cook Islands and French Polynesia so be sure to buy whilst you are there.

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Soren Larsen - Brigantine

Brigantine Søren Larsen makes Sydney her home port, but she roams far and wide from her home for much of the year, and has done more than her fair share of epic ocean crossings in her 60 years life as a wooden sailing ship. For her fascinating journeys of cultural discovery to some of the most unspoilt South Pacific islands, and for introducing her guest crews to the breathtakingly beautiful New Zealand coastline in her own unique style, Søren Larsen has several won tourism awards.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine nominated Soren Larsen as on of the ‘25 Greatest Trips in the World’

1996 Tourism Auckland - Hauraki Gulf Development and Protection Award at the inaugural tourism awards

1999 Tourism Auckland Annual Awards – the ship won the 'Adventure and Experience' Category

Star of The Onedin Line

If she looks strangely familiar to British sailors then that is because she is ! Famous as the star of the BBC TV historical drama series ‘The Onedin Line’ with that stirring title music by Katchaturian (Adagio from Spartacus). Søren Larsen’s authentic period rig starred in several films including "The French Lieutenant's Woman", "Count of Monte Cristo" and "Shackleton" - which involved sailing north to the Arctic Circle into the pack-ice of Greenland.

History

The ship was built in northern Denmark in by Soren Larsen & Sons at Nykobing Mors in 1949. One of the last cargo carrying sailing ships trading through Scandinavia and Europe, Soren Larsen was constructed entirely of oak. She was massively built with oak outer planking on double oak frames with an inner hull planking of oak to carry timber grain and general cargo and traded until 1972.

She was bought and saved from destruction by family of square rig enthusiast s in Colchester, England. There Captain Tony Davies assembled a team of skilled shipwrights to commence the restoration work. New decks, masts, yards and spars were made and she was entirely re-rigged as the graceful late 19th century brigantine she is today. Film work earnings like the Onedin Line helped pay for her restoration and up keep.

In 1987 Soren Larsen was invited to be the Flagship for the Australian Bicentenary re-enactment voyage of the First Fleet. She led a fleet of eight tall ships on a 22,000 mile voyage from England to Australia via Rio de Janerio and Cape Town, arriving to a tumultuous welcome in Sydney in January 1988.

Round Cape Horn & Transatlantic Tall Ship Race Winner

As part of her ‘Homeward round the Horn’ project – an Australia via Southern Ocean to Europe voyage with 'Eye of the Wind' – Soren became the first British flagged tall ship to sail round Cape Horn since 1936. In 1992 she topped this by winning her class in the Transatlantic Tall Ship Race via New York and Liverpool during the Columbus Grand Regatta. It was a fitting way to complete the ship's first circumnavigation.

Extensive Refit 1992 - 1993

After some pretty tough world voyaging Soren Larsen underwent an extensive refit and further restoration work in Britain. She returned to her home Pacific waters via the Caribbean, Panama and the Galapagos. In 1996 it was decided to re sheath of hull with native totara to preserve the original oak planking.

Each southern hemisphere winter she cruises the romantic and barely accessible islands of the South Pacific, giving many first time sailors and adventurers of all ages a genuine 'experience of a lifetime'. From November to April she sails the beautiful New Zealand coast, giving individuals the chance to enjoy a glimpse of traditional square rig sailing and providing groups and companies with an opportunity to stage spectacular events aboard this unique ship.

Around The World Again

To celebrate the new Millennium Soren Larsen undertook a world voyage, the Global Odyssey 2000. Departing Auckland in March she sailed 30,000 miles to Britain via USA, Canada and Europe. She set out on the return journey via the Canaries, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Galapagos, Easter Island, Pitcairn and across the South Pacific returning home to Auckland New Zealand in October 2001.

Creating a Unique Tall Ship Experience in NZ and Polynesia

For the last 7 years Soren Larsen and her enthusiastic crew have developed their voyages and carved their own special niche in adventure travel. The ship works from her home base in Sydney New Zealand during the southern hemisphere summer and explores the tropical waters of the South Pacific from March to November. Classic Sailing are very pleased to be introducing one of our favourite ships to a new audience. If you are planning to visit the Southern Hemisphere, Soren Larsen’s voyages represent a way of experiencing New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, that should be on every traveller’s wish list.

Vessel Specification

Rig: Brigantine.

Two masts. 12 sails in total and 7000 sq ft (650 sq metres)

Square Sails on the Foremast: Fore Course, Lower & Upper Topsail, t’gallant

Sparred Length Overall: 145ft (44.2m)

Length on Deck: 105ft (32m)

Beam: 25ft 6in (7.8m)

Draft: 11ft 3in (3.4m)

Displacement: 290 tonnes

Gross Registered Tonnage: 125 tonnes

Built: 1949, Denmark

Flag: Cook Islands

Safety Certification: NZ Safe Ship Management Scheme

Crew: 12 crew and 22 guest voyage crew

Hull: Oak with Iroko decks

Ships Boats & Leisure equipment:

DOTI Inflatable Rescue Boat & liferafts for 80

16ft Avon Inflatable

Workboat

Lugsail Sailing Dinghy

Windsurfer

Snorkelling equipment for all on board.

Fishing gear, assorted musical instruments

Accommodation below:

There is a characterful saloon with brass lamps and walnut panelling, an on board library and separate crew accommodation. For a maximum of 22 voyage guest crew there are 7 twin and 2 four berth cabins. Some twin cabins have wash basins. Twin berths can be reserved at time of booking at no extra cost but are available on first come first serve basis. All cabins are not large and storage space is at a premium. Duvets and bedding are supplied by the ship, but we ask guests to bring their own towels. On tropical voyages it can get quite hot below decks and some like the romance of sleeping on deck, so bringing a camping mat if you want to try sleeping under the stars.

Soren Larsen has hot fresh water showers and generators supply 240v electricity so you can charge up cameras / phones etc (NZ three pin sockets). The cooks provide 3 hearty freshly cooked meals a day. Our ship's cook is able to cater for vegetarians, and/or any other special dietary requirements as long as we are informed at time of booking Wine, beer and other drinks are available on board but you need to pay for these individually (major credit cards accepted for your bar bill)

Souvenirs:

There is a select range of quality souvenirs available aboard the ship including, fleeces, rugby shirts, polo shirts & hats all with ship's logo and name embroidered on.

Captain for 2010: Jim Cottier - As the ship's senior Master he has sailed the ship and trained her crews over several decades, and is considered one of the most eminent skippers in square rig.

What to Bring

Luggage: One main piece of luggage, which should be a soft kit bag or rucksack. A hard suitcase will not be suitable due to limited storage space.

Clothing: Musto Waterproofs are provided on Soren but you might want light weight waterproofs for exploring ashore. When it rains in the tropics – it pours. If you are sailing at night it can be cold even in the tropics so a few fleece layer options and long trousers are recommended. Day time hopefully you will be in shorts, cotton tee shirts.

Footwear: In these tropical latitudes most go barefoot on deck but its not compulsory. All terrain type sandals are good e.g. reef, teva, keen for on deck or going ashore in the dinghy to explore. Unless you have tough feet, going aloft is much better in deck shoes / sandals that can’t fall off than bare feet.

High factor sun cream or sun block, sunglasses, straps for your prescription glasses, sea sickness tablets, large and small towel, earplugs, torch and spare batteries, camera, swimsuit, sun hat, small day sack for walks ashore. A sleeping mat if you plan to sleep on deck.

Passports & Visas

Don’t forget passport, travel insurance documents.

Please check any visa requirements very carefully if you are planning to travel either side of your trip.

For travel tips see our port information

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