An Ocean Adventure

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail from Bermuda

Bermuda is only 21 square miles but comprises of 181 named islands sitting way out in the Atlantic, hundreds of miles from the USA and several thousand from the UK. An elegant destination of perfect sandy beaches palms and colonial old world charm Bermuda is decidedly British compared with the Bahamas. The beautiful colonial town of St George’s is sure to entice you, with it’s waterside bars and restaurants. Don’t forget to try a Rum Swizzle or a Dark and Stormy, the famous Bermudan cocktails (although maybe stick to one: going to sea on a hangover is not recommended!)

Along the Way

With experienced crew to show you the ropes, sails and deck skills you will also learn how to spot wildlife, how to steer the ship, why the sails are set a particular way. Watch the pattern of the waves and understand the swell and how it is affected by the weather hundreds of miles away. Always keep an eye to the sky and try to foretell what the weather is going to do next. 

Once out into the ocean, a relaxing and comfortable routine will be established. Night sailing with absolutely no light pollution allows you to see the stars like you have never seen them before, and clear days offer the widest of horizons.  All of the seas moods will be encountered, from glassy calms to white capped swells where flying fish are launched from crest to crest.

If the winds are light then rolling out the stuns’l booms and setting these giant light wind stun sails can occupy a fair bit of the day. It is a good idea to practice getting them down quickly too, as this part of the world can get a bit thundery and squally.

Arriving in the Azores

The volcanic Pico is likely the first land you’ll sight, and with it the spell of the ocean passage will be broken, and everyone will start getting excited about stepping ashore. Horta is a real trans-Atlantic way point, visited by all kinds of ships on all kinds of journeys, and every surface of the quay is covered in murals painted by the crews of visiting boats. No doubt Eye’s own mural will need a touch up and an update! Enjoy an evening ashore in the world-famous Peter’s Cafe with your new shipmates before a final night on board.

If you have the luxury of some extra time in the Azores before your onward travel plans, make sure to visit the scrimshaw museum at Peter’s Cafe (if celebrations got in the way of this on the day of arrival!). There are also fantastic hiking opportunities if you need a leg stretch after your time at sea.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

The route is likely to be looking for the Westerly depressions to sweep the ship across the Atlantic which can mean swinging quite far north into the Westerly wind belt. Temperatures are mild and can be quite hot near the Azores. The seas could be rough when the low pressure systems come through but near the Azores high pressure can bring lighter winds and flatter seas.

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.