| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 22-12-2026, 18:00Puerto Williams, Chile | Sat 30-01-2027, 10:00Port Stanley, the Falklands | Tecla | 39 Nights | TC221226 |
Join Tecla for an epic Southern Ocean adventure, from the world’s most Southerly town to the remote Falkland islands via the awe-inspiring wildernesses of Antarctica and South Georgia. Encounter diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of the region, visiting significant sites from the age of polar exploration. A truly once in a lifetime trip, and run to the strictest IAATO principles of sustainable, environmental and low-impact Antarctic travel.
| Vessel type / Rig | Gaff Ketch |
| Guest Berths | 12 |
| Beam | 22ft |
| Draft | 8.9ft |
| Deck Length | 90ft |
| Overall Length | 124ft |
| Tonnage | 92 tons |
| Year Built | 1915 |
Located on an island in the Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams is the world’s most Southerly town, and is known as the staging post for Cape Horn. The town is a busy hub for explorers, fishermen, meteorologists and the Chilean Navy alike, and has a real feel of ‘frontier’ about it.
We would highly recommend taking some time here if possible before your onward travel plans. It’s not often you’ll find yourself somewhere so uniquely remote, in such stunningly beautiful surroundings.
On stepping aboard Tecla you’ll meet the professional crew and your fellow sailors and get settled into your bunk. After a safety briefing and introductions over dinner on board, enjoy your first night in harbour before preparing to set sail the following morning.
Leaving the rugged coast behind, Tecla will sail into the remote southern waters, guided by wind and currents. You’ll soon get into the rhythm of life on board… standing watch, trimming sails and sleeping the sleep of the righteous! Sail across the legendary Drake Passage, known for its challenging conditions and incredible wildlife sightings.
Keep your eyes open for whales, seals, and seabirds accompanying you across the open ocean. Arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula, you’re greeted by dramatic icebergs and glaciers. Depending on the conditions, Tecla will explore bays and coves, and you can walk among penguin colonies and marvel at the sheer scale of the Antarctic wilderness.
Visiting Antarctica is a dream come true, and to ensure that this pristine environment remains untouched for future generations, Tecla have become members of IAATO. This organization is dedicated to promoting safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica. By following IAATO’s strict guidelines, Tecla is committed to preserving the unique ecosystem of the Antarctic while allowing you to experience its awe-inspiring beauty in a sustainable way.
Continuing eastward, you’ll set a course for South Georgia. After the vast open space of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia can feel very BUSY, but it’s penguins, seals and seabirds that teem here, not people! The islands are home to towering cliffs and some of the densest colonies of King, Macaroni, and Rockhopper penguins in the world. Weather permitting, we will follow the last 6 kilometres of Shackleton’s historic route from Fortune Bay to the Stromness whaling station, retracing the path he took to rescue his men.
Your adventure ends in Port Stanley, the tiny and charming capital of the Falkland Islands. The harbour is deep and sheltered, filled with supply ships, naval patrols, research vessels and local craft.
The Historic Dockyard Museum is small but well curated, and worth a visit. The town itself stretches along the waterfront, with brightly painted corrugated houses, simple workshops and a few pubs and restaurants. Walk the shoreline east towards Gypsy Cove and you’ll see penguins in the surf.
January gives long daylight and the mildest conditions of the season, but this whole route remains a genuine Southern Ocean experience. Expect strong westerly winds that sit around 15 to 25 knots with frequent spells above 30 knots and occasional gale force systems. Sea state is often heavy with long rolling swell and waves that can rise well above eight metres in bad weather. Temperatures stay close to freezing in Antarctica and South Georgia, then rise to about fourteen degrees by the time you reach the Falklands. Weather changes quickly, so you should be ready for bright spells, cloud, sleet and sudden shifts in wind throughout the voyage.
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.
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. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’
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.
Puerto Williams, the southernmost town in the world, is a gateway to Cape Horn and the Antarctic. It’s well worth spending time here to really get to grips with the place. Visit the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum to explore the stories of the Yaghan people, the original inhabitants of the region. Explore the Naval Base for a glimpse into the town’s military and navigational significance. While nightlife here is limited, the few bars and communal spaces often host lively conversations among adventurers, sailors, and researchers.
Stanley is the picturesque capital of the Falkland Islands. We would highly recommend renting an all-terrain car and spending a few days exploring the archipelago from here. It gives you the freedom to discover the diverse attractions the Falklands have to offer. From historical war sites to intriguing nautical wrecks, captivating wildlife, stunning rock rivers, and the island’s rich sheep farming heritage, there’s something for everyone.
Not all sailing areas require the same gear, the same foul weather equipment or even the same shorts. But some items you must always bring. In this kit list we hope to give you a small insight in what to bring, but of course, please consider this list might not encumber all that you would wish to take!
Very important is that your bag or small suitcase needs to be stored in the room, under your bed, there is limited space – so bring a foldable bag! the following is Tecla's standard included/excluded and kit list. Below this you can find more specific info and kit lists dependant on sailing area.
When the ocean crossing is not part of the Southern Ocean sailing (so no South Georgia or Antarctica included) the crossings are usually in warm weather. Going from North to South, please be advised that the weather in the Falkland Islands is cool and wet! So also bring at
least one set of warm clothing.
If there are any items you usually take on your hikes, and they are easy to take in your luggage, don’t forget to bring them!
On the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica there are different levels of Bio-Security we will have to comply with. To make it easy on yourself we recommend you bring one set of hiking gear that you would like to use on shore, that is completely cleaned at home. This means Velcro is cleaned and does not contain any seeds or pollen. Your pockets are empty of any seeds, pollen, sand etc. Your boots are cleaned, no sand or mud on them.
This way, getting ready for the first landing becomes a walk in the park. For more information on Bio Security, please contact us.
These surroundings can be very cold, especially on longer watches. And also because these areas are protected, we ask you to take at least two sets of wet weather gear, with one of them at least completely clean. If you have sailing gear, perfect, but also bring some light weight, waterproof hiking gear. We recommend goretex pro of any brand. This is tough and durable. Often easy to clean and light weight.
In the cold, making layers is important. If there is no rain, most 800gr down jackets with a merino wool layer underneath are warm enough. If it rains, most jackets do not fit over the down jacket. Therefore we recommend layer one merino wool, layer two a woollen sweater, layer three a thinner down jacket or wind stopper and layer four your water proof jacket.
Of course we understand that not everybody has these items in their closet. Please contact us if you are unsure what to pack.
Summer in the Northern Territories of Canada can be cold, but they can be beautiful and warm as well. During the 2019 voyage we have had days of 2 degrees and days of 19 degrees. We had nights of 0 degrees, but also nights with a warm land breeze, where a woollen sweater and merino under layer were enough.
Tecla a Taste of the North West Passage 2024
Glad you liked our journey!
Feel free to post a link so others may see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X06b4Xfs0hc
Have a great new year!!!
All the Best, Carr Clifton
This trip fulfilled my desire for adventure sailing as we transited the north coast of Iceland, along the Arctic Circle. Even though it was rough, the boat and crew performed admirably.
Bruce
An enjoyable week in less than ideal weather conditions. The crew were competent and friendly, the catering excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a voyage on Tecla.
Jonathan
A great mix of sailing in Scottish waters, some super hikes and an opportunity to see some of the immensely important historical sites in the Orkneys and Sheltands.
Mooring alongside in the Fair Isles was a great privilege.
The ocean passage to the Faroes was quiet but as a result we were blessed with clear skies whilst slinking in and out of the islands and some of the best coastal views one could hope to see anywhere.
The ocean passage to Iceland was a bit of a bimble until we were 60 miles off and then it got exciting. Thanks to a great skipper and permanent crew we snuggled into a fjord whilst the cruise ship ran aground in Reykjavik harbour. A good holiday, an adventure and fun.
K
Any initial doubts as to the number and experience of the crew were very quickly dispelled and we were impressed with the knowledge and the handling skills of the skipper and the 2 mates. Every opportunity was taken to enhance our enjoyment on both voyages and at every stage we were made to feel relaxed and under no obligation to crew the ship under sometimes testing (but enjoyable) conditions. As an observation, we must congratulate the skipper for her culinary skills under difficult conditions..........the food was perfect for the voyage.
Geoff
A delight. A competent and engaging professional crew, an interesting voyage with some challenges and some great rewards. Good companions to make the log spin around.
Mike
Brilliant. I would do it again tomorrow. And good value too. The food was excellent. I loved the spicy meatballs and my wife loved the fresh langoustines.
Steve
Most enjoyable classic sailing with great food, a true sense of teamwork, great guidance and a good sense of humour. Can't get any better.
Thomas
Globe trotting Tall Ship Tecla in action and images. This historic gaff ketch is our Polar Specialist, with expeditions to Antarctica and through the Northwest Passage, but she also has fantastic voyages in sunnier climes. Photos from Classic Sailing customers, ships crew and professional photographers. We hope it gives a flavour of her sailing, life on board, the people that come, her beautiful sailing grounds and what it is like to live below decks.
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