Tue 02-06-2026, 18:00Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tue 30-06-2026, 10:00Honolulu, Hawaii
Tecla
28 Nights
TC020626
Your chance to explore the hidden gems of the South Pacific, as well as embarking on a 2500 mile trans-equatorial ocean adventure! A month-long voyage with around half your time spent on blissful island hopping, and half spent in a navigational watch, embracing the open ocean and enjoying the rhythms of a life at sea.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the gems of the South Pacific, including the Society Islands and the atolls of Tuamotu.
Real trade wind sailing, clock up over 2500 nautical miles!
Cross the Equator and partake in a traditional Line-Crossing ceremony.
Blissful island hopping plus over two weeks of uninterrupted ocean passage.
Before embarking on your epic voyage aboard Tecla, take some time to 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.
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 morning.
Along the Way
This voyage will be weighted to prioritise exploration on the South Pacific side, before setting off on the big ocean crossing to Hawaii. From the turquoise lagoons of the Society Islands to the pristine atolls of the Tuamotus, each day will be different. Keep watch for playful dolphins and migrating whales, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
Departing for Hawaii, the tradewinds will take Tecla in a half circle, first going north east then north then north west, skipping the Line islands. The passage will take between 16 to 18 days as it is between 2400 and 2500 miles from the Tuomotu islands to Honolulu on Oahu. The crossing is a true tradewind crossing, beautiful warm days, starting with a broad reach, ending with a close hauled or beam reach course. Get properly into the rhythm of life on board, taking part in navigational watches beneath the clearest of night skies.
Arriving in Honolulu
Your journey culminates in the vibrant city of Honolulu, where the aloha spirit awaits. Take some time here to explore the iconic sights of Oahu, from the historic Pearl Harbor to the bustling streets of Waikiki. Indulge in a traditional Hawaiian feast at a luau, or hike to the summit of Diamond Head for panoramic views of the island paradise.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
Set sail for adventure as you navigate the trade winds and tropical waters of the Pacific. Expect warm days and gentle breezes as you journey from Tahiti to Honolulu, with the winds shifting from southeast to southwest. Life on board Tecla is a blend of excitement and relaxation, with opportunities for celestial navigation, watchkeeping, and camaraderie under the vast Pacific sky.
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.
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.
Start & End Port
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
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!
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the main hub connecting Hawaii to the rest of the world, and is a bustling city, with all the business, nightlife and dining opportunities you’d expect. The rest of the island of O’ahu offers a contrast to this, and if we were to spend a few days here, it would be on the Leeward Coast, exploring rural towns and beautiful secluded beaches.
Kit List
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)
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
Vessel Gallery
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.
