IDEAL VOYAGE FOR…

An ideal ocean voyage and sailing holiday for beginners as the barque Tenacious sails from Gibraltar across the Atlantic to the Canary Islands. A true deep ocean passage with warm weather and great sailing.

Relax at sea with all your land based worries behind you and over the horizon. 

Once in the Canary Islands there could be an opportunity to explore other islands before finishing the voyage in Las Palmas on Gran Canaria.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• Sailing for all abilities
• Good trade winds for exciting sailing
• Sail around & Explore ashore the Canary Islands
• A real ocean passage for beginners
• Star gazing and dark skies

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

If you like your sailing voyages to be proper journey making then the Canaries are ideal. It is easy to get return flights to Tenerife as it is a popular winter sun destination. Whilst the tourism ashore is predictable, exploring the islands as tall ship crew is totally different. You could be climbing the rigging in the moonlight, whilst your square rigger slips along the dark shores of the uninhabited parts of the coast. When you grow tired of sunbathing and looking at red skies against a bright blue sky you can stroll the wooden decks, help the crew with a maintenance job, or go looking for a bit of sail handling action. If the ship needs to manoeuvre, the crew will be looking for volunteers to down their books or kindles and haul on blocks and tackles. 

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage.

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura

We all know that feeling of spring. Sun warming our back, crystal clear air, the smell of aromatic plants and daring to dip in the refreshing ocean blue. In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura you generally have those pleasant temperatures all year round.

Mountain Walking and Volcanic Landscapes

Walking in the Lanzarote and Fuerteventura has come a long way in recent years with clear access and good pathways. 

Awesome Astronomy for Star Gazers

Our tall ships and traditional boats sail at night without any deck lights. As you steer the ship the only light comes from the compass light glow as the ships port and starboard navigation lights point out to sea. Enjoy starry nights and perhaps learn about how to take a star sight at dawn or dusk. Half of Europe’s astronomy telescopes are based on the summits of islands like La Palma because there is no significant light pollution.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

The NE trade winds just touch the Canaries. They bring a pleasant winter climate that generally means sailing in shorts and t-shirt and light jumpers. If the ship is sailing fast or you sail into some of the wind acceleration zones between the islands, you might need waterproofs for the spray and windchill.

Even in the ocean deep between the islands (3000 metres plus) is warm enough to swim off the ship. It is not uncommon for brigs to hove to (stop with sails up) and launch ships boat and swimming ladder for a blue water dip.

Average water temperatures in winter here are 20 degrees centigrade for air and water.

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.

AGILITY & FITNESS

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.

Tenacious & Lord Nelson Kit List

Included

• All bedding
• Heavy duty wet weather gear and boots
• Harnesses
• All meals and soft drinks throughout the voyage

What is not included

Travel to and from the start and end port
Alcoholic Beverages
Towels - You will need to bring your own towels (including one for swimming if you plan to swim)

 
What to bring 

Please keep personal gear to a minimum as there is very limited stowage space.

Clothing - What to wear
It can be noticeably cooler at sea than on land, especially at night. So come prepared. Also, please bring enough clothing for the duration of the voyage as we are not able to do personal washing for you, except on ocean passage voyages.

Shoes - Soft soled shoes – deck shoes or trainers. In warm weather, sandals are fine, but not flip-flops.
Gloves - You will be handling ropes so sailing or other non-slip gloves will be useful.
UK AND EUROPE SUMMER VOYAGES/ CANARIES
Fleece/warm sweater, sweat shirts, warm hat
Jeans/Trousers (+a pair for mess duty)
Shorts, T Shirts
Shower proof jacket/sailing jacket
Sun Hat, Sun Screen
Swimming costume

You may want to bring some warmer clothes in early/late season

CARIBBEAN VOYAGES
Thin fleece/light sweater
Shorts, T Shirts, Tops
Sun hat
Thin trousers and long sleeve shirts/blouses (in case of sunburn)
Long trousers plus closed front shoes for mess duty
Swimming costume
High factor sun screen, mosquito repellent
Thin shower proof jacket

On voyages from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, you may require a few
items of warmer clothing at the start.
PASSAGE VOYAGES (e.g.UK-CANARIES, CANARIES-UK, BERMUDA-UK)
These voyages are in the spring and autumn so the weather can be cold.

Fleece/warm sweaters
Sweatshirts/light sweaters
Jeans, Trousers (you will need long trousers for mess duty)
Warm hat, scarf, gloves
Long Johns, vests, T shirts
Socks
Warm shower proof jacket/sailing jacket

Remember that several thinner layers are warmer than one thick one!

PLEASE NOTE
Flip-flops are not considered suitable footwear on board ship, though sandals may be appropriate in hot weather.

Paperwork
• Passport (Even voyages with UK departure and arrival ports usually call into at least one foreign port during a voyage)
• Joining Instructions from Tenacious Ship's Office (please leave a copy with your next of kin)
•Insurance Policy
•Your return air ticket if you are joining or leaving the ship outside the UK. (Antigua will not allow you into the country without an air ticket out or proof of your means of departure. Your joining instructions are your proof.)
•Tall Ship Guide and Logbook

• You must bring enough to last the duration of your voyage and your journey. If you are flying to join the ship we suggest you pack your medicines in your hand baggage – but please check current airport security regulations.
• Earplugs/Eye mask,  If you think your sleep might be disturbed by the noise of the generator engine or lights.
• Spectacles/ Sunglasses with a cord to keep them safe.

Toiletries
• Enough for the whole voyage.
• High factor sun cream
• Mosquito repellent.

There are 240v UK sockets for razors and hairdryers

Money
• Sterling – to use in the bar for drinks, crisps, chocolate and to buy souvenirs in the shop (including JST clothing etc.)
• UK Voyages usually call into a European port so you will need Euros
•Canary Island Voyages – Euros
•Caribbean Voyages – US$, East Caribbean $ and Euros (many of the
Caribbean Islands are French)
•For countries outside the EU – local currency
•On leaving the Caribbean you may be charged $50EC departure tax
at the airport.
•On board we only accept Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards although
we would prefer cheques (sterling only)
•We DO NOT accept: debit cards, Solo or Maestro on board

DO NOT BRING
• Valuables – we do not have any lockable spaces on board.
• Suitcases or rigid bags – your personal possessions must be brought in soft bags for ease of stowing.

What was the best bit? Experiencing life on a tall ship and what it must have been like for sailors In the past. R. Waters Tenacious  2019

The best bit was setting the sails. The voyage had a good mix of sailing and ashore. I sailed because it was part of my Bucket List. The Captain and crew, the food, accommodation and safety briefing were all excellent. Kenneth C. August 2018

5 stars - I found a ship (Tenacious) on your site that was sailing from Auckland to the Falklands. I jumped at the chance and now can say with a bit of pride that I have sailed around Cape Horn on a square rigger. WOW and THANKS for your site." Classic Sailing Facebook.  Mike N. 

I was on board the Tenacious with Mates4Mates when it sailed from Brisbane to Sydney. After getting over some seasickness, I had the time of my life. From climbing to the top of the main mast, helping to brace the yards and set the sails, helping stow away the sails, and helping out in the kitchen. It was a mind blowing experience that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.  William H.

Made me think about my life in a hole new light . I came out of hospital after a double fracture to the skull & a bleed on brain , feeling sorry myself when I was helped other people on the ship , people in wheelchairs & other disabilities I give myself a kick up the arse an thought wake up Vinnie you haven't such a bad injury have you?Thank you JST Clan" Vinnie S J 

I Recently returned to Florida from a three week voyage on Tenacious, sailing from Panama to Costa Rica. Exceeded all my expectations by a long shot. Fun, hard work, and great food. Beautiful and educational adventures ashore, along with wonderful friendships with a diverse crew. I feel totally rejuvenated. Try it!" Ernest R C

I am wheelchair bound and went on the Tenacious on Saturday. It was absolutely fantastic, to learn the ins and outs of a sailing. All the crew were so helpful and accommodating. Would do it again definitely. " Troy W from Melbourne, Australia