Voyage Number	V315
Voyage price	£2735 for 17 nights
Voyage Dates	09/08/2010 - 10:00 - 26/08/2010 - 10:00
Depart from	Vanuatu (Santo)
Finishing Port	Vanuatu (Santo)
Voyage area	Pacific , South Pacific
Voyage type	Adventure Voyage , Ocean Passages , Tall Ships
Vessel	Soren Larsen
Availability	Limited places
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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 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 leg is an authentic square rig passage from New Caledonia to Sydney harbour in Australia.

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 sailingin the Caribbean so we are very excited about helping you book this amazing series of blue water voyages.

Leg 7: 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.
 

This voyage will commence and end at Luganville on Espiritu Santo, a short internal air flight north from Pt Vila.. Sailing north up the east side of Santo we will stop and anchor, probably at famous Champagne Beach.
 

Remote Mystery

The northern Banks and Torres islands are the most inaccessible in the group. Named by Cook in honour of Sir Joseph Banks they stretch 60-100 miles from Santo. These rugged and mysterious islands are entirely untouched by modern tourist development and this voyage will be a truly unique chance to see an area beyond the normal reach of other travelers. The northern Banks and Torres islands are the most inaccessible in the group. Named by Cook in honour of Sir Joseph Banks they stretch 60-100 miles from Santo. These rugged and mysterious islands are entirely untouched by modern tourist development and this voyage will be a truly unique chance to see an area beyond the normal reach of other travelers.
 

The islands and anchorages we reach will largely be dictated by the wind and weather conditions. The prevailing trades are from the South East which will allow us to sail to the north east corner of Santo island, perhaps visiting the French settlement at Port Orly before sailing north to the steep volcanic island of Gaua the first in the Banks Group.
 

One days sail north is Vanua Lava, the largest island and administrative centre of the Banks and Torres with Port Patteson as it's a large and scenic bay. We may prefer to spend a day at the adjacent Pakea island and enjoy its perfect white beaches and brilliant coral. This uplifted atoll is just 2 miles across is heavily planted with coconut trees from a former copra plantation. Presently there is just one family on the island.
 

Time and wind direction will decide whether we visit Mota Lava or the uninhabited Reef Islands Lagoon and/or make to the island of Ureparapara at the north west end of the Banks. This last anchorage is inside the huge breached crater of the volcano that is the island and its steep, spectacular walls make for a strenuous but rewarding hour’s climb through the jungle to the crater rim. Here we visit the well established village, see custom dancing and have the chance to buy wood carvings.
 

Torres Island

This voyage - for the first time takes us onwards to the Torres island group. This is an exciting opportunity to visit our most remote destination.
 

We should expect to have to make to windward back to Santo and will sail or motor sail down the protected (leeward) west side of Vanua Lava stopping at a good snorkeling anchorage we know with a thunderous waterfall falling to the shore.
 

We would make an overnight passage to maximise our time ashore. If there is time it is worthwhile sail into Big Bay on the north coast of Santo. Here the Portuguese navigator Quiros first discovered and named the land, thinking it was the fabled great southern continent, and the rugged hills and dense rainforest is just as he would have seen them in 1606. Alternatively the master may choose to sail down the west coast of Santo, calling at the coastal villages there who see very few visiting boats.
 

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 13 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 20-70 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.
 

Incredible Diving

The voyage finishes back at Luganville on the southern side of Santo and it would be worth spending a day or so here after the voyage if your time allows. The town was the main American base in W.W.II and today is the only main town on the island. When the Americans left they chose to bulldoze all their war surplus equipment into the sea rather than leave it behind and the huge collection of trucks, jeeps, and stores lies just off the shore at Million Dollar Point. It now forms a colourful reef that can be dived on or seen with snorkels. For experienced scuba divers the US President Coolidge is a must. The 1930's luxury passenger liner was sunk by a friendly mine and now lies intact on its side in 70-200 ft of water. We can organise dive groups through a local dive operation for what is the most amazing wreck dives in the world. Or there are guided tours around this island of contrasts.
 

Espiritu Santo is a short internal air flight north of Pt Vila. Vanuatu is a Malaria Risk Area so insect repellent is vital and it is recommended that you check with your own doctor for the requirements this area whether malaria medication is necessary or suitable for you.
 

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 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. 
 

Vanuatu - The Smiling Islands

 As this name suggests Vanuatu is full of happy ni-van people who are eager for tourists to enjoy their country and all its pleasures. Explore volcanoes, waterfalls and beaches then consider eating some fantastic local food. Culture is abundant in these exotic Islands so why not experience one of the local ceremonies like bungee jumping or supping kava.

The crystal clear waters provide an excellent cruising ground and encourage snorkeling and scuba diving. Each Island is captivating. Be sure to take a little gift for the outer Islanders, they are gratefully received and you will feel a sense of pride to have contributed to the community in some way.

Getting there….
 

From the UK:
Flights from London Heathrow through Quantas Airlines are currently your best option. Quantas offer return flights to Sydney for approximately £1,000 sterling in August/ September 2010.

Air Vanuatu fly from Sydney to both Santo and Port Vila. The approximate cost of a flight from Sydney to Santo one way is currently $370 AUD. (£214 sterling)
Book flights online if you can to save fees from agents and airline telesales reps.
After disembarking from Soren Larsen in Port Vila, you can fly from the Island Airport back to Sydney at a cost of approx $290 AUD.(£167 sterling)
 

The South Pacific Islands are one of the more remote parts of the planet which is what makes them so special. The flights can get quite expensive when you start to island hop. Realistically for this voyage you need to allow £1,500 sterling in addition to the voyage cost for travel.

TYPICAL FLIGHT QUOTES

V316 Vanuatu - Vanuatu

Total cost of long haul  flight return and getting to and from seperate islands for this voyage was £1438.81 (quote on 21-7-10)

V317 Vanuatu - New Caledonia 2010

From the UK:
Flights from London Heathrow through Quantas Airlines are currently your best option. Quantas offer return flights to Sydney for approximately £1,000 sterling in September 2010.
Air Vanuatu will fly you from Sydney to Port Vila to join Soren Larsen for  £175 sterling ($303 AUD)
Your voyage end port is Noumea in New Caledonia. From here you can fly back to Sydney with Quantas for around £260 sterling.

TYPICAL FLIGHT QUOTE (21-0710)

Vanuatu - New Caledonia Voyage - with decent safety gap / stop overs - Overall Cost Quote £1360.21

This quote was obtained by Classic Sailing on line. By booking flights direct online you may save fees from agents and airline telesales reps.

Transport on Vanuatu

Pekoa Airport on Santo is the main airport for the Islands. It is served well by Island minibuses and Taxi’s. The buses run from 7am to 5:30pm but the taxis are more flexible and plentiful! Care Hire is also available at the airport.
Bauerfield Airport on Efate (Port Vila) offers the same transport services.

Ferries:
Ferries run between the Islands. Contact the Vanuatu Tourist Info site for more details.

Vanuatu Tourist Board website

Time Zone: Local time is GMT plus 11 hours.

Typical costs:

VATU is the currency of the Islands: One pound sterling= 152 Vatu
Local Newspaper: 100vt
Bus from Airport to Boat: 400vt
Taxi to/from airport: 600-1000vt
Litre of Petrol: 170 vt
Bottle of Beer: 350-450 vt

Banks:
ANZ
WESTPAC
NBV
There are ATM’S IN Port Vila and Luganville and one at each airport.
Duty Free shops generally accept Credit Cards, cash or Travellers Cheques in US/ AU dollars.

Internet:
There are Internet Cafes in Port Vila and in Luganville.

Attire:
There are strict rules in all villages regarding dress. Islanders never wear scant or revealing clothing and women’s thighs are always covered.

Language:
A form of Pigeon English is spoken by many of the locals. It is called ‘Bislama’ but both English and French are also widely used for communication.

Accommodation:
If you need to stay in Luganville or Port Vila:
Budget: 7,000vt
Mid-range:7-20,000vt
Top end: 20,000vt+
The Lonely Planet travel guide on the South Pacific has a wide range of suggestions and also see Lonely Planet Website.

Food:

Locally produced food from the delightful markets is cheap, fresh, delicious and the experience of meeting the locals in this atmosphere is second to none. There is an abundance of fruit and Veg. to fill up on but the local women will be eager for you to sit at their stall and be served fresh Island dishes on a banana leaf.
Supermarket shopping is expensive and dull. You are advised to stock up on any packaged foods in Australian Supermarkets before flying to the Islands.

Useful sites:
www.vanuatutourism.com
 

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 

History

Round Cape Horn & Transatlantic Tall Ship Race Winner

Extensive Refit 1992 - 1993

Around The World Again

Creating a Unique Tall Ship Experience in NZ and Polynesia

Vessel Specification

Rig: Brigantine.

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

Accommodation below:

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.