Cross the Equator and see South America by Sea

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail from Belém

Belém will be buzzing with people from all over the world following the COP30 climate conference (which runs from the 10th to the 21st November). Twister will be anchored on the river, and the crew will pick you up by dinghy. You will get to know the ship and the rest of the crew and get settled in your cabin. During the first evening you will receive safety instructions, discuss the itinerary and toast to a great 14 days!

Along the Way

The captain knows the area well and knows where the best anchorages are and the most interesting shore adventures! After leaving Belém, the first stop will be Devil’s Island (really a small archipelago). These islands are known from the book Papillon and the movies based on it. There used to be a penal colony here, the remains of which can now be found overgrown by jungle.

After this you will set sail toward the beating heart of Suriname: Paramaribo. Here you can enjoy the good life: Parbo beer, nice atmosphere, chat, why bother with anything else?! To see the tropical rainforest? Oh well, maybe you can do that tomorrow!

This is one of the best sailing areas in the world and you have extensive time to explore it, with a beautiful ship at your disposal and a crew that knows the best spots. During these trips, passengers are also allowed to contribute ideas, so if there are places along the way that you want to visit, let the crew know and, if possible, it will be built into the itinerary.

Like Tobago, for example. This former pirate’s nest was also called the hidden island because it remained hidden from the rest of the (Western) world for so long. Even though people lived on the island 7,000 years ago. The name means tobacco. Daniel Defoe situated the story of Robinson Crusoe on Tobago. Although this island is a paradise for nature lovers, tourism here is less developed than in other Caribbean islands. On the north side are beautiful palm beaches and bays where you are the only ship to anchor. To the south lies one of the most beautiful diving and snorkelling spots in all of the Caribbean: the Buccoo Reef.

Arriving in Trinidad

After another wonderful evening on board, the crew will drop you off in Port of Spain in Trinidad, ready for you to continue your land-based adventures, or to explore before rejoining the ship for the next leg!

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

During this voyage you can expect fairly good weather, as the Caribbean hurricane season is over and equatorial regions remain pretty constant temperature-wise. The sea breeze blows at a fairly reliable force 4 to 5, perfect for great sailing! Always be prepared for a change in conditions, however. As those who attended the COP30 climate conference before this voyage will attest: weather is not as predictable as it used to be.

A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice. 

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

What to pack for a sailing adventure aboard Twister

What is Included:

• All meals and soft drinks aboard
• All safety equipment, including lifejackets and harnesses.
• Your bunk, bedding and a towel

What is Not Included:

• Travel to and from your voyage
• Personal travel insurance (see our advice on Travel Insurance)
• Alcohol- drinks are available to purchase on board- consumption is always at the discretion of the Skipper, and is never permitted whilst the ship is underway.
• Waterproofs - sets are available to hire: make sure to discuss this with the ship's team before you arrive.

What to Bring

YOUR PASSPORT! Along with any other required travel documentation. Please read the joining instructions you receive from the Ship carefully to ensure you have everything you need.

• Please, no valuable jewellery or other valuables, unless you have got specific travel insurance to cover it.
• Waterproofs - see above.
• Hats for sun and cold weather.
• At least two sets of warm clothes - layers e.g. tracksuit bottoms, shirts, fleece jacket, wool jumpers, thick socks, and neck scarf. It can get cold at sea even in mid summer.
• Swim suit and suntan lotion.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies are also helpful.
• All terrain type Sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read, a musical instrument, pack of cards, magic tricks...
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets or pressure-point wrist bands (talk to your pharmacist)
• Your own logbook if you'd like to keep track of your sea miles.
• Tech chargers (along with adaptors for European sockets) and waterproof cases for any electronics. A rechargeable battery pack for your phone / camera can be really helpful.

N.B. BOATS HAVE LIMITED STORAGE SPACE SO PLEASE PACK AS LIGHTLY AS POSSIBLE. Don't use a rigid suitcase or a bag with a rigid frame. Soft bags are much easier to fold up and stow.

Voyages on Twister