Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sat 02-05-2026, 18:00Easter Island (Rapa Nui) | Sun 31-05-2026, 10:00Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia | Tecla | 29 Nights | TC020526 |
Embark on a 30-day voyage from Easter Island to Tahiti aboard Tecla, exploring remote Pacific islands and immersing yourself in Polynesian culture along the way. From the mysterious Moai statues of Rapa Nui to the vibrant markets of Papeete, this journey offers a great mix of adventure and relaxation in paradise!
Explore iconic Easter Island
Enjoy big ocean sailing in the sunshine
Immerse yourself in Polynesian culture
Get to grips with sailing Tecla, and become part of the crew
Visit a host of beautiful and varied Pacific islands
Clock up around 2500 nautical miles!
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 |
Before setting sail, take some time to travel around Easter Island. Explore the iconic moai statues at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rapa Nui National Park, and delve into the island’s rich Polynesian culture at the fascinating museums and archaeological sites.
On stepping aboard Tecla in Hanga Roa, 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 morning.
As Tecla sets sail westward, you’ll get into the swing of life on board. Enjoy warm nights under the starlit sky and the possibility of diving into the deep blue waters of the Pacific. Explore the intriguing Pitcairn Island, steeped in history from the infamous mutiny on the Bounty. After Pitcairn there are another 300 miles or so to Le Gambier islands. Stopping on Mangareva, you can hike to the highest tops of the island and have lunch in the small cafe on shore, and visit the local church where you can see and feel the history of the island. The other smaller islands offer beautiful anchorages with amazing snorkelling, the chance for beach bbqs and evening strolls on the sand. This is paradise.
After Le Gambier islands, Tecla will set sail for the Tuomotu islands. If possible the Marquesas islands may be included, but these are completely weather dependent as they add over 900 miles to the voyage. The Tuomotu islands are a widespread group of atolls. Some of them are no more than a ring of coral reef with sand and palm trees. Areas that were once inhabited have been abandoned, with nature slowly retaking them. Others have small villages and even some tourism on them. Making our way in between the islands we look for the ones with an entrance big and deep enough for the Tecla.
From the Tuomotu islands the voyage will take us to the Society Islands, possibly with stop on Moorea before finishing the voyage in Tahiti.
Your journey culminates in the vibrant city of Papeete. From here you can explore the enchanting island of Tahiti. Lounge on the pristine beaches of Matavai Bay or venture into the lush interior to discover cascading waterfalls and verdant valleys. Immerse yourself in Tahitian culture at the Papeete Market, where stalls offer exotic fruits, handicrafts, and local delicacies. For a taste of the island’s fascinating Polynesian heritage, visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands.
Trade winds and tropical waters; this voyage should see warm and relatively stable sailing conditions, with a good sailing breeze. Clear night skies offer fantastic opportunities for stargazing and celestial navigation practice. The weather can always change, however, and it is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for potentially trickier sailing conditions at times.
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.
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.
Hanga Roa, menaing ‘Long Bay’ in Rapanui, is the main (and only!) town and the harbour of Easter Island. It sits in the lowlands between the extinct volcanoes of Terevaka and Rano Kau. Easter Island is tiny, only 14 miles long and 7 miles wide, but it is well worth extending your visit by booking one of Hanga Roa’s few accommodation options so you can really explore.
Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, and a fantastic base from which to explore the paradise of Tahiti. Black and white sand beaches, a fascinating local pearl industry (including black pearls!), great food, stunning tropical scenery and a vibrant night life. Well worth spending a few days here!
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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