Barque Europa
OCEAN WANDERER & ANTARCTIC SPECIALIST
CLASSIC SAILING
www.classic-sailing.co.uk
Parton Vrane, Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5ET
[email protected]
+44 (0)1872 580022
Falklands Sound
Vessel Specialism
What to Expect - On Deck
56m Dutch Barque Europa has sailed the world, doubled the Horn,
has cruised the Southern Ocean and Antarctica for over a decade,
and is well known in ports for sailing in under sail - almost to the
dock. This Tall Ship has earned her reputation for piling on the
canvas and really sailing. Built in 1911 and completely re rigged as a
barque in 1986, she follows the trade wind routes to maximise
downwind sailing and is equally at home in the roller-coasters of the
‘roaring forties’ or in lighter tropical conditions where she can set an
awesome suite of 30 sails, including skysails and stunsails.
The working language on board is English but like the tea clippers of
old, the cultural mix of guest and professional crew are truly
international, so the conversation can get complicated, but never dull.
If you want to learn how to sail a square rigger to its full potential,
love wildlife and want to learn about the worlds oceans from a caring
and intelligent crew then this is the vessel for you. Recommendation:
Classic Sailing Directors chose to sail Europa for our holidays to rekindle our love for tall ships and re gain a zest for life.
Europa has a professional crew of at least 10 so they can sail the ship
as fast as she can go day and night. Guest crew are normally split into
3 watches and assist the deckhands with sail setting, steering, lookout
and navigation. The style of command is very relaxed but don’t be
deceived by the lack of shouting. The action is always swift and crew
are used to organising a wide range of nationalities and skill levels.
There are daily briefings, lectures on wide ranging topics, and hands
on square rig tuition for those who want to know more. Unless you
are on a youth sail training voyage there are no ‘happy hour’ cleaning
duties. Working aloft or out on the bowsprit is not compulsory but
there are plenty of opportunities on this ship.
The late Steve Jobs gave a speech to graduates "Every day I look in the mirror and ask myself, if today
were my last day on earth, would I want to do what I am about to do today?". And at 3.45am as the
lamp by my bed switched on for the 4am watch, were it not for the fear of waking two thirds of our
motley training crew... I would have shouted at the top of my lungs "_YES! This is what I would want
to do!" because another glorious day on the beautiful Europa was waiting for me on deck. Riss, 2011
CLASSIC SAILING
www.classic-sailing.co.uk
Parton Vrane, Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5ET
[email protected]
+44 (0)1872 580022
Larsen Fjord, South Georgia
Off Watch - No Time to Be Bored
The Galley Crew
Europa is ideal for ocean crossings and longer voyages with various
places for relaxing. The wood panelled library at the stern of the ship
has ships models, charts, an inspiring book collection and plenty of
seating for all kinds of quiet hobbies...although a non slip mat is
handy sometimes. Sorting out photos on your laptop (European
sockets 220v); writing the ships log; painting; making a birthday
present or even sending an e mail home via satellite. The deckhouse
is the more social relaxation space. There is a ipod/CD player, a bar
and plenty of tables for mealtimes or relaxing with new friends.
There are windows all around so you wont miss any action on deck.
The lower lounge is near the galley for an alternative place to eat,
and is used for lectures and showing films. The Poker Corner is
another place to tuck yourself away with a good book. Interesting
ships attract interesting people, so swapping stories is the best bit.
Europa’s chef and galley team take pride in cooking varied meals
throughout long voyages. The freezers are large, watermakers
supplement big freshwater tanks. Fresh bread is made every night
and every opportunity to buy fresh fish or local produce is made.
Wine and beer can be bought from the bar. Special diets can be
catered for. Hot snacks during night watches also occur.
Safety & Environmental Protection.
The Europa is a very solidly built ship. She has proved herself in the
roughest seas in the world and has all the safety certificates required
under Dutch law for ocean wide sailing. For many years the ship has
been supplying the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) with
weather recordings and in return they provide safe routing advice.
Europa also conforms to very strict operational rules on safety and
environmental protection to operate in Antarctica.
“There is such a strong sense of community on board that you never feel alone
or isolated. Everybody is either working on Watch, catching up on sleep or
taking it easy in-between. That means that there is always a feeling of things
being taken care of 24hrs a day.” David K, Mid Atlantic on Europa
pilot cutters
luggers
www.classic-sailing.co.uk
barques & brigs
schooners
Parton Vrane, Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5ET
trading ketches
[email protected]
trawlers
+44 (0)1872 580022
Antarctica & South Georgia
Wildlife Guides & Exploring Ashore
Europa offers a unique opportunity to visit the Antarctic on a tall ship
where you are the guest crew setting the sails and steering the ship.
This active adventure keeps you warm working on deck so you see
more wildlife. The teamwork required to sail a square rigger in the
Southern Ocean brings the whole ships company closer together
than on a expedition cruise ship. You become part of a very small
group of adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts able to explore this
pristine wilderness in a style akin to the great polar explorers.
Both Adam and Debbie in Classic Sailing Office have been to
Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands on Europa, and Adam has
sailed the Chilean Fjords on the ship, so you are welcome to ring us
for a chat about the most amazing place on the planet. When you go
ashore with wildlife guides and ships crew nothing can prepare you
for the sheer numbers of penguins, fur seals, blubbery elephant seals
and terrifying leopard seals. We saw humpback whales and orcas,
snow petrels, wandering albatrosses soaring accross silvery seas.
Europa offers several 22 day Sailing & Wildlife Expeditions each year
exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and islands where the summer
climate is cold but generally dry and the sun often shines. At the end
of the season is the epic 52 day Cape to Cape Voyage starting near
Cape Horn and exploring Antarctica, South Georgia, Tristan Da Cunha
and across the ocean to Cape Town.
See our website destination pages for more on Antarctica and South
Georgia or request our Antarctic or Cape to Cape Brochure PDF.
Europa is a member of IAATO, an organisation founded in 1991 to
practice safe and environmentally responsible tourism amongst
private operators in Antarctica. The two wildlife guides on board for
these trips work with the captain to plan your landings whilst
respecting the fragility and hazards of this pristine landscape. They
explain the geology, polar exploration history, oceanography, wildlife,
conservation threats and current research. Guide profiles on website.
“We travelled between 3 continents under sail, dodged countless
icebergs, enjoyed 19 wild anchorages without sight of another vessel,
and came home in awe of the vast but fragile ocean and its wildlife.”
Jackie, ANT5 Antarctica– South Georgia– Cape Town 2007
CLASSIC SAILING
www.classic-sailing.co.uk
Parton Vrane, Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5ET
[email protected]
+44 (0)1872 580022
Ocean Crossings
Round the World
Crossing an ocean on a windjammer is a challenge and once in a
lifetime ambition you should seize whilst you can. It is possible to
live life comfortably and dare we say boringly, but you may never
know your true strengths or experience the truly humbling effect of
being alone in a wide, vast ocean. The sailors who followed the trade
winds in square riggers were a special breed. After your voyage on
Europa you will earn yourself a place in a unique ‘club’ and make
friendships which will bond you for a lifetime.
In October 2012 Europa set off on a historic journey around the
world in company of two Dutch tall ships. Legs from 10 to 52 days.
Leg 2 Punta Arenas to Ushuaia - exploring Chilean Fjords & Antarctica
Leg 3 Ushuaia to Cape Town via Antarctica and South Georgia.
Leg 4 Cape Town to Mauritius - Following the Sardine Run
Leg 5 Mauritius to Perth - La Reunion & Cross the Indian Ocean
Leg 6 Perth to Adelaide - following in footsteps of Dutch explorers
Leg 7 Adelaide to Melbourne - South Australia adventure
Leg 8 Melbourne - Tasmania - tall ship gathering in Hobart
Leg 9 Hobart - Sydney - Tall Ships Race
Leg 10 Sydney to Auckland - Tall Ships Race
Leg 11 Auckland to Falklands via Cape Horn
Rites of Passage - Goals and Dreams
Round Cape Horn, Cross the Equator, Travel between continents by
wind power, overcome fears and climb to the top of the mast. What
is your goal ? We have seen grandmothers reach the skysail yard. If
you are not sure if you are up to it, please do ring us as we can help
find the right size of adventure for your abilities and fitness.
Tall Ships Races
Europa encourages under 25s to sail the tall ships race, but there are
limited berths for adults. Imagine racing a fleet into Sydney in 2013.
“Bark Europa aims to sail around Cape Horn without using
their engines for the 3000 miles between 50 degrees South in
the Pacific and 50 degrees South in the Atlantic – in the true
style of the last of the windjammers.” Dutch Tall Ships
pilot cutters
luggers
www.classic-sailing.co.uk
barques & brigs
Parton Vrane, Portscatho, Cornwall,
schooners
trading ketches
trawlers
TR2
Europa History
Vessel Specification
What to Bring
Europa was built in 1911 as a lightship for the
mighty Elbe Estuary. In 1986 her potential as a
sailing ship was realised and she was brought to
Holland for an 8 year transformation into a
three masted barque. The restoration was
supervised by the Dutch Shipping Inspection
Bureau Veritas and she holds certification for
worldwide charter. She is an incredibly strongly
built ship with six watertight bulkheads and a
strengthened hull around waterline for ice.
Year Built/Restored
1911/1986-94
Home Port
The Hague, NL
Length Overall
56.0m
Beam
7.4m
Draft
3.9m
Sail Area
1250m sq
Engines
2 x 365HP
Guest Crew Overnight max 48 persons
Professional Crew
11-14 crew
Each cabin has wc/shower/basin en suite
Ships boats 2 zodiac dinghies & ‘sloopy’
Watermaker & Sewage treatment works
220v electric for European 2 pin sockets
in cabins and communal spaces.
(Antarctic Kit List Below - for warmer voyages
please adapt list or ask us for advice)
Accommodation
Relaxation spaces include the library,
deckhouse, lower lounge, poker corner, and
many seats around the decks when anchored.
Cabins have heating or air conditioning and are
either 4 person or 6 person, all with a WC/
shower/washbasin ensuite. There are a few
two person cabins for couples (cost more). The
deckhouse has a bar selling wines and beers.
On deck the ‘waist’ of the ship can have waves
sweep it in rough seas but the poop deck where
you steer the big ships wheel, boat deck and
focastle are all high above the sea.
What is included
Duvets, linen, pillows, hand towels
Sailing instruction
All meals on board
Wildlife Guide on some voyages
What is not included
Waterproof Trousers & Jacket
Travel to joining port
Alcoholic or canned drinks from bar.
Cost of any e mails home by satellite.
There is a landing fee for South Georgia
Communications
Satellite phone (emergencies)
2 Inmarsat C terminals
SSB and 2 VHF radio plus mobile VHFs
Safety
Dutch Commercial Safety Certificates for
Worldwide Operations - covers lifesaving
equipment, staff certificates, operations.
Medical Care
For Antarctic Voyages and long ocean
passages in remote locations the ship
will usually carry a doctor as volunteer
crew. The Captain and several of the
crew have medical training. You must
have travel insurance and healthcare
insurance for your own country. Please
make sure you take enough medication
for anything you are prone to. It is vital
you tell us of any medical issues on your
Waterproof Trousers & Jacket
Down jacket or ski type insulated jacket for
Antarctic trips is good for under a waterproof
jacket for night watches.
Shoes with a good grip for deck & aloft
Rubber Boots / waterproof boots for wet
weather or getting in/out of dinghies/ wading
rivers, penguin shit or snow !
Thermal underwear/ longjohns
Swim suit & beach towel
Suntan lotion & good sunglasses
Sun hat / warm hats, scarves, more than one
pair of warm /waterproof gloves.
Clothes that dry quickly. Mix of warm,
waterproof & windproof layers
Small rucksack for going ashore
Pasport, Travel insurance documents/tickets
Check with your embassy for any visa
requirements for each country.
Personal medicines/ spectacles
Cash for bar / spending money
binoculars / Camera etc with lots of batteries
There are lockers and drawers in each cabin
but no space for rigid suitcases. Please pack in
a soft rucksack or bag.
For Antarctica you will need to vacumn and
remove all seeds & soil particles from clothing
so not to spread foreign species/ bacteria.
Merchandise
Classic Sailing have women’s & men’s smocks
with our fleet logo below and your vessel
name ‘Bark Europa 1911’ on the back. See
our on-line shop www.classic-sailing.co.uk
hands on traditional sailing
www.classic-sailing.co.uk
Parton Vrane, Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5ET
[email protected]
+44 (0)1872 580022