Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Clipper

26th March 2015

Day Seven - Martinique

It's difficult to believe how fast time flies on board Royal Clipper, yet how she quickly feels like home. As we sail into Martinique this morning I find myself eager to step ashore and explore a new destination, yet keen to come back to a place that has become a haven to me, filled with friendly and smiling faces. As I walk around the deck this morning crew members are mending sails, painting masts and ensuring the ropes are all tidied away. The process of maintaining the ship is ongoing, and this reminds me that sailing on board a working tall ship is a completely unique experience.

We are calling at two destinations again today, so keen to make the most of the day the group spent the morning ashore exploring Fort De France. After an itinerary consisting mainly of idyllic beaches and very little in the way of towns, this port of call was a reminder of civilisation and that life doesn't always stand still. Fort De France is buzzing with activity and thriving businesses, with dashes of colour lighting up the buildings. Music from the shops fills my ears and the scent from the pastry shop encases me in a food-fuelled heaven. Everywhere you turn here there is something new to find- on our way back to the ship we found a huge street market, filled with fruit and vegetable sellers. It was full of locals buying their groceries, all welcoming us to try their produce.

Once back on board we were welcome with a lunch buffet on deck by the Tropical Bar. Pastas, salads, meat and desserts wafted down the gangway as I climbed back up. The food on board can cater to any taste and any nationality, and the waiters and Maitre'D endeavor to please any taste.

The ship departed under full sail for an hour or so, and before we knew it we were at anchor near a beautiful beach in Martinique, somewhere that seemed a world away from the side we had seen this morning. With fine, white sand between my toes and the sun blazing, we found a beach bar and ordered cocktails, before laying on the beach watching Royal Clipper from ashore. There is no doubt that she stands out in these destinations, yet looks like she was made to belong here.

Once again I watched the sunset on board, before getting ready for dinner and the evening's entertainment. Tonight the guest and crew talent show is taking place at the Tropical Bar, a highlight being the Cruise Director and Bartek from the Sports Team performing a jive to raptuous applause from the audience. We were unable to sail at the scheduled time of 7pm due to weather conditions, so our departure time has been rescheduled to 3am. Itineraries are fixed, however unfortunately the weather is something the Captain is unable to control (despite what is said!), and it is a true reminder that anything can happen.

Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Clipper

25th March 2015

Day Six - Bequia and St Vincent

The beauty of a Star Clippers sailing is that whilst there is the option of going ashore and exploring beautiful, idyllic destinations every day, the ship holds a magic and a charm that makes you not want to leave. Today I did just that- I took a day to experience Royal Clipper in all her glory in the daytime.

Nestled in the bay of Kingstown, St Vincent, guests made their way ashore on the tender towards the green island, dotted with colourful houses and filled with true Caribbean culture. I took the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail on board and take in the view from afar. It is easy to forget just how fortunate you are to be sailing on the world's largest tall ship, the ship that everyone looks at from ashore and marvels at her beauty. The 5 masts, the maze of ropes and the nostalgic finishings are enough to make anyone want to find out more about this stunning vessel.

Being such small ships, Star Clippers can offer guests two ports of call in one day, as the islands can accommodate us almost anywhere due to our intimate size. At midday the sails were hoisted and we made the short journey to Bequia- a small town renowned for its beautiful beaches and roof-top bars.

This evening's entertainment was Pirate Night, so lots of guests dressed up and headed to dinner complete with parrots and eye-patches. At 10pm, the ship assembled at the Tropical Bar for pirate themed fun and games hosted by the Cruise Director, including crab racing (yes, with real life crabs!) The atmosphere was buzzing and lead into the disco once more. Tomorrow we have another destination featuring both a beach stop and a town stop, so after a day enjoying the fresh air it was time to rest, ready for another exciting day in the morning.

Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Clipper

24th March 2015

Day Five - Tobago Cays

When you picture paradise you picture white sand, blue skies and water so clear you can see the ripples of sand underneath. Until today I thought this only existed on postcards and computer backgrounds, that was until Royal Clipper anchored off the coast of Tobago Cays.

We arrived early in the morning so we were able to take advantage of a full day ashore. When in paradise it would be rude not to wouldn't it? The tender service ran smooth crossings as it snaked in and out of yachts dotted near the coastline, before landing on the beach to deliver us to the island. The locals had displayed a collection of tshirts and dresses decorated with tropical flowers, a perfect background accompaniment to a man sitting playing his guitar and singing reggae music. I settled myself between two palm trees, feeling as though I had discovered the most beautiful place in the world.

The watersports on board are all complimentary, and this includes the use of a snorkel and mask for the duration of the cruise. I took full advantage of this and went for a swim in the crystal clear water. After a few minutes of swimming around and seeing small fish scattered amongst the coral, I noticed a larger round shape on the seabed. As it ascended towards the surface I realised it was a turtle! With a shell the size of a small table it's difficult to miss and I soon saw two others around. Assuming they were a happy family, and after a good swim around them, I made my way back to the shore where the beach BBQ was being served.

Crew had come off the ship to serve a delicious lunch to the guests. This included ribs, burgers, hot dogs, fish and a full salad station. The effort that went into it was phenomenal and a very special touch to what was already an idyllic day. Accompanied by some music and a glass of rum punch, I wondered if life could really get any better! My question was answered when I noticed two stingrays swimming freely near the shoreline. The clarity of the water and the shadow from the beautiful creature made a perfect accompaniment to Royal Clipper in the background.

The ship was due to sail later in the afternoon, so after a quick freshen up I was on the deck to witness the sails being pulled up once more. Children and adults alike can all assist with this, a great addition to an already unique sailing adventure. You can get as involved as you like- if you don't want to lift a finger you can sit back and watch the magic happen around you.

Our evening entertainment tonight was followed by a disco, hosted by Gabor, the Royal Clipper's in-house entertainer. Soon the dancefloor was filled with people dancing the night away as we made our short transition towards St Vincent, Grenadines.

Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Clipper

23rd March 2015

Day Four - St George's, Grenada

Royal Clipper graced us with an beautifully calm night last night, so feeling very refreshed I made my way to the atrium for breakfast before a sunbathe on the open deck.

The atrium on board is situated midship- it features two staircases that cascade down 3 decks, from the Piano Bar to the restaurant. Peering over from the top and seeing the rich mahogany finishings, complimented by nautical touches and deep colours, reminds me every day that I am on a true sailing vessel. Royal Clipper behaves in most ways like a ship that sailed the seven seas a century ago, however the difference is that you can watch it all go on around you. You are not obliged to get 'stuck in' to the mechanics going on around you.

One feature of a true sailing experience offered on board is climbing the Crow's Nest. On a morning such as today, where we are at sea until midday, guests can safely put their harness on and be guided up the mast by the watersports team. Imagine the view from the top as we sail into Grenada's St George's port, with the beautiful Grand Anse beach glowing from afar.

Sails down and ready for a trip ashore, half of the group make their way to their hiking trip to a waterfall. On board there is a variety of excursions available- a great opportunity to venture further afield in a more unfamiliar destination. The rest of us took a taxi tour of the island before visiting a local hotel. Grenada, or the 'Spice Island', is very proud of its heritage and this is clear in the patriotism that the locals emit. As we left the port, locals lined the streets to do their morning shop, head to classes and have breakfast in the local cafes with friends. There is a buzz to the island, as if everyone is doing something and enjoying being there.

We weren't due to sail away until midnight tonight, so we met for dinner at a slightly later time as tours returned to the ship later. The beauty of dining on board any Star Clippers ship is that you can turn up any time between 7:30-10pm and the relaxed, informal atmosphere is always welcoming.

Sail-away was a quiet one tonight, as it was so late, there were only a handful of us there to witness the spectacle. I found myself reclined on a sunbed, watching the stars as the sails billowed around me. Once the music stopped, the lights were turned off which seemed to make the stars shine brighter. Absolute stillness surrounded us. A beautiful moment to witness and the most peaceful experience I have had in a while. Feeling sleepy, I made my way to bed where I slept soundly, ready for the next adventure in the morning- Tobago Cays.

An Insight into the Operation of the Star Clipper

22nd April 2015

Climb aboard the Star Clipper and you’ll instantly notice the spider’s web of ropes and sails that are synonymous with the entire tall ship fleet. Put simply, they aren’t just there for decoration – each and every rope and sail you see on board the Star Clipper has a purpose. To understand the true beauty of this tall ship is to understand the purpose of every part of the rigging. This blog will provide an insight into the day to day operation of the four-mast Star Clipper.

Masts

The Star Clipper is officially regarded as a four masted barquentine, meaning that only the front of the four masts carry square sails whilst the other three carry triangular sails (otherwise known as stay sails). These four masts, from front to back, are the foremast, main mast, mizzenmast and jigger mast.

The foremast features before the main mast, which is usually located in the centre of the ship and is the tallest of all. The mizzen-mast is the third mast and is usually shorter than the main mast. Star Clipper’s final mast is the jigger-mast, which is usually the shortest and last mast on any ship with more than three masts.

On the jigger mast, sometimes you may see something known as a “spanker”, which is a steering sail that resembles a rudder in the wind.

Yards

Yards are the wooden poles (otherwise known as spars) which run across the mast and are where the square sails are set. In ascending order, the square sails set on the fore mast are: the course yard; lower topsail yard; upper topsail yard; lower topgallant yard; and the upper topgallant yard. The square sails are then named according to which yard they are placed – for example, a square sail on lower topsail yard is the lower top sail.

Underneath all of the square sail yards are footropes, which run parallel to the yards and are supported by short straps known as stirrups. These provide a place for crew members to stand and work upon each individual yard. At the end of each yard arm, there is a loop of wire known as a Flemish horse, which provides an area to stand when the foot rope comes to end.

Square Sails

Broken down, think of the square sails as a canvas. The uppermost (and longest) side is simply referred to as the head; opposite is the foot and the two shorter sides of the sail are the leaches. The head of the square sail is attached to its yard by robands and the two lower corners are the clews. These clews are attached to sheets which draw down the lower corners of the square sails and are positioned relative to the wind.

It is important that before any square sail is set, the yards are braced round to the correct angle to the wind. Each of the square sails are assembled in a prescribed order: Lower topsail, Upper topsail, Course, Lower Topgallant and Upper Topgallant. By assembling the square sails in this order, the sail that is assembled first will be taken in last. The lower and upper topsails are considered to be storm sails and will be the last to be taken in, when the wind decreases. Higher sails will catch more of the wind, and are therefore taken in first as wind decreases.

Triangle Sails

Headsails (fore main mast staysail, inner job, outer jib and flying jib) and the many other staysails are all triangular, fore and aft sails. In order to operate correctly, all triangular sails need: a halyard, which is attached to the head of the sail to hoist it up (set the sail); a downhaul, to haul it back down again (furl the sail); two sheets, placed port and starboard to control the clew of the sail; and a tack pendant, placed on staysails and attached to the deck or mast at one end to limit the travel of the sail along the stay.

They are assembled from the rear of the ship, going forwards: Fore staysail; Inner jib; Outer jib; Flying jib. As the wind speed increases, these sails are taken down in reverse order as necessary. Additionally, the fisherman sails are placed between the main and mizzen masts and are currently the largest sails you can find on any tall ship anywhere in the world.

Standing Rigging

The rigging of the Star Clipper is broken into two categories: Standing rigging and Running rigging. Standing rigging is immovable and once it is set up, it is occasionally tightened to keep it at the correct tension.

It can be defined by shrouds, stays and backstays. Multiple shrouds provide lateral support to the masts and the first set of these run down from the futtock band, just under the top (the first platform above deck level on each mast), to the sides of the ship where they are attached to the chainplates. Top put it briefly; the shrouds bring stability to the masts and can be found in multiple sets at different heights of each mast.

Stays are ropes, wires or rods that run fore and aft along the centreline of the masts to the hull, deck bowsprit and to other masts. They are named individually (except for jibs) based on the mast they are supporting. Likewise, backstays do the same job as stays but in the opposite direction to prevent the masts from falling forward.

Running Rigging

In contrast to standing rigging; running rigging is used to position yards and, as the name implies, it “runs” or moves. Braces are used to pivot the yards around the masts as if to trim them and ensure they are set in the correct direction to angle the wind. Every yard features a pair of braces, one which is placed port and the other to starboard. The braces are always used in pairs and will allow the ship to sail in different angles to the wind.

The standing rigging and running rigging combined will allow the masts to be held firmly in position and provide the ideal framework to support the sails at the correct angles to the wind.

Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Clipper

22nd March 2015

Day Three - Union Island

There are certain aspects of cruising that you can only get away with on a smaller and more personal ship such as Royal Clipper. In the brochure today is highlighted as Captain's Best, which is exactly that. The Captain has decided to anchor off the coast of a small island called Union Island, a half-moon shaped beach engulfed in rich foliage and lapping tides. After a morning watching us sail gracefully towards the island, I was soon on the tender towards the secluded shore.

Union Island has a very Robinson-Crusoe feel to it, a destination untouched by larger cruise ships and full of unspoilt character. I found myself stood in front of what can only be described as a shack, where locals were distributing rum punch as we arrived on the beach. The water sports team were on hand if anyone wanted to give some sports a go - kayaking and snorkelling were a popular choice of the day. Others decided to lay on the beach listening to the music playing from the drinks shack.

From the shore, Royal Clipper stands proud and graceful, slowly rotating around the anchor as if to give us a show and display her beauty from all angles. She slots into the shoreline and other vessels that are scattered around, like one of the crowd.

Once back on board, the crew are making preparations for the sail-away, this time in the daylight and heat of the afternoon sun. As before, the music draws everyone in and immediately the atmosphere on board becomes one of dramatic grandeur. A guest has taken the helm and he steers us out of the port, under the watchful eye of the Captain and crew who are unfurling the sails. Everyone comments that the atmosphere during this time cannot be summed up in words, the best way is to experience it yourself.

Our post-dinner entertainment tonight is a light-hearted fashion show, where the crew and a few passengers model the items from the ship's Sloop Shop. Seamlessly this lead into a late-night disco, where the DJ played our requests as the guests danced the night away. The bar closes when the last person goes to bed, so 'last orders' are two words you will never hear on board.

Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Clipper

21st March 2015

Day Two - Barbados

Today was a very exciting day. I embarked on the Royal Clipper, the world's largest tall ship in service. We arrived after a whirlwind of a day that included a short flight from Antigua to Barbados. I spied Royal Clipper as we were descending into Bridgetown, her iconic 5 masts standing proud and her distinctive nostalgic themes noticeable even from the sky. She looked as charming as ever.

We were picked up from Barbados airport and taken to Colony Club, a resort only 20 minutes from the port, for a delicious lunch and a well needed refreshing drink as the sun beamed down on us. The hotel was beautiful and characterised the modern yet traditionally Bajan feel - it prides itself on- on the grounds they grow their own vegetables which they then use in their kitchen. A great little touch to any menu.

After lunch and a general refuel we headed to our final destination, our home for the next 7 nights, the elegant Royal Clipper. A swift check-in process followed and before I knew it I was wrapped in nostalgia. The rich mahogany of the woodwork and deep reds and blues of the main atrium immediately made me feel as though I had been transported back in time 100 years to the grand age of sail. Greeted with a glass of rum punch and the smiling faces of the crew I felt as though I had returned home.

We were scheduled to sail away from Barbados at 10pm, so after a delicious vegetable curry in the only restaurant on board (crew and officers also dine in this restaurant) I was up on deck for the moment that epitomises any Star Clippers cruise- sailing away to Vangelis' Conquest Of Paradise. A haunting and enchanting piece of music that plays every day as we leave a destination, whether this is at 4pm, 7pm or later into the evening under a blanket of stars. A goosebump inducing experience that you can just never tire of and one that makes the Star Clippers experience even more memorable.

Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Clipper

20th March 2015

Day One - Antigua

There's definitely something about the Caribbean... something that draws you in and invites you with open arms to experience the warmth, friendliness and beauty it has to offer. After being in Antigua for less than one day, I stand by this and admittedly have royally fallen head over heels in love with this part of the world once more.

As I write this from my gorgeous room at Blue Waters, St Johns, it's difficult to picture that 18 hours ago I was settled at London's Gatwick airport, amongst the general morning hustle and bustle primarily consisting of solar-eclipse-anticipation (did anyone see anything?).

Our Virgin Atlantic flight took off on time at 11:15am, bound for the blue skies of St John's (and undoubtedly with matching crystal blue seas). 8 hours of longing for the 28 degree heat soon passed by, and before we knew it our group were through immigration and on the-slightly bumpy- journey to Blue Waters. Our driver was a happy man, who engrossed himself in singing John Legend's All Of Me for almost the entire journey. Unlike the UK, we didn't find ourselves staring out of the window at service stations and lay-bys, but instead this had now been replaced by palm trees and brightly coloured houses, a lot of pastels and very well co-ordinated neighbours!

Once we arrived at Blue Waters we were greeted by very friendly staff (armed with cool hand towels) who made us feel immediately welcome and gave us a thorough tour of the grounds. This included the spa and the beautiful outside area where loved up couples get married- an average week sees 6 couples tie the knot here. Whilst we were seeing the various rooms and villas the resort has to offer, I found myself immersed in the blissful tranquillity that surrounded us. The air seems still and silent yet full of hidden treasures, and luckily I don't just mean mosquitoes!

Before heading to a group dinner laid on in the main restaurant I took some time to fully appreciate the setting sun from our balcony alongside a glass of bubbly (well, it would be rude not to wouldn't it?) To me this seems more special than any time I have seen the sun set in the UK- the colours are deeper, the reds and oranges almost resembling the colours you might see in exotic, tropical fruits otherwise non-existent to us.

After a long day of travelling the group headed for a relatively early night, all eagerly anticipating our journey to Barbados in the morning to embark the beautiful Royal Clipper. We are extremely fortunate to be able to experience the final Grenadine Islands sailing of the season, before she commences her transatlantic sailing back to the Mediterranean.

For now, a good night's sleep in my air-conditioned room is on the cards, as is an early morning wake-up call for our flight to the ship. This time tomorrow we will have sailed away from Bridgetown on Royal Clipper, and I can't wait to update you all from our stunning vessel.

Experience the Monte Carlo Grand Prix

11th March 2015

March 15th marks the beginning of the 2015 Grand Prix Championship with the opening spectacle taking place in Melbourne, Australia. British Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton will look to defend his title over the course of 20 races, all around the world. Without question, the most glorious and recognised races out of the 20 is the Monte Carlo Grand Prix in Monaco.

Star Clippers can take passengers to the heart of the action with a seven night cruise on board the Star Flyer. You will set sail from Cannes on May 23rd in the midst of the glamorous Cannes International Film Festival, before visiting Corsica, Sanary sur Mer and St Tropez and, of course, Monaco in time for the Grand Prix race on May 24th.

Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix race track is laid out in the narrow streets of Monte Carlo and provides a challenge for even the most experienced of drivers. Since 1929 when the circuit was first introduced, drivers have endured elevation changes, tight corners and even a tunnel whilst zooming around the prestigious race track.

Prior to 1969, the race featured no safety barriers and drivers were at the mercy of the local surroundings. Trees, lamp posts, glass windows and even a train station were all damaged whilst there were no barriers in place. Some drivers even drove straight into the harbour water as there was no protection in place. In 1969 some Armco barriers were introduced and by 1972 the race-course was almost entirely lined with safety barriers.

Graham Hill was known as “Mr. Monaco” after winning the Monaco Grand Prix five times in the 1960’s; whilst renowned Brazilian racer, Ayrton Senna, won the race six times over the 1980’s and 90’s. Senna was extremely popular with the people of Monaco and the spectators for winning the race on so many occasions. Following the the 1987 race, which Senna had won, he was arrested for riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet - but was shortly after released by officers when they realised who he was.

With so many new tracks entering the Formula One Championship; the race will always remain one of the most famous and glamorous in the Formula One calendar. This popularity has been emphasised following the announcement in 2010 of a ten year deal between Bernie Ecclestone and the race organisers.

Prices for this amazing Star Clippers experience start at £2,699pp based on two people sharing a category 6 inside cabin. Port charges, return flights, resort transfers, full board, general admission tickets to the Grand Prix race and a three night hotel stay in Monaco are included in the price. Additionally, you will also travel in style via a helicopter flight transfer on your final day in Monaco to Nice Airport. If you love adrenaline, fast cars and golden beaches then this is the perfect Western Mediterranean cruise for you.

Early History of Clipper Ships: Opium, People and Tea

25th March 2015

Last week, Star Clippers looked into the significance of Cape Horn in the early days of sailing and the dangerous route it represents. Staying with the history of wind sailing, we take a step back even further to venture into the early history of clipper ships.

The origins of the word ‘clipper’ are uncertain, but it has been accounted for in several ways. One explanation suggests clipper relates to the English word ‘clip’, meaning “to run or fly swiftly” whilst another explanation refers to the stem of the ship, which is designed to “clip over the waves rather than plough through them.”

Whatever the meaning may be, there is no doubt that, at the time, the clipper ship was the fastest type of vessel to sail the seas. During the short golden era of clippers, between the late 1840’s and 1870’s, ships would race around the world on various trade routes.

Three routes in particular were of significant importance in terms of global trade. The first of these was: New York to San Francisco via Cape Horn, which transported hopeful gold-diggers to the California Gold Fields. The second was China to England with tea cargoes and the third was India to China with opium. Opium was illegal in China, but it was smuggled in and, along with silver, were the only items the Chinese merchants would accept in exchange for tea, porcelain and silk.

Origins of the Clipper

Clipper ships were sailing around 50 years prior to the golden era, with the first ships built in Normandy and Brittany in France around 1800. Around this time, the term “clipper” did not yet exist but the ships had similar qualities. These ships were used for smuggling and privateering during the troubled Napoleonic period. British ships did not compare to the speed and elegance of these French ships and Lord Nelson even admitted the best ships in his fleet were those captured from the French fleet.

During the 1812 war between Britain and the United States, America introduced a type of ship known as the Baltimore Clipper. These ships, lightly equipped with armour, sailed very well and were perfect for privateering. They were so impressive in fact that they were discussed by British MPs and were labelled as “packet ships.” Sailings between New York and Liverpool were the most frequent, but sailings also occurred between other US and British ports and to Australia – carrying emigrants and cargo.

In 1845, the competition to build the fastest sailing ship intensified thanks to inventive young ship-builder, Donald McKay, who started constructing ships at a Boston shipyard. He succeeded in building forty clippers over a 20 year period at the Border Street shipyard in Boston. McKay passed away in 1880 in 1880, but the Border Street waterfront is still full of relics from the days of when the historical clipper ships were built.

Gold Rush

In 1847, only a handful of people resided in the tiny village of San Francisco – but in January the following year, everything changed. James Wilson Marshall discovered gold in California and hundreds of ships docked into San Francisco on their route. Many decided to sail the entire distance around Cape Horn as opposed to making the journey by land which involved facing the wrath of unfriendly Indians.

Many ships became stuck in San Francisco and were converted into hotels, bars, shops, brothels and prisons. San Francisco became a vital trading destination and it was thought that whatever could be bought in New York for one dollar, could be sold in San Francisco for ten dollars.

It is also worth noting that one of the people to venture to San Francisco on a hunt for gold was Levi Strauss of Bavaria, Germany, in 1853. He sewed trousers of old tarpaulin and fixed the pockets with copper rivets. Suffice to say, he went on to earn a lot more from his Levis jeans than the gold diggers.

Tea Rush

In the mid-19th century, tea drinking in Britain was starting to truly come into fashion and many merchants were waiting eagerly in London. Because of the strong demand, captains and crews were pushed to the utmost, with merchants offering a 10 shilling per tonne reward for the first ship to arrive with an additional £100 for the winning captain and extra month’s wages for the crew.

Three of the most prestigious ships of the time named: Ariel, Taeping and Serica; all set sail on May 30th 1866 for the famous tea race. Three months later, both Ariel and Taeping were sighted at Lizard Point – the southernmost point in the UK.

The two captains saw each other this sparked a furious rush to the Thames. After 99 days of sailing, both Ariel and Taeping arrived in London within 38 minutes of each other (Taeping first in the Old London Docks and Ariel, second, in the East India Docks) and the prize was split. Serica was not far behind, finishing the race less than an hour behind Ariel.

In the 21st Century, there is no rush for trade and although there is no way to determine the weather conditions; you can be guaranteed a relaxing and highly enjoyable sailing experience with Star Clippers cruises. Sailing through the Panama Canal means there is no longer any need to experience the treacherous conditions of Cape Horn. The best way to recreate the experiences mentioned in this blog is to embark on a Ocean Cruise across the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by the crystal blue waters, you will be able to find peace and tranquillity in the middle of the ocean.

The Treacherous Cape Horn

18th March 2015

Cape Horn is often regarded as the most notorious rock in the world when it comes to the world of sailing. Located at the southern-most tip of South America, below the Chilean and Argentinian borders and Isla Herschel, lies a landmark which has become synonymous with sailors. This horn like rock structure depicts a history of sailors who would struggle through unparalleled weather conditions to reach Australia.

Sailors Grave

In September 1578, Sir Francis Drake passed through the Strait of Magellan into the Pacific Ocean before encountering a storm that pushed the vessel towards Tierra del Fuego, southern Chile. Sir Francis Drake’s discovery of open water to the south of Southern America went unnoticed until the Dutch East India Company gained a monopoly over the Straits of Magellan.

At this point, ships were forced to travel around the southern tip of South America and into treacherous latitude regarded as “The Screaming Fifties”. These conditions were considered the worst on earth due to the low pressures that form over Antarctica – resulting in strong waves and fierce winds. Combine these conditions with poor visibility and it’s easy to comprehend how many lives may have been lost around Cape Horn.

An exclusive club was established for those who had rounded Cape Horn in a commercial sailing vessel without an engine. It was dubbed the “Amicale Internationale des Captaines au Long-Cours Cap Horniers” and at one time consisted of over 2,000 members. Ships without an engine no longer opt to sail around Cape Horn and the last to successfully do so was over 650 years ago. It is unlikely a genuine Cape Horner is still alive today and this ultimately resulted in the group being dissolved in 2003.

Panama and Suez Canals

The opening of the Panama (1914) and Suez (1869) Canals helped trade considerably and enhanced the level of safety on trade routes. The Panama Canal allowed travellers to cut through the American continent, whilst the Suez Canal provided an alternative to sailing all the way around Africa. Considering the original trade route travelled from UK, around the southern tip of Africa and onto Australia before sailing around Cape Horn; this made a sailor’s life considerably easier.

Despite the opening of these canals, Cape Horn is still widely renowned as the fastest sailing route in the world and has seen an increase in tourism thanks to expedition sails to the Antarctic. Due to the treacherous sailing conditions, it has been regarded as the Mount Everest of sailing. The record for the fastest time for a wind-sail commercial ship to sail from 50 degrees south in the Atlantic to 50 degrees south in the Pacific was set in 1938 and took five days and 14 hours.

Star Clippers cruise ships of the 21st century are very different to the commercial wind sailing ships that were prominent of the 20th and 19th centuries. Whilst it is impossible to guarantee totally calm waters, the routes and itineraries around the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Caribbean and Cuba provide tranquil destinations with golden beaches and turquoise waters.

A Sailors Diet – 1800’s Style

8th April 2015

Travel on board any Star Clippers cruise ship on any itinerary in 2015 and you will be guaranteed friendly service and wonderfully fresh food. In fact you are spoilt for choice across all meals with a vast number of seasonal and fresh selections.

Start off the day with a continental breakfast selection consisting either of English muffins, Danish pastries and French croissants; or a hot breakfast consisting of bacon, sausage, salmon and omelettes. Lunch is a buffet affair with a vast number of selections which may include seafood, salads, or even a beach-side barbecue selection. Dinner offers a marvellous selection of dishes over a range of courses which look great and more than satisfy the palate. Additionally, chefs on board Star Clippers cruise ships will adhere to any dietary requirements you may have.

Cruise travellers are lucky in the 21st century, as the food selection available on board during the 19th century was dire in comparison. The sailing experience of the 19th century may have been revived but with a complete makeover fit for the 21st century. We take a closer look at how sailors may have eaten throughout the historical days of wind sailing.

1800’s

Step back in time over 150 years and things were very different. Sailing was the only way to export cargo and travel the world and the facilities used to maintain fresh food were non-existent. Obviously, communication was not as advanced as it is today meaning that crews could not organise fresh food deliveries at ports of call. Another important factor is speed as wind sailing ships would once travel the seas three to four months without entering a single port.

Taking all of this into account, it’s possible to imagine the conditions on board for sailors and difficult it may have been to maintain a nutritious diet. In the book Through Mighty Seas, Henry Hughes describes an encounter with maggots: “Breaking the biscuit into convenient portions for eating, these brown-headed little devils met one’s gaze. To the first voyager it was a revolting sight. They were not a bit shy; they would just remain there and squirm. The old salt would take little heed – he would dislodge the tenants by gently tapping the biscuit on the table, and then go on with the meal.”

Biscuits played a large part in a sailor’s weekly diet and a menu from the 1890’s would look something like this:

* fried flour dumplings which were the precursor for doughnuts

^ a rich, boiled or steamed suet pudding made with raisins, currants and spices

The food quite often consisted of heavily salted meat of very low quality, which had been stored in barrels. Biscuits were not sweet as they are regarded today, but instead consisted mostly of wholemeal flour, salt and water.

Tobacco

Many sailors decided to smoke tobacco on board and a percentage of these also decided to chew the tobacco, in addition to their diets. Sailors would quite often store the tobacco in their sailor hats and, over time, the linings of the hat would become entirely saturated with sweat and tobacco juice. Once sailors were out of tobacco, they would tear out the linings of their hats and chew on that instead – which is where saying: “I’ll eat my hat” originates.

It is remarkable to appreciate the many transitions that have been made to wind sailing over time. Today, Star Clippers travellers can embark on a journey that will delve into the history of wind sailing, whilst also providing contemporary food and service. Whether you want to travel to the Caribbean; Eastern or Western Mediterranean; Cuba; or the Panama Canal - Star Clippers can provide a wonderful experience for you.