| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 30-05-2024, 18:00Horta, Azores | Mon 17-06-2024, 10:00Ullapool, Scotland | Tecla | 18 Nights | TC300524 |
This voyage offers many different possibilities, weather systems, sailing routes and stop overs. Although it feels like an ocean crossing, it might be more of a home coming for the Tecla. Setting off from the Azores and heading for one of her favorite ports, Ullapool, the Tecla will cross these 1800+ miles in 19 days. This means possibly some extra time to visit the Outer Hebrides or Ireland. If the weather should be bad, a route through the Irish sea (which can be fairly choppy!) could be considered as well.
| 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 |
Sailors keen for an adventure full of variety, with a serious deep ocean passage followed by exciting coastal sailing and island hopping.
Wildlife enthusiasts, as Tecla follows a whale migration route.
Anyone keen to rack up some sea miles, under the guidance and tuition of a fantastic professional crew.
On the Azores the Tecla will be moored in Horta on the island Faial. Horta is THE place to be for sailors who have crossed an ocean. You might not have crossed that ocean yet, it is a great atmosphere to start your journey with. Most of the sailors there ,are heading back from the Caribbean and most of them meet in the bar called Peter Sport, just opposite the harbor. The Tecla will leave depending on wind and weather. A stop on a different Island might be the best way to get into the sailing mood!
Once underway, away from this beautiful island group, there is about 1400 miles of no land ahead. With the prevailing South Westerly winds, the voyage back can be one of a beam reach tack all the way. BUT as it is spring, the weather is all but stable and depressions are still sweeping in from the west. Which makes it all the more of an adventure to find the right wind and make the best possible plan.
On the Azores the Tecla will be moored in Horta on the island Faial. Horta is THE place to be for sailors who have crossed an ocean (or are about to!). Most of the sailors there are heading back from the Caribbean and most of them meet in the bar called Peter Sport, just opposite the harbor.
Be sure to assist the crew in leaving a painting of Tecla on the quay in Horta, where you’ll also see murals from many other ships which have passed through over the years.
The crew of Tecla were made very welcome by the local community in Ullapool, and it has since become a favourite base for her. Even further North than Eda Frandsen’s summer base in Mallaig. Ullapool is North of Skye, North of Torridon and level in latitude with the Shiant Islands.
In 2019 Tecla sailed around Cape Favel to West Greenland and successfully transited the North West Passage with charter guests. She then sailed from Aleutian Isles to Galapagos and Easter Island, and Rounded Cape Horn for the second time. Tecla sailed around the world in 2012-13 with Europa and Oosterschelde. She crossed the South and North Atlantic, Indian Ocean, the wild seas of South Australia, raced in the Tasman Sea and sailed across the Pacific to round Cape Horn. She is a fast ship that does well in tall ships races. Run by several generations of a Dutch family she likes to create unusual sailing programmes and her crews like to explore ashore with as much energy as they sail the ship.
Expect a real mixture of conditions, as things can change quickly. The sea can get quite big out on the ocean, but often the most uncomfortable bits can be in confined areas or against coasts, as seas build up and have nowhere to go. Once you reach Great Britain, there are routing options, so the Skipper will plan the second part of your trip according to the wind and weather.
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.
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.
Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Travel Guide: Horta, Azores
How to Get There
Getting to Horta, Azores depends on your starting point. Here’s a general guide:
From the UK and Europe: Flying is the most direct option. Usually, you’ll find a flight to Lisbon and from there catch a connecting flight to Horta Airport.
From North America: Flights often transit through Lisbon. Some major U.S. cities offer direct flights to Lisbon, from where you can get a connecting flight to Horta.
From Australia: Be prepared for at least one layover, typically in a major European city like London or Lisbon. Then continue with a smaller flight to Horta.
Since Horta is an island, there are no trains or buses going there directly. However, if you’re already in the Azores, you can take a ferry to Horta. On the island itself, coaches and buses are more for tours rather than transit from other places.
What to Do in Horta
History: Visit the Horta Museum to delve into the island’s rich maritime past. Peter Café Sport is also worth a visit; it has been serving sailors for more than 100 years.
Culture: Experience local festivals like the Semana do Mar, which celebrates the region’s maritime heritage.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor: The marina in Horta is a key stopping point for transatlantic yachts. You’ll also find a variety of sailing tours that offer a different perspective of the island.
Entertainment: For a small place, Horta has a lively nightlife scene. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, local music, and friendly bars.
Eating Out: Seafood is king in Horta. Restaurants by the marina offer not only fresh catch but also incredible views.
Nature: Horta offers stunning natural beauty. From hiking trails to volcanic landscapes and whale watching, there’s plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Unique Features: One unique feature is the sailor’s tradition of painting a mural on the marina wall before setting sail again. It gives Horta a communal feel that’s quite special.
Special Interests
If you have a special interest that you would like to find out about for this port or to tell us about, we would love to hear from you.
Sustainable Travel Carbon Offset Schemes
By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.
Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.
UK: One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.
North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.
Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.
Australia: “Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.
Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.
If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.
For Joining any vessel, head to the harbour where your ship will more than likely be the only sailing vessel. Address: The Pier, Ullapool IV26 2UH
As a base for starting a sailing holiday, Ullapool rewards those who take the trouble to travel this far North. On the entrance to Loch Broom are the Summer Isles and if you head out West you come to the Shiant Islands before your reach Harris and Lewis. From here, it is a relatively short hop to St Kilda, or the Flannan Isles. The sailing grounds are virtually empty and in June it feels like the sun hardly sets. At nearly N 58 degrees latitude Ullapool is further North than Moscow. Its a long way up from Edinburgh, but not as difficult to get to as you might think.
Ullapool is nestled on the shores of Loch Broom. Whatever the weather, you are immediately struck by Ullapool’s whiteness and by its regularity of design and layout. This is a legacy of the town’s origins, being designed and built in 1788 by Thomas Telford and the British Fisheries Society to exploit a boom in herring fishing at the time.
The town is also the main terminus for the car and passenger ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. The ferry operates seven days per week so all the public transport to Ullapool is good and there are plenty of accommodation options in the town.
As a base for exploring the north west of Scotland, Ullapool is ideal. It has accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets, including one of the best (and best located) campsites in this part of Scotland. And since the upgrading of most of the roads further north it is within reasonable reach of many parts of the region that twenty-five years ago would have needed a major expedition to reach.
Ullapool offers some very nice pubs, including the Ferry Boat Inn. It also has a range of shops from the smallest right up to a well-stocked supermarket: anyone on a self catering holiday is sure to be visiting the latter at some point during their stay.
For those wanting to know more about the area the excellent Ullapool Museum & Visitor Centre on West Argyle Street can be highly recommended. This is in the old parish church, and tells the story of the people of Loch Broom and the history of Ullapool.
Getting to Ullapool
To travel from South East England to Ullapool in Scotland using a combination of public transport and planes, you can follow these steps:
1. **Train or Bus from South East England to a Major Airport**: Start your journey by taking a train or bus from South East England (e.g., London) to a major airport with flights to Inverness, the closest airport to Ullapool. Airports in London, such as Heathrow, Gatwick, or London City Airport, offer flights to Inverness. Check the flight schedules and choose the most convenient option for you.
2. **Flight to Inverness**: Book a flight from the chosen airport in South East England to Inverness. Flight durations may vary, but it generally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to fly from London to Inverness.
3. **Travel from Inverness to Ullapool**: After arriving at Inverness airport, you can continue your journey to Ullapool using public transport options.
– **Bus**: Take a bus from Inverness airport to Inverness city center. From there, you can catch the Stagecoach service 61 bus, which operates between Inverness and Ullapool. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
– **Taxi**: Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Inverness airport directly to Ullapool. This option is more expensive but offers convenience and a faster journey time.
It’s essential to check the flight and bus schedules in advance, as they may vary based on the day of the week and season. Plan your connections carefully to ensure a smooth journey, and consider leaving some extra time for any potential delays or unforeseen circumstances.
By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.
Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.
UK: One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.
North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.
Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.
Australia: “Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.
Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.
If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.
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.
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 Iceland Specialist and also has Greenland Sailing Expeditions. 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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