Cross the Atlantic to South America aboard Twister

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Tue 21-01-2025, 14:00Lisbon, Portugal	Mon 24-02-2025, 14:00Paramaribo, Suriname, South America	Twister	34 Nights	TW210125

Voyage Description

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail from Lisbon

Your journey begins in the charming city of Lisbon, Portugal, from where you set sail to the New World. Arrive early and spend a few days enjoying Lisbon’s history and vibrant culture. The Maritime Museum is a must see!

Along the Way

First landfall will likely be Tenerife, one of the captivating Canary Islands. Take the opportunity to explore this volcanic island’s stunning bays, dramatic landscapes, and lush inland jungle. The waters surrounding Tenerife are home to various species of whales and dolphins, providing a chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close. The lively nightlife in the towns ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the stopover.

Continuing the voyage, brisk trade winds propel Twister towards the Cape Verde Island of Sao Vicente, and the vibrant capital, Mindelo. After days at sea, the bustle and cultural richness of city life are a welcome change. Alternatively, guests can embark on a ferry to the pristine paradise of Santo Antao, a hidden gem free from large-scale tourism. Make the most of a good leg stretch before your Atlantic crossing.

Days sailing out of sight of land offer time for lively conversations, reading, or simply relishing the surge of the waves as Twister makes steady progress towards South America. Swimming in the deep ocean, with miles of water beneath and no land in sight, is a truly unforgettable experience. There’ll also be plenty to help out with on deck, constantly checking the sail trim to ensure Twister is making the most of the wind available.

Arriving in Paramaribo

Land-Ho and Twister will likely anchor at the iconic Devil’s Islands off the coast of French Guiana, marking your triumphant crossing. These islands, known from the book “Papillon,” once housed a penal colony, with traces of its history now hidden beneath lush jungle growth.

From here, you’ll sail to the mainland of French Guiana, where the Marowijne River, bordering French Guiana and Suriname, beckons. Twister ventures up the river to the town of Saint Laurent du Maroni, home to another historic French penal colony. The journey continues as you navigate deeper into Suriname, arriving in the lively heart of Paramaribo.

In Paramaribo it’s time to raise a glass of Parbo beer to celebrate a successful voyage.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

This voyage uses the Atlantic trade winds sailors have been taking advantage of for centuries. While these winds are about as reliable as you can get, this is big ocean sailing and you should be prepared for some big swells and potentially foul weather, as well as sunny days and swimming.

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.

Start & End Port

Lisbon, Portugal

Yard of the Palace

Trams in Lisbon

Worthwhile Journeys

You are going to be spending some time in the ports you embark and disembark from. These aren’t just logistical points; they’re opportunities for further enrichment. Take an extra day to discover what’s beyond the harbour. It’s not merely about filling time; it’s about making the entire journey worthwhile.

Keeping in Touch The exact location of your ship may not be known until closer to your joining time, you will be informed by email once the exact position has been confirmed. Make sure you take a note of the ship’s mobile/cell phone number with you in case you are delayed or there are any other problems on the day.

What to Do in Lisbon

History Lisbon is a city steeped in maritime history. The Maritime Museum and the Jerónimos Monastery are a nod to Portugal’s illustrious sea voyages. For history buffs, the Alfama district is a labyrinth of narrow streets, capturing Lisbon’s Moorish past.

Culture Fado music often wafts through the air as you navigate the city’s hilly terrain. If you find yourself here in June, you’ll catch the vibrant Festas de Lisboa, featuring a parade of colourful sardine floats.

Sites of Interest to a Sailor From Lisbon’s shoreline, you might glimpse the towering statue of Christ the King and the 25 de Abril Bridge, a near-twin of San Francisco’s Golden Gate. The Tagus River offers natural shelter, historically providing a safe haven for sea vessels.

Entertainment You’ll find plenty of traditional Fado houses, jazz bars, and modern nightclubs. Docas de Santo Amaro is known for its nightlife where the quayside bars become vibrant as the sun sets.

Eating Out Don’t leave without tasting a pastel de nata. Seafood is, naturally, a staple, with bacalhau (salt cod) appearing in countless forms. For wine, you’d be amiss not to have a glass of vinho verde or port.

Nature Beyond the hustle and bustle, Lisbon has beautiful natural landscapes to offer, including the nearby Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a grand blend of forested hills and rugged coastline.

Unique Features Lisbon’s trams are not only an effective way of tackling its many hills, but they offer a unique and historical ride through the city’s most scenic routes.

Accommodation For classic Portuguese grandeur, try the Pestana Palace or the Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon.

Official Tourist Website Visit Lisbon’s official tourism website for more information.

Weather Lisbon Winters are mild, with January hovering around 11°C. Spring offers pleasant temperatures, while summers can soar up to 30°C. Autumn is a transitional period, with mild to warm weather.

Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide Since you’re already investing in a unique sailing adventure, why not extend that spirit to your travel choices? Opt for more sustainable methods of transport where possible like trains, coaches or sharing a car. If you fly, and we realise this may well be the case, you could research some ways to offset the carbon created by the flight.

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.

How to Get There

From the UK Lisbon is well connected by air to major cities in the UK. Alternatively, trains from London to Lisbon via Paris and Madrid are also available.

From Europe Trains and flights from several European cities make Lisbon easily accessible.

From North America Direct flights are available from several major cities in the United States and Canada.

From Australia While there are no direct flights from Australia, one-stop flights via Asian or Middle Eastern hubs are commonly used.

Paramaribo, Suriname, South America

Paramaribo, Capitol of Suriname.

Caribbean Sunrise

Caribbean Sunrise

How to Get There

UK If you’re travelling from the UK, your most straightforward option to get to Paramaribo, Suriname, is by air. Flights commonly layover in Amsterdam before reaching Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport in Paramaribo.

Europe Much like those travelling from the UK, European adventurers will find flights are the most efficient route. Most flights from major European cities connect through Amsterdam.

North America For those journeying from North America, direct flights are rare. Connections typically occur in Miami or in Caribbean airports.

Australia Australians looking to visit Paramaribo will need to prepare for a long haul. Flights usually have multiple layovers, often in the United States and the Caribbean.

What to Do in Paramaribo

History Paramaribo boasts an intriguing blend of colonial architecture and history. Key places to visit include Fort Zeelandia, a 17th-century fortress, and the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, one of the largest wooden structures in the Western Hemisphere.

Culture Suriname’s diverse cultural mosaic is reflected in Paramaribo. Festivals like Diwali and Eid are celebrated with gusto. Traditional Maroon and Amerindian crafts can be found in local markets.

Sites of Interest to a Sailor While you’re all experienced sailors, you’d be remiss to not take in the coastal views of the Suriname River. While your tall ship rests, make your way to the boardwalk in Paramaribo for an unhindered view of the river’s mouth, an awe-inspiring experience even for seasoned seafarers.

Entertainment Nightlife in Paramaribo is vibrant, with bars and clubs offering a mix of local and international music. Dance the night away to the rhythm of Surinamese drums or enjoy a quiet evening at a jazz lounge.

Eating Out From Creole to Javanese, the dining scene in Paramaribo is as diverse as its people. For an authentic taste, try ‘moksi-alesi’, a mixed-rice dish beloved by locals.

Nature Suriname is often called the ‘beating heart of the Amazon,’ and for good reason. Natural reserves like Brownsberg Nature Park offer hiking and bird-watching, and the beaches of Galibi are famous for turtle nesting.

Unique Features The Central Market in Paramaribo is unlike any other. Here you’ll find a dizzying array of tropical fruits, exotic fish, and herbal medicines. The market itself is a testament to the country’s ethnic diversity and a unique feature you shouldn’t miss.

Accommodation Known hotels in the area include the Torarica Hotel & Casino and Courtyard by Marriott Paramaribo for those who prefer a touch of luxury. Eco-resorts are also popular among travellers keen to experience Suriname’s natural beauty.

Official Tourist Website For more detailed information on what Paramaribo has to offer, visit the Suriname Tourism Foundation website at Suriname Tourism Foundation Website.

So, why stay landlocked when you can experience the rich tapestry that is Paramaribo? Consider this a nudge from one set of sea-lovers to another.

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.

Kit List

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.