| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 09-12-2022, 18:00Stanley, the Falklands | Tue 17-01-2023, 10:00Puerto Williams, Chile | Tecla | 39 Nights | TC091222 |
This epic voyage visiting the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia is one of the most epic voyages you can make on this planet. South Georgia has very diverse and abundant wildlife due to being on the boundary between the Antarctica Current and the North Atlantic Ocean up swelling. After South Georgia Tecla sails into the Weddell Sea and heads for your first step onto the Mainland of Antarctica. All trips ashore are carefully planned in accordance with Antarctica Visitor Rules and all safety measures are strictly adhered too.
Experiencing Antarctica and South Georgia at close quarters, a real expedition that you make happen.
| 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 |
Experiencing Antarctica and South Georgia at close quarters, a real expedition that you make happen.
Before setting off for the lost continent we will explore the shores and Islands of the Falklands. Colourful wild live like the Kingpenguin and Rockhopers are the main attractions.
This trip we will not only visit the Antarctic peninsula but also South Georgia. South Georgia used to be home to many whaling factories not so long ago. Today South Georgia, like Antarctica is highly protected! It is only permanently inhabited by scientist. This enabled the flora and fauna to start to recover. The Elephant seals are again king on the beach!
Coming back from South Georgia, we head for Antarctica where we hope that Elephant Island will be our first land fall. Following this chain of Islands we will come to the South Shetland Islands. Its highlights the imploded Deception Island. From there our journey continues to take in the sights of the great white continent. Possible places to visit are Half-moon bay, Paradise harbour, Port Lockroy, al depending on the weather conditions of course. During our stay on the peninsula it would be very possible to be in company of Humpback whales and Fin Whales.
The most Southern continent also has its own kind of fauna like the many penguins, but also a great variety of seals among whom we can hopefully find the fearsome looking Leopard Seal. If the ice allows us we will try to transit the Le Maire channel with it awesome views! After a life changing cruise through this new world it is time to set off for Tierra Del Fuego, the land of fire.
On our way across the Drake Passage we hope to make land fall at Cape Horn. This rock is an icon for many a brave sailor. After clearing in to Chilli in the
Tecla sailed around the world in 2012-13 with Europa and Oosterschelde. She crossed the South and North Atlantic, Indian Ocean, the wild seas of South Australia, raced in the Tasman Sea and sailed across the Pacific to round Cape Horn. She is a fast ship that does well in tall ships races. Run by two Dutch families she likes to create unusual sailing programmes and her crews like to explore ashore with as much energy as they sail the ship.
Read more about Tecla the Vessel
This is a lovely voyage to get into the swing of Ocean sailing, watchkeeping, helming and sail handling all on a regular pattern of duty. In the time off catch up with some reading, swritting, art, or just contemplate the sea, life and the universe. You may also join in any maintenance tasks the crew are setting about, all good learning experiences.
The Falkland islands lie on the boundary of the subantarctic oceanic and tundra climate zones making it one of the most interesting places for wildlife. Both East and West Falkland Islands have mountain ranges reaching 2,300 feet (700 m). They are home to large bird populations, although many no longer breed on the main islands due to predation by introduced species. Major economic activities include fishing, tourism and sheep farming, with an emphasis on high-quality wool exports. Oil exploration, licensed by the Falkland Islands Government, remains controversial as a result of maritime disputes with Argentina.
The main town of Port Stanley is nearly half the civilian population of the islands and has most things you could want, museum, monuments, department stores, gift shops and car hire. You can fly from the military airfield Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) on East Falkland an hour north of Port Stanley.
Getting from there – https://www.falklandislands.com/getting-here.
One of the most fascinating places on the planet. Very diverse and abundant wildlife due to being on the boundary between the Antarctica Current and the Atlantic Ocean up swelling.
The food chain goes from tiny plankton to huge whales with many other branching chains. You can see penguins in the 100,00’s of thousand. Albatross and Macaroni Penguins breeding to name but a few. Fur seals, Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, royal, wandering, sooty, black browed albatros, Pertel in all sizes from Storm via Cape to Giant Petrel, Blue Eyed Shags. The rare South Georgia Pipit is now making a big come back after the eradication of rats on South Georgia.
Walk in the footsteps of Shackleton and visit the South Georgia Museum at Grytviken.
First stop could be, but is weather dependent, Elephant Island which is famous for being where Shackleton and his crew overwintered in 1916 after the lost their ship Endurance. A small part of the crew and Shackleton set off from there to South Georgia to seek a rescue for the entire crew in which they were eventually successful.
The South Shetland Islands are a group of Antarctic islands with a total area of 3,687 km². They lie about 120 kilometres north of the Antarctic Peninsula, and between 430 and 900 km southwest of the nearest point of the South Orkney Islands. They have Antarctica bases from different nationalities set up amongst the islands.
The name is apt. Once you have been there you will understand why!
Once you leave Antarctica you will be crossing Drakes Passage to CApe Horn and South America. Sailing up the Beagle Channel the voaye qwill end in Puerto Williams in Chile.
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.
Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
THIS IS TECLA standard voyage kit list. Specialist Antarctic kit list to follow shortly
There is limited storage space on Tecla so please pack all you belongings in a soft rucksack or bag.
What did you enjoy the most? Very difficult to separate out the various events but certainly the fjord voyage was better due to the increased variety of the programme. What was the worst bit? A shore-to-ship rib transfer in rough and windy conditions. Why do you sail? Freedom, adventure, commonality of purpose. Summary of the voyage. 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. Two voyages on Tecla Spring 2019
This was a great voyage. 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 Fair Isle 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 Barker, Tecla Ullapool to Reykjavik, May 2018
What was the best bit? Sailing under the Skye Bridge on a windy, sunny morning. .. What was the worst bit? Being sea sick on the first day, but I can't blame the boat or the crew for that - just the stormy weather. Why do you sail? I have never sailed before, this was a 'give it a try' holiday - it hasn't put me off doing it again sometime Any other comments An enjoyable week in less than ideal weather conditions. The crew was competent and friendly, the catering excellent - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a voyage on Tecla." Jonathan E. Sailing in Scotland
"Brilliant, I would do it again tomorrow. And good value too. Food was excellent. I loved the spicy meat balls and my wife loved the fresh langoustines." Steve.
The voyage was " 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
What aspects did you enjoy most? "The sailing from Faroes isles to Iceland in perfect weather." What aspects did you enjoy least? "cannot answer this question as enjoyed every single moment" If you could sum up the trip? "It was my first voyage. I just thought I like being out, I like being active, and I like the sea, so I will have a look at sailing. After that marvellous experience I will certainly continue." Annon feedback form May 2015
Sailed on Tecla to St Kilda in June - amazing crew (Gijs, Janet, Barbara) and great company. I loved everything about the trip and strongly recommend to join the Tecla folks. Most enjoyable classic sailing with great food, true sense of teamwork, great guidance and good sense of humour. Can't get any better." Cheers, Thomas M.
"Best Experience Ever (5 stars for sailing, crew and food) " David on TC28/04/14
I sailed aboard Tecla from Oban to the Scillies in very early May. It was cold, wet and mostly pretty windy. It was thoroughly excellent. The Tecla is a great little ship, but it was the skipper and crew (paid and "trainees") that made it for me. Great job, thanks guys. I plan to come again. Steve W
I‘d never been sailing in Iceland or on Tecla so this was a double first for me. What I like about remote places is that the people you meet are welcoming and pleased to see you. They seem to be secure in their communities and proud of where they live. In 8 days in Iceland I only saw one policeman very very briefly. Not at the airport but following us for about 30 seconds in a police car in Reykjavik. Was it cold in Iceland, Yes and No, on arrival there was no need for more than 2 layers on top and one below. But later when sailing and the wind picked up from the north it did require 5 top layers and 2 below but we were less than 30 miles from the Arctic Circle! Overall I really enjoyed the voyage and the wildlife. Adam Purser June 2018
Globe trotting Tall Ship Tecla in action and images. This historic gaff ketch is our Iceland Specialist and also has Greenland Sailing Expeditions. 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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South Georgia and Antarctica TC091222
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