Is Sunbeam suitable for people new to sailing?

Yes—no sailing experience is required. The crew will teach you traditional gaff ketch sailing as you explore Sweden's Stockholm Archipelago. While normal mobility is necessary to move around the vessel, there are no stringent physical requirements. You're not just a passenger but part of the sailing journey. The crew will show you how to handle the gaff rig while you enjoy island-hopping through natural harbours, rocky islands, and sheltered anchorages in one of Europe's most beautiful sailing grounds.

What are the sleeping arrangements on Sunbeam?

Sunbeam has accommodation for 10 guests including six single berths, two sleeping lofts for two people each, and two sleeping alcoves suitable for 1-2 people. There are no private cabins as such—sleeping areas are separated by curtains, balancing privacy with a sense of community. Each berth has a pillow, blanket, and storage for small personal items. Important: You must bring your own sleeping bag, pillowcase, and towels. A 230V charging station is available for UK phones (240V compatible). There are two toilets, one with washing facilities.

Where does Sunbeam sail in Sweden?

Sunbeam explores the stunning Stockholm Archipelago, anchoring in natural harbours surrounded by rocky islands. These serene stopovers offer opportunities to swim, pick berries, stroll around uninhabited islands, or simply soak in the beauty of Sweden's maritime landscape. It's a perfect way to connect with nature and fellow travelers while experiencing authentic Swedish sailing culture through traditional island-hopping voyages.

What food and drink policies apply on Sunbeam?

All meals are included—breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and evening snacks—prepared with diverse dietary preferences in mind. The food is primarily vegetarian-based, supplemented with meat, fish, and cheese options. There's a well-equipped galley with hot and cold water, fridge, freezer, gas stove with oven, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. Non-alcoholic drinks are provided. Due to Swedish state monopoly laws, alcoholic beverages cannot be sold on board, but guests can bring their own drinks. Low-alcohol beer (2.8-3.5% vol) is available. Alcoholic beverages can only be consumed in moderation when docked, at the skipper's discretion. Strict sobriety is required for all involved in sailing or motoring.

What makes Sunbeam special as a historic vessel?

Built in 1905, Sunbeam is a traditional 30-meter gaff-rigged ketch that offers an authentic Swedish sailing experience. With 270 square meters of sail, she combines 119 years of maritime heritage with modern amenities—a spacious below-deck dining area, deck barbecue, and comfortable berths for just 10 guests with 2-3 crew. This intimate crew size ensures personal attention and creates a genuine community atmosphere. Sunbeam offers a unique balance between adventure and comfort, where you can enjoy culinary delights (including deck barbecues), explore natural harbours, and create unforgettable memories in Sweden's most beautiful waters.

Sunbeam

All about Sunbeam

Sailing with Sunbeam

Embarking on a voyage with Sunbeam offers a unique blend of adventure, comfort, and tranquillity. As you set sail on this majestic vessel, you are not just a passenger but a part of a living, breathing journey across the seas. This article aims to guide you through what life onboard Sunbeam is like, from the cosy accommodations to the exhilarating experience of exploring natural harbours.

Life on Board: Comfort Meets Adventure On Sunbeam, life is an exquisite balance between adventure and comfort. The vessel is designed to ensure that you live onboard comfortably, irrespective of the weather. While normal mobility is necessary, there are no stringent physical requirements to participate in this sailing adventure.

Accommodation: Your Home on the Waves Accommodations onboard Sunbeam are thoughtfully designed. The passenger space includes six single berths, two sleeping lofts for two people each, and two sleeping alcoves suitable for 1-2 people. These sleeping arrangements are separated by curtains, ensuring privacy while fostering a sense of community. Each berth is equipped with a pillow, blanket, and sufficient storage compartments for small personal items. Please note, guests are required to bring their own sleeping bags, pillowcases and towels. There are no cabins as such.

Staying Connected: Charging Station for 230 V In today’s connected world, staying in touch is crucial. Sunbeam caters to this need with a 230 V charging station, suitable for UK phones that use 240 V. This ensures that your mobile phones are always charged and you remain connected even as you sail.

Kitchen and Dining Areas: Culinary Delights at Sea The kitchen on Sunbeam is well-equipped with modern amenities like hot and cold water, fridge, freezer, gas stove with oven, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. Below deck, there’s a spacious dining area, perfect for enjoying meals together. For those beautiful days and evenings, the deck also features dining areas and a barbecue, making dining on Sunbeam an experience in itself.

Hygiene: Maintaining Well-being Onboard Sunbeam is equipped with two toilets, one of which includes a place to wash, ensuring hygiene and comfort for all passengers.

Food and Drinks: A Gastronomic Adventure The culinary journey on Sunbeam is noteworthy. Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and evening snacks, prepared considering diverse dietary preferences. The food primarily revolves around a vegetarian base, supplemented with options like meat, fish, and cheese. Meal drinks like wine and beer can be purchased separately. The communal cooking approach means that vegetarians and others can prepare and enjoy meals together.

Sobriety and Smoking: Safety and Comfort for All Safety and comfort are paramount on Sunbeam. The vessel enforces a strict sobriety policy while sailing or motoring, in line with the alcohol level regulations for driving. A note from the Sunbeam team: “Due to the Swedish state monopoly we are not allowed to have alcoholic beverages for purchase. We will have a selection of low alcohol beer (2.8-3.5% vol) and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks of choice. Alcoholic beverages can only be consumed in moderation when docked, as per the skipper’s discretion. Strict sobriety is required for all involved in sailing or motoring. Smoking is restricted to specific outdoor areas. Smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas, considering the wind direction, to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers.

Exploring Natural Harbours: The Heart of the Adventure One of the highlights of sailing with Sunbeam is the opportunity to explore natural harbours. These serene stopovers allow you to swim, pick berries, stroll around, or simply soak in the beauty of your surroundings. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature and fellow travellers in a meaningful way.

Conclusion: Sailing with Sunbeam – An Experience Like No Other Sailing with Sunbeam is more than just a journey; it’s an experience that combines the comforts of modern living with the thrill of adventure. It offers a unique opportunity to explore, relax, and connect – both with nature and fellow travellers. Whether you’re lounging in the cosy berths, savouring the culinary delights, or exploring the natural harbours, every moment on Sunbeam is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. As you contemplate your next adventure, consider Sunbeam as your gateway to a world of maritime wonders.