Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 12-04-2024, 18:00Cape Town, South Africa | Tue 28-05-2024, 10:00Horta, Azores | Tecla | 46 Nights | TC120424 |
46 nights aboard, and nearly 6000 miles to cover! This voyage is brilliant as for mile building and the experienced sailor as there is a long way to go, including a real taste of both the Southern and Northern Atlantic.
There is no itinerary possible for this voyage, as its main component is the ocean and the wind. On day 1 you will be welcomed by the captain the voyage plan will be explained. Depending on wind and weather, there will be possibilities to stop on St Helena, over 1700 miles from Cape Town. And after that Ascension is a further 2400 miles.
You will form part of the ship’s crew for this voyage, taking part in the watchkeeping system and falling into the rhythm of life on board. Taking part in a watch allows you to experience night sailing, learn some navigation, helm the ship, keep lookout and, of course, get involved in all the deck work such as setting and trimming sails.
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 |
Cape Town is known for many things, amongst them the Table Mountain. In 2013 the Tecla crew made the journey up on the mountain and reckoned it was certainly worth it! From the harbor waterfront, you can see Table mountain as a back drop of the Tecla while she is moored there. The Waterfront is a beautiful place to be. With many opportunities for shopping, having a drink on a nice terrace and getting into some markets with the finest foods, it’s worth arriving a bit early for your voyage to give yourself chance to explore.
With many miles ahead of you, sail will be set and the traditional ‘S turn’ will be used to sail with the wind from the South Atlantic into the North Atlantic. Crossing the equator is a true experience. The changing weather, with changing clouds and winds until there is mostly sunshine and hardly a breeze when you meet Neptune!
With so many days at sea watches will become part of your day to day rhythm and sail changes will be your exercise of the day.
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. And you will be one of the few there who have actually crossed two! 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.
This is a big ocean voyage, and you should be prepared for some swell. Within a few days of being on board you will have become used to the movement of the ship, and how to get around her safely. The crew will be using forecasting and weather routing to avoid the worst of the weather, but sometimes things can be unpredictable, so be prepared for all eventualities.
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 on 01326 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
For vessels using Cape Town, it is likely you will be joining your ship in the Victoria and Albert docks area.
Any changes will be communicated to you before your voyage start date. Make sure you make a note of the ship’s number found in your confirmation email in case of any problems on the day.
Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a victualling station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, as such Cape Town is a very historic port of call for a ship such as Europa. Cape Town has continued to be a classic stopping point for many ocean wanderers, from tall ships to modern race boats and commercial shipping. It is now the Provincial Capital of the Western Cape and the second most populous city in South Africa. Legal tender is the Rand and most major credit cards are accepted throughout.
The ships exact location in port is often controlled by the port authorities and they will only allocate a docking position a few days before.
Any changes will be communicated to you before your voyage start date. Make sure you make a note of the ship’s number found in your confirmation email in case of any problems on the day.
Horta harbour is approximately 10km from the airport on the island of Faial, Azores.
THIS IS TECLA standard voyage kit list. Specialist Antarctic kit list to follow shortly
There is limited storage space on Tecla so please pack all you belongings in a soft rucksack or bag.
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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