Tall Ship Sailing

Sail aboard one of the last oak built cargo carrying sailing ships. Now converted to a tourism vessel this Tall ship was once used in the making of the BBC's classic series "The Onedin Line" and has also been used in the filming of "French Lieutenant's Woman" and "Shackleton".

No experience is necessary for this unique experience where if you wish you can participate with the crew in sailing this ship.

Each voyage is different and outlined here is an approximate description of what the voyage will be like. Some voyages run Russell to Auckland, Auckland return, or Auckland to Russell.

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 day will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the deck-watch system works. For those who wish the crew will try to give you a chance to be shown aloft in the rigging before you get underway.

For those interested in the voyages of Captain Cook this voyage by traditional square rigger does offer a unique insight and historical perspective on that amazing period on New Zealand discovery.

Sailing up the northeast coast from Auckland by Tall ship is a breathtaking experience. You will navigate through the Hauraki Gulf, and anchoring overnight at such places as Kawau Island where a walk across the island is well worth it. From old Copper Mine to the colonial residence at Mansion House Bay built be Governor Grey in the 1850’s takes about 45 minutes, and the trail leads through grove of mature redwood trees and other imported exotic species with a rich undergrowth of native punga (tree ferns). At Mansion House Bay wallabies and peacocks roam the lawns and at dusk the native ‘waka’ a flightless swamp hen may be seen. At night the calls of the small Blue Penguins are heard and during the day they may be seen out fishing.

Tiri Tiri Island is a designated Department of Conservation reserve where a pioneering revegetation programme has created a successful bird sanctuary for rare endangered species.

If you call at Great Barrier Island you shall anchor at Port Fitzroy and spend a day there. The strenuous but rewarding hike to the top of Mt. Hobson takes 5-6 hours but the views are fabulous and the trail leads past famous Kauri Dams and through native forests with many regenerating kauri trees. There is an alternative walk from Forestry Bay to the pools at The Waterfall again leading through native forest. For bird watchers Band Rails and the endangered Brown Teals are likely to be seen on ‘the Barrier’.

The Poor Knights are a group of uninhabited islands named by Cook (as was much of the Gulf) which are now a Marine Reserve. No-one may land here but the ship’s boats can be taken into spectacular tunnels and caves which pepper the sheer cliffs and if there is time snorkel the clear waters which teem with snapper and parrot fish.

At Cape Brett you can stop to marvel at the famous Hole in the Rock – a huge natural archway created in the island off the headland before you lay a course into the Bay of Islands.

The bay of 140 tranquil islands is steeped in the country’s early history. Anchor will be dropped at Roberton Island where Cook first landed in 1769, and overnight there, or visit Russell, the former whaling town which became the country’s initial capital. Nearby is Waitangi, where the first treaty was signed between the British and Maori chiefs. Today the area is a scene of overwhelming natural beauty whose passages and channels you shall cruise at your leisure. The regular coach connection to Auckland takes a little over 4 hours and is a most scenic drive, for which tickets can be arranged upon booking.

For voyages from Russell, Bay of Islands to Auckland, this approximate itinerary will be reversed - although it is more likely that you shall call at Kawau island and Tiri Tiri on the trip north from Auckland to Russell and visit Great Barrier Island and Waiheke island on the trip south to Auckland.

You will arrive at your final destination the morning the voyage ends having enjoyed your last evening celebrating the trip together. Voyages are planned to allow some flexibility en route as to where to stop and anchor, how long to stay at each place and where the crew chooses to go. 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.

Throughout the voyage you will see an abundance of sea bird life; petrels, gannets, spotted and white shags, Caspian terns are common, and ashore on forest trails fantails are seen and the grey warbler heard. Whales are occasionally seen transiting the northern Hauraki Gulf and the lookout's perch at the bowsprit is a front row seat for the displays of common and bottlenose dolphins who delight in dancing in the bow wave. This is a unique way of experiencing the North Island's wonders that conventional tourism has missed.

On this cruise most nights will be spent at anchor as distances between the destinations are small perhaps only 20 - 40 miles (there may be an opportunity for an overnight passage between Auckland and Great Barrier Island or Poor Knights). You will usually weigh anchor early each morning and aim to arrive at anchorage by early afternoon. Soren Larsen's 17 ft inflatables are used 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 amazing clear waters around these islands.

The 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 the ship is under way. Once anchor is dropped the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you the Voyage crew are free to explore ashore or relax on board.

Grade: A-B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
You should be in good health.

No special physical preparation is really necessary for a voyage on a Tallship. No previous sailing experience is required and as long as you are in good health you will enjoy the experience aboard. You are required to fill out a medical questionnaire on booking this journey. You can choose your level of participation and exertion.

No hiking is necessary for this trip, instead you choose which hikes interest you.

The Captain (or Master) is in overall control of the ship while the First Officer (or Mate) is directly involved with day to day running of the ship. Safety is of prime concern aboard the vessel which complies with strict survey requirements. Inflatable life rafts, emergency radio beacons, life jackets, survival suits, radar, radio, and fire fighting equipment are all standard. In addition there is a comprehensive medical locker on board. The permanent crew will guide you in safety matters and their instructions must be adhered to at all times. There is no smoking below decks or in the deck house as this is an obvious fire hazard. The ship sails with a permanent crew of 13 and can take up to 22 voyage crew

Essential Items

Light cotton shirts

Shorts

Trousers

Sweatshirt for the evenings

Fleece jacket or woollen jersey

Swimsuit

1 large towel + 1 small towel

Sun hat

Sun block

Sunglasses

Lightweight rain jacket with hood

Small torch (flashlight) with batteries

Good walking footwear

Deck shoes/sandals

Toiletries

Optional items:

Camera and more film/memory cards than you would expect to use. Lens - wide angle on deck and short tele for other ships and islands

Musical instruments

The ship has UK electrical sockets - an adapter will be needed for other plugs

Reading material/Personal music player

Foam ear plugs

Seasickness tablets

Special Notes: If you wear spectacles or contact lenses and depend on them for comfort and safety, then be sure to bring at least one spare pair. Spectacles should be worn with some elastic to hold them on.

We supply:

Bed, duvet, sheets and pillowcase

Eating utensils

Light wet weather oilskins

Luggage:
Storage space, although adequate, is limited. Pack your gear into a soft kit bag as suitcases are not suitable.

The ship (Soren Larsen) is one of the last cargo carrying sailing ships built in oak by the Danish ship building family Soren Larsen and sons in Nykobing Mors in Northern Denmark. She was built in 1949 and traded throughout the Baltic, British and European ports carrying general cargo, timber and grain until 1972.

In 1978 she was saved from destruction and much of the funds required for her early restoration work were earned by filmwork including the classic BBC television series "The Onedin Line".

In 1992 the Soren Larsen undertook a very major refit. The old accommodation deck and cabins were gutted and the ship reballasted with iron to make room for additional holding tanks and storage below deck.

If the winds are unfavourable the ships engine may be used to maintain the schedule.

The professional cook serves three hearty meals a day to satisfy those healthy appetites that develop on a voyage; fresh cakes and bread are baked on board and you may have the opportunity to try your hand at creating 'ship's loaves'.

The ship's cook is able to cater for vegetarians, and/or any other special dietary requirements as long as you make this known at time of booking.

The ship has a small bar aboard and bar bills can be paid at the end of the voyage. All major credit cards are accepted. There is no drinking before or while you are on watch.

The ship has undergone a major refit below decks with walnut, elm and oak appointing the saloon. Accommodation is in seven 2-berth cabins and two 4-berth cabins. Some twin cabins have wash basins. Twin berth cabins may be reserved at time of booking, there is no extra charge, but are available on a first serve basis. Duvets and bedding are supplied by the ship, but guests should bring their own towels.

You will have your own bunk and locker but do please remember that storage space on any ship is generally limited - so do not bring more than is necessary. Please pack in soft kit bags, and holdalls, rather than suitcases.

Shared facilities include fresh hot water showers, 220 - 230 volt AC and 24 volt DC electricity. You will be able to charge video recorder batteries as long as you bring your own adaptor. Please note that the ship is fitted with standard British three pin plugs.

How big is the ship?
Soren Larsen is a large wooden square-rigger 145 ft long, 25ft 6 ins wide, 98 ft high masts, 19th century brigantine rig; traditionally and comfortably furnished below decks and with many of today's modern conveniences. Soren Larsen is surveyed to both the British Department of Transport and Bureau Veritas World Wide Class Certification.

How many crew are there?
13 professional crew: Captain; First Mate; Second Mate; Medical Officer; Purser; Engineer; Cook; Bosun; and Deck hands.

What will the weather be like?
In January and February New Zealand is enjoying the best of the southern hemisphere summer and the weather is usually consistently warm. Light cotton shirts/shorts are sufficient during the day, with a sweatshirt for the evenings. Most go barefoot on deck and swimming gear gets worn most days. A hat, sun block and sunglasses are essential protection from the sun over water. A lightweight rain jacket could be good insurance.

What does the price include/exclude?
Your price includes berth aboard the vessel and three meals per day whilst on board. Price does not include transport to or from the ship, any alcohol or soft drinks purchased from the bar aboard.

Am I too old/young?
Age range is from 16 years to 85 years; as long as you are in good health and want a participatory type holiday. Children can be accepted, but they have to be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent.

I have never sailed on a ship before, will I find it difficult or feel left out?
You do not have to have any sailing experience beforehand to enjoy a sailing holiday aboard Soren Larsen. A large number of voyagers have never stepped on a sailing ship before. Others have had a lot of experience, some owning their own yachts. However very few will have sailed a square-rigger. The ship's professional crew are there to guide you and assist you at all times.

Guests (or voyagers/voyage crew) are encouraged to participate in all aspects of sailing the ship, under the guidance of the professional crew. This is the unique opportunity the ship offers. The more you participate, the more it will enhance enjoyment of your holiday. However life on deck is not very physically demanding. Note; nothing is compulsory and the choice is yours to decide how little or much you wish to join in. However it should be made clear that you will not be a passenger on board - you are signed on as voyage crew. If you want to sit and do nothing for the whole holiday then this is not a holiday we would recommend.

Are people with disabilities accepted?
Although fitness is an advantage, people with disabilities will be accepted, subject to a completed medical questionnaire being approved by the ship's Medical Officer.

What recreational facilities are available aboard?
Recreational facilities include large comfortable saloon, library, snorkelling equipment, sailboard, various fishing tackle, various musical instruments and numerous board games. Those interested can take instruction in navigation and use of the sextant.

Is it a good idea to bring seasickness tablets?
With seasickness, prevention is better than cure and the ship recommends Stugeron tablets as a non-drowsy, reliable insurance against the unpleasant effects of seasickness. If you have your own treatments please bring them but do tell the purser what you are using.

Will I be able to buy souvenirs?
There is a select range of quality souvenirs available aboard the ship including, fleeces, rugby shirts, polo shirts and hats all with ship's logo and name embroidered on.

There are no additional costs however the price does not include transport to or from the ship, or any alcohol, soft drinks or snacks purchased from the bar aboard.

Changes and delays to any itinerary may occur as a result of weather conditions, readiness of the vessel, mechanical breakdown or any other reason. If winds are unfavourable the vessel, may make use of her engine to maintain schedules. All decisions will be that of the Master and no refunds will be available as a result nor do the owner or agents accept liability if there are unforeseen delays.

If your booking cannot be accepted for whatever reason, all monies paid will be refunded.

Payment:
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:
More than 45 days prior to departure 50% of monies paid, excluding your deposit, are refundable
Within 45 days of departure - NO REFUND

Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance.

Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.