Pacific Subtropics to the Roaring Forties

Setting Sail from Rapa Nui

There won’t be much time for exploring Easter Island before departure, as voyage preparations will be in full swing, so we’d highly recommend you get to the island early to fully appreciate it. Explore the archaeological wonders of the Moai statues, scattered across the island’s rugged terrain, and delve into the rich Polynesian history and culture that define Rapa Nui.

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 in harbour before preparing to set sail the following day.

Along the Way

You’ll have around ten days at sea before a stop at the Juan Fernandez island group (weather permitting). This is true blue water sailing. Days blend into nights. Learn celestial navigation, climb aloft, write, read, rest. The ship becomes the world. You’ll soon feel like an integral part of the crew, finding your place in the Tecla organism. Time out of sight of land, in good company, with good food, and with the vast Pacific all around… you might start to realise why ocean sailing is so addictive!

Juan Fernandez is a small group of islands 400 miles off the coast of Chile. The biggest is Robinson Crusoe Island, which also offers the only two reliably fair anchorages. The islands’ marine flora and fauna are unique and include many endemic species, such as the Juan Fernández fur seal and two petrel species: Stejneger’s petrel and the Juan Fernández petrel.

The final leg of the journey should take around a week. The Pacific grows cooler, and Tecla sails deeper into the roaring forties. Winds build, swells lengthen, and eventually land appears once more on the horizon.

Arriving in Chile

Although Puerto Montt is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean, it is only a day sail away from blue water. If Tecla has made good time, there may be an opportunity for a stop in Chile’s Lake District before your final port of call. A final night on board calls for toasts to a job well done, new friends made and new adventures had.

After you take your leave of Tecla, make some time to get to know the unique blend of German and Chilean cultures that define Puerto Montt. Wander through the city’s bustling markets and picturesque waterfront, where you can admire the colourful buildings and scenic bay views. If you’re in need of a leg stretch after your ocean passage, Chilean Patagonia offers fantastic hiking.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

This is challenging ocean sailing, going from the subtropics to the roaring forties, and navigating near the westerly storm belt. September is early Spring in the South Pacific, with longer days but frequent cold fronts and fairly regular deep lows rolling eastward.

But what does this all mean for you?! Be ready for anything, basically!

The breeze will be stiff, averaging around 20 knots (force 5) but will certainly increase at times. The swell will be long and high, typically around 3 to 5 metres, getting shorter and steeper in frontal zones and closer to the Chilean coast. Expect alternating sunshine and heavy rain squalls, with more general rainfall as you approach the mainland. Temperatures will gradually cool as you head South. The first part of the passage will see 16–20°C (dropping to 12–15°C at night), but after Juan Fernandez you can expect 12–16°C (dropping to 8–12°C).

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. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’

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.

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.

What's Included (Standard)

• Coffee and tea
• Blanket, sheets, pillow and covers (for longer voyages there will be clean bed linen)
• 3-4 crew members guiding the group
• 1 towel
• For longer voyages you can wash clothes once halfway through the voyage

What's not Included (Standard)

• Soda and alcoholic drinks 
• Landing fees and Paid excursions ashore
• Transfer to and from the vessel
• Visa if needed
• You can not wash clothes on board on shorter voyages

What should you always bring

• Soap (preferably parabens and plastic free)
• Tooth brush & Toothpaste
• Comfortable clothing
• Socks (at least until halfway through the voyage)
• Underwear (at least until halfway through the voyage)
• Binoculars (if you like bird watching, we have a pair on board, but it stays in the back close
  to the navigational area, it does not go on hikes)
• Sunscreen
• Photocamera (or you can ask other guests for their pictures)
• Chargers for electrical equipment – there is 220v with central European plugs and a usb
  plug in the cabin
• Day pack rug sack or small bag for hikes.
• Water bottle for hikes
• A good mood and an open mind
• Passport
• Visa if required
• Valid Insurance papers
• Personal Medicines
• Seasickness pills if you need them

Ocean Crossing

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.

• Waterproof jacket (can be sailing gear, but hiking gear, light weight jackets are very nice as well)
• Waterproof pants
• T shirts (at least 5)
• Shorts (at least 2)
• Long pants
• Light / cool footwear with grip on deck (can be flipflops or sandles)
• Waterproof boots / footwear
• Swimming outfit
• Sunhat
• Merino wool thermal wear (can be light weight)
• Water bottle (yes it said so in what always to bring, but during warm days, this is really a must!)

Greenland & Iceland

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!

• Hiking waterproof pant
• Hiking waterproof jacket
• Wool sweater
• A lightweight down jacket can be very nice
• Warm head wear
• Buff or neck scarf
• Gloves against the cold, not necessarily for sailing
• Long pants
• T Shirt
• Sweater
• Merino Wool full under layer (at least 1 full set, depending on length voyage, 2 sets)
  

Falkland, South Georgia & Antarctica

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.

For the cold

• Merino wool 180/200gr thermal underwear (at least 3 sets)
• Down jacket (if possible 800/900gr filling is the best)
• Down jacket (700gr) or windstopper jacket
• Woolen sweater
• Warm head wear
• Buff or neck scarf
• Gloves against the cold, not necessarily for sailing (two pairs)
  

For the Rain

• Waterproof footwear
• Waterproof hiking footwear
• Waterproof hiking jacket
• Waterproof hiking pants

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.

North West Passage or Taste of the North West Passage

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.

• Hiking waterproof pants
• Hiking waterproof jacket
• Wool sweater
• Warm head wear
• Buff or neck scarf
• Gloves against the cold, not necessarily for sailing
• Long pants
• T Shirt
• Sweater
• Merino Wool full under layer (at least 3 full sets)
• Down jacket (if possible 800/900gr filling is the best)
• Down jacket (700gr) or windstopper jacket
• Waterproof boots
• Hiking shoes

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.