Soren Larsen 2011 - Samoa to Kingdom of Tonga

Submitted by adam on Tue, 20/07/2010 - 15:40

Description
Itinerary
Starting Port
End Port
Vessel Details

Voyage Number	V334
Voyage price	£2575 for 16 nights
Voyage Dates	27/06/2011 - 10:00 - 14/07/2011 - 10:00
Depart from	Samoa, Apia
Finishing Port	Tonga, 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 4: Samoa to Tonga

This voyage from Samoa allows time for us to discover the islands of northern Tonga including the Vava'u island archipelago - breeding groups of the humpback whale.

Home of Robert Louis Stephenson

The journey commences at Samoan capital of Apia. It is here that Robert Louis Stevenson (Robinson Crusoe) made his final home and resting place at 'Vailima'. He arrived in 1889 Stevenson having explored this area of Polynesia with his wife by sail and recorded his fascination with it in his travelogue "In the South Seas". A visit to his house and estate would be an appropriate starting point to our voyage as we set out to share his experiences of the Pacific.

The Friendly Isles by Tall Ship

We sail 300 miles south from Apia to Vava'u, our entrance to the Kingdom of Tonga. Captain Cook named these the 'Friendly Isles' of Tonga and it aptly describes the residents of the small town of Nieafu and surrounding islands. Here we will cruise archipelago of tiny islands and visit Swallow's Cave and Mariner's Cave and make the most of the wonderful snorkelling there.

Near Nieafu we may have an evening's entertainment at a local village with a traditional feast and Tongan dancing .

Humpback whales breeding season at Vava'u

At Vava'u our visit should coincide with the annual migration of the humpback whales from Antarctica In previous seasons we have seen humpback whales close by the ship in these waters as well as dolphins who delight in dancing in our bow wave. On these occasions those on bow watch duty have a front row seat for the excitement - how much longer we will witness this spectacle is open to question, as tragically Japan is set to increase its southern whale kill from this year for 'scientific purposes'

When at an anchorage we use Soren's 17 ft inflatable boat for runs to the beach to explore ashore. The ship has masks and snorkels for all those who want to swim from the ship.

Becoming a square rig sailor in the sunshine

A Soren 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 Soren Larsen's level of comfort and facilities reflect this.

During the short sea passage from Samoa to Vava'u the ship is sailing 24 hours a day and as voyage crew you will stand deck watches and work within a normal 4 hours on / 8 hours off watch system.

Our sailing between anchorages in the island groups may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. However this 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 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.

There are 13 permanent crew who maintain and sail the ship 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.

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

Samoa- A tiny nation with a proud history

Samoa is situated in the heart of the Polynesian World. It’s history spans over 3,000 years and the people have held onto their traditional way of life proudly. Village life is very much the norm here and traditional governance and communal living is very important. Samoa consequently is both visually and culturally fascinatiing.

Samoa is less flashy than some of the other pacific islands and excels in affordable beachside accommodation, friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life.You can explore the rainforest, snorkle in turquoise lagoons, admire the sunsets and clamber over lava tubes.

Join the Ship in Apia

The capital city and Island is Apia which is where you will join Soren Larsen.

Time Zone: GMT -11 hours
Currency: Tala (dollar) 1.00 GBP= 4.20 ST

Typical Costs:
Main course in a good restaurant 25ST
Bottle of Beer: 3-4ST
I litre of bottled water: 5 ST

Airport and Transport:
Faleolo Airport is 35km west of Apia. There are many taxi’s on hand to assist as well as an airport shuttle service. It takes about 45 mins to make the journey and will cost between 25-30ST for buses and 50-60 ST for taxi’s. Local buses also run but only in the daytime- Walk out of the airport and hail a bus approaching from your right. It should cost you areound 3-4 ST
In Apia you can hire a car. Prices start at 120 ST per day.Bikes are also an opyion but be ready for tricky terrain and dealing with the heat!

Accommodation
Accommodation options in Samoa are limited. Fales or huts come in a variety of styles from wooden platforms with poles to levels of luxury- some with electricity! Bathroom facilities are usually shared. The price usually includes a breakfast and set lunch or dinner.
Up to 100 ST- Budget
100-250 ST- Mid range
250 ST PLUS!

www.visitsamoa.ws

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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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