| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 22-02-2026, 18:00Puerto Williams, Chile | Thu 19-03-2026, 10:00Puerto Williams, Chile | Tecla | 25 Nights | TC220226 |
This is not just any expedition to Antarctica — this is a journey further south than Tecla has ever done before, past the Antarctic Circle (66°33’S), into remote and rarely visited waters. Expect a variety of challenging conditions, from the wild seas of the Drake Passage to delicate navigation through sea ice. Your reward? Spectacular landscapes, unrivalled wildlife spotting and forming a uniquely strong bond with your fellow sailors.
A truly once in a lifetime trip, and run to the strictest IAATO principles of sustainable, environmental and low-impact Antarctic travel.
Fantastic wildlife spotting including penguins, whales and fur & leopard seals.
Bucket list destinations for adventurous explorers:
Exhilarating Southern Ocean sailing under the guidance of the professional crew.
Real wilderness.
| 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 |
At anchor on the northwestern coast of Isla Navarino, you’ll find Tecla and her crew, ready for her next great adventure. Puerto Williams Chile’s southernmost town and a gateway to the White Continent, is the perfect launch point for this epic voyage.
On stepping aboard Tecla you’ll meet the professional crew and your fellow sailors and get settled into your bunk. After a safety briefing and introductions over dinner on board, enjoy your first night at anchor. Voyage prep continues the following morning, before setting sail through the Beagle Channel.
You’ll begin your journey South through the Drake Passage, one of the most legendary stretches of ocean in the world. Expect soaring albatrosses, rolling swells and maybe the occasional whale surfacing nearby. Life on board quickly settles into the rhythm of the watch system. Shared meals, night sails, and laughter build a strong bond among the crew and voyage crew.
Tecla enters Antarctica through the Gerlache Strait, where icebergs tower and mountains plunge into the sea. Unlike large cruise ships, she can choose her own anchorages. Remote spots like Murray Harbor and Point Meusier offer quiet landings and unforgettable encounters with the Antarctic landscape. We’ll visit historic shipwrecks, watch penguins waddle across snow-covered ridges, and gaze into the endless blue of Charlotte Bay.
From there, we push south — navigating through increasingly icy waters toward our ultimate goal: the Antarctic Circle. With weather and ice as our guides, we aim for Stonington Island, the southernmost point of our expedition, though other spectacular alternatives — Port Charcot, Pléneau Island, Detaille Island — may await.
This is a journey further south than Tecla has ever been, past the Antarctic Circle (66°33’S), into wild and rarely visited waters. It’s a Circle voyage — but not just for the bragging rights. While the crossing itself is a landmark, it’s the intent that sets this journey apart: to venture away from the increasingly frequented anchorages, to discover the less-touched corners of Antarctica, and to seek silence and solitude where ice, sky, and sea meet.
Navigating below the Circle requires precision and caution due to heavier sea ice, which is why Tecla will set sail in the second half of the southern season, when the ice opens up just enough to grant access.
On the return north, you’ll visit anchorages missed on the way south, with a final landing at Port Lockroy — Antarctica’s southernmost post office. Here you can send a postcard from the edge of the world.
Then the Tecla retakes the Drake, and sets a course for the Beagle Channel once more.
This is a challenging voyage through some infamous waters. You should be prepared for difficult conditions and for the voyage plan to change forecast to forecast. Average wind speeds in the Drake Passage are force 6 to 8 with gale forces 9+ not uncommon. There are occasional ‘Drake Lake’ calms through February, but these are not reliable. The sea state can be rough and with the wind chill temperatures can feel well below freezing.
In Antarctica itself winds get lighter, and the sea state calms, especially in sheltered waters. However katabatic winds from glaciers can cause sudden strong gusts, and tricky ice navigation presents its own challenges.
But it wouldn’t be an adventure without a bit of hardship! And there’s no such thing as bad weather… only the wrong clothes. See Tecla’s kit list below.
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.
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. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’
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. Be prepared to answer extensive health and fitness questions for this voyage: this is true expedition sailing and the crew must ensure they can provide for the safety of all those on board.
Puerto Williams, the southernmost town in the world, is a gateway to Cape Horn and the Antarctic. It’s well worth spending time here to really get to grips with the place. Visit the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum to explore the stories of the Yaghan people, the original inhabitants of the region. Explore the Naval Base for a glimpse into the town’s military and navigational significance. While nightlife here is limited, the few bars and communal spaces often host lively conversations among adventurers, sailors, and researchers.
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.
Tecla a Taste of the North West Passage 2024
Glad you liked our journey!
Feel free to post a link so others may see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X06b4Xfs0hc
Have a great new year!!!
All the Best, Carr Clifton
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 Polar Specialist, with expeditions to Antarctica and through the Northwest Passage, but she also has fantastic voyages in sunnier climes. 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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