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 voyages across 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 leg is an authentic square rig passage from New Caledonia to Sydney harbour in Australia.

Leg 2: NZ to The Cook Islands - Classic Blue Water Passage

A long voyage of 32 nights combining an authentic ocean sailing experience with the reward of island hopping in the Cook Islands. Join the crew of this magnificent square rigger and set the sails, take the helm and discover the timeless romance of tall ship voyaging. Learning the Southern constellations (stars), understanding traditional navigation, or escaping the hurried rush of modern life - the grandeur of the ocean and the beauty of the skies leave a profound impression on those who experience it.

Your journey accross the Pacific starts in Auckland, New Zealand with an ultimate 2300 mile sailing passage accross the heart of Polynesia. The opportunity to undertake a long distance blue water passage on a historic wooden square rigger is rare, if not unique. This voyage is primarily an ocean sailing experience accross one of the great wildernesses of the world.

Upon arrival you will be signed on as voyage crew like sailors of old, and shown your cabin (see vessel details for more on accomodation). You will be introduced to the ships crew and your fellow shipmates as the vessel makes final preparations to depart.

Bay of Plenty & Chatham Islands

We hope to get underway within the day and will make out east through the Hauraki Gulf and then South East from the Bay of Plenty. On passing the Chatham Islands 600 miles east from New Zealand's East shore ahead will lay the boundless horizon of the Pacific - the world's biggest ocean. The Captain will not follow a staight line on an atlas to the Cook Islands but  take the traditional route by heading a little south to pick up the prevailling westerly winds of the Roaring 40's latitude and use them to run east.

Southern Ocean and a Tot of Rum

The initial track in the Southern Ocean will follow the wake of the mariners of old, bound for Cape Horn. At longitude 180 degrees the ship will cross the International Date Line. This is traditionally marked with a tot of rum as we are obliged to set our clocks back a day.

Landfall - Cook Islands

After a long ocean passage a certain amount of excitement build up as you approach land. Voyage crew findexcuses to go aloft, and a certain amount of competition arises for who might sight them first.

With plenty of time for the ocean passage we hope to spend 5-7 days cruising the Southern Cook Islands.

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.