Pacific Island Sailing
- Overview
- Details
This trip dossier contains all the information you require for booking this trip. Please print off and read carefully before booking.
| Length | 11 days |
|---|---|
| Grade |
A-B (You need to be in reasonably good health)
Grade A
Grade B
|
| Start | Pacific Islands |
| Finish | Pacific Islands |
| Departs |
Aug 2011: 8th to 25th V336 Fiji to Vanuatu 17 nights Aug 2011: 29th to 8th Sept. V337 Vanuatu Discovery and Banks Island 10 nights Sep 2011: 12th to 22nd V338 Vanuatu Discovery. 10 nights Sept 2011: 26th to 6th Oct V339 Vanuatu to New Caledonia 10 nights Oct 2011: 10th to 28th Oct V340 New Caledonia to Sydney 18 nights |
Each child under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Voyages from 10 to 32 nights.
Maximum 22
Back to topItinerary
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 of Vava'u we find South Pacific tropical cruising at its most idyllic.
From there we sail westwards with the trades on a series of voyages across the best of Polynesia and Melanesia, to the remote northern Cooks, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Samoa, the whale breeding grounds of of Vava'u in Tonga and the outer islands of colourful Fiji.
We explore the wild untouched beauty and undisturbed culture of the islands of Vanuatu, and the classical South Sea beauty of New Caledonia. An authentic square rig passage to Sydney Harbour or a trans Tasman voyage home to New Zealand is a blue water sailing adventure at its best.
Choose which type of voyage suits you best.
The thrill and challenge of blue water ocean sailing provides total involvement in the ship, with time to master the rig, become confident aloft or learn something of ocean navigation.
Or you can take a more leisurely island cruise navigating between tropical anchorages and exploring an island paradise ashore untouched by modern tourism.
During the voyage 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. This rotates during the course of the voyage to allow everyone to be on deck during different parts of the day. While on watch the voyage crew are under the care and instruction of the watch officer and two other permanent crew; everyone stands a trick on the helm, takes lookout on bow watch, helps fill in the ship's deck log and help handle sail as required. On the longer sea passages there's time for talks about basic navigation, seamanship theory, rope work, history and development of square rigged ships.
The first part of the voyage is a 'passage making' Blue Water voyage with 1100 miles of open ocean to cross. The timeless routines of the sea and unique beauty and grandeur of the ocean can only really be appreciated by those who have undertaken a blue water passage several days out from land. The voyages are conservatively planned on the basis of sailing 100 miles per day although in the late autumn weather we make better out of New Zealand.
Relive the classic days of sail with Søren Larsen as she harnesses the world’s trade winds for this ocean adventure.
If you have a particular interest in traditional tallship sailing there is plenty of time to master the brigantine rig or become adept at working aloft in the rigging. Going up the mast is certainly not compulsory (nor is any other activity that you are not comfortable with), however it is an experience that is not available to any other type of sailing and is considered by many as one not to be missed.
Email me for your exact itinerary for the trip you are interested in.
Nature & Wildlife
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.
Back to topStyle of Tour
On this cruise most nights will be spent at anchor as distances between the destinations are small perhaps only 20 - 40 miles. 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.
Grading & Fitness
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 Tall Ship. 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.
Guides & Safety
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.
Back to topWhat to take
Essential Items
Optional items:
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:
Luggage:
Storage space, although adequate, is limited. Pack your gear into a soft kit bag as suitcases are not suitable.
Back to topTransport
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.
Food
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.
Accommodation
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.
Questions
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 September through to November the Pacific Islands enjoys the best of the southern hemisphere spring 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.
Additional Costs
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.
Back to topBooking Conditions
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.
| Overview | Details | Booking Form |
