Soren Larsen - Vanuatu Discovery, North Island Hopping

Submitted by adam on Wed, 07/04/2010 - 15:45

Description
Itinerary
Starting Port
End Port
Vessel Details

Voyage Number	V314
Voyage price	£1675 for 10 nights
Voyage Dates	26/07/2010 - 10:00 - 05/08/2010 - 10:00
Depart from	Vanuatu (Pt Vila)
Finishing Port	Vanuatu (Santo)
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 2010

Tall Ship Adventures in the South Seas

From May 2010 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 22 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 Kingdom of Tonga via the volcanic Kermadec islands. In the islands of Haapa'i and the whale breeding grounds of Vava'u we find South Pacific cruising t its best.

From there we sail 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.

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 Esther Keen has just returned from sailing the South Pacific so we are very excited about helping you book this amazing series of blue water voyages.

Leg 5: The Pearls of the Pacific

Formerly named The New Hebrides by Captain Cook, Vanuatu, which gained independence in 1980, is one of the most culturally diverse groups in the South Pacific. Ritual and custom, ancestor worship and local cults, dancing and drumming and colourful ceremony are part of everyday village life here. Melanesian ritual and creative custom varies greatly from one island to another and one of the most exciting aspects of this cruise is the contact and exchange with the open and friendly islanders.

In Captain Cook's Wake

This voyage will commence at Port Vila, Vanuatu's Capital and finishes at Espiritu Santo, a short internal air flight north from Pt Vila. We will head west and then north from Vila and work our way through the island chain to Luganville on Espiritu Santo Tacking across the south east trade winds means we shall sail up the west side of Maewo, Penetcost and Ambrym, following much the same track as Cook’s Resolution did when he charted the islands on his second Pacific voyage in 1774. We have found so many ‘favourite places’ in Vanuatu during our voyaging here that choosing a route can be difficult...

At anchor at Epi, if we’re lucky, we may swim with the tame dugong there. The serene anchorage at Pt Havana makes a great overnight stop at Efate. How many of these fascinating islands we can see will depend on time and sailing conditions but this will be a very special trip. Much about these islands look as they would have done two or three hundred years ago, even the vegetation has an untamed and wilder look than much of the rest of the South Pacific, with jungle covering steep hillsides almost to the shore line. Beyond lies Ambrym where we can do an all day jungle trek to witness custom Rom dance of hillside village, then relax at the hot springs beach and ‘lava river’ there. At Malakula we visit the isolated communites of the east coast, or call at the small communities of the Mescalyne islands.

The next island south is Pentecost, home of the original 'bungee jumpers', but the Land Diving festival occurs in April so we may continue north. We could call at Ambae, on which Mitchener based his ‘Bali Hai’, or stay a day or two with the canoe builders of Maewo and see their custom dancing.
The local chief here has always welcomed the ship and her crew and the display of traditional custom dancing and singing is very impressive.

A duty watch system will still operate while we are under way but this will be less exacting than on an uninterrupted ocean passage. Once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you, the Voyage Crew, are free to explore ashore.

Most nights will be at anchor as sailing distances between the islands are perhaps only 20-40 miles. We will usually weigh anchor early each morning and aim to arrive at our next anchorage by early afternoon although there will be the chance for a couple of overnight sails between the islands. 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.

The main international flight connection, Pt Vila is the capital of the islands and in complete contrast to the rest of the islands is a large modern town with every tourist facility, a good range of shops and restaurants and well organised luxury resorts.

Vanuatu is a Malaria Risk Area so insect repellent is vital and it is recommended that pills be taken before/after your voyage - but check with your own doctor for the requirements this area.

Villages - we will be visiting some fairly remote places, and we are fortunate to be able see the life in their village communities. People live in traditionally built bamboo and thatch houses, cook by heated stone ovens and are without electricity. They are extremely welcoming of visitors even though our lifestyles are literally worlds apart.

There is no problem about photography but we should be sensitive when using cameras or video. Where there is a modern school we've found that paper and writing supplies are extremely useful and the ship brings school books for them each year. If you have room when packing for a couple of clothes items that you wouldn't mind leaving behind, these are always very gratefully received in the villages.

If a local cruising permit is levied on the ship by Vanuatu officials then this will be shared and charged individually. (Maximum $40-50 per person. Last year the authorities did not charge the ship.)

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 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 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.

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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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