Florette

Sail with a beautiful piece of maritime history as classic brigantine Florette offers an authentic hands-on experience. Discover the Mediterranean Sea from island hopping through the Aeolian islands to Sardinia, Malta and the Amalfi Coast. With a rich sailing history, join her third-generation sailing family as they welcome guests aboard and quite literally show them the ropes.

Accommodation

Number of guest berths: 28
Number of bathrooms: 4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower
Cabin configuration: 6x twin/family cabins, 2x 6-berth shared cabins, 1x 4-berth shared cabin
Smoking policy: In the outside smoking area.

Particulars

Port of Registration: Valletta, Malta
Year built: 1921
Length overall: 40m
Draft: 2.8m
Sail Area: 600SQM
Number of Sails: 15
Rig: Brigantine
Crew: There are six crew and the ship’s dog, Lucy who is present on every voyage.

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Description

Florette is the last active, originally built brigantine in the Mediterranean and one of the last wooden windjammers still actively sailing. After nearly 50 years operating as a cargo ship, she was discovered by the Haynes family at the end of the 1970s, lovingly restored to a charter vessel, and returned to her original condition.

She remains in the same family, now run by husband and wife team, Ron and Nicole. Still sailing in her home waters, Florette spends her summer season island hopping from Malta to Sicily, through the Aeolian Islands and the Amalfi Coast.

Her voyages are the perfect balance of traditional hands-on sailing (no experience needed!), exploration ashore and really good food! From week-long adventures along the coast to more adventurous voyages across the Mediterranean Sea, there is something to suit all ages and abilities. Guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this historic ship, from hoisting the sails together to taking the helm or climbing the rigging.

She has a double sea kayak, six stand-up paddleboards, plenty of snorkelling sets and fishing lines for guests to use, all included in the ticket price.

Below decks, she has a combination of twin and shared cabins, authentic hammock bunks in the saloon or even take your chances and sleep on deck beneath the stars!

Over the past 45 years, Family Haynes has been faithfully restoring and maintaining her charm with her traditional rigging and still sets all her sails by hand. She has been equipped with the latest safety standards in accordance with EU guidelines for historic charter and sailing school ships and approved for deep-sea navigation.

Berths on board

Single berth in shared cabin: Two 6-berth bunk cabins (same gender). One 4-berth bunk cabin (mixed gender, curtain instead of a door).

Private cabin (double occupancy): Cabin for two guests, or select for two adults & one child under 15years sharing.

Private cabin (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one person, or select for one adult sharing with one child under 15years.

Young Sailor - 15-30 years - Hammock or cabin berth: Sailors aged 18-30yrs at the time of sailing. Sailors aged 15-17yrs will share with their accompanying adult in a twin cabin.

One free child (under 15 years, sharing with parent/s): Select this option for one child under 15 years, sharing with two adults, or one child sharing a with one adult.

Life onboard

Florette and her crew always try to combine traditional classic sailing while immersing guests in the natural landscapes ashore; volcanoes, ancient culture and the specialities of the regional Italian cuisine.

Getting Involved

Florette invites you to get involved with all aspects of life on board. With an original rig, it is certainly an all-hands-on-deck approach, which is definitely part of the magic to sailing on an authentic tall ship. That being said, if you just want to sit back and enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine, then that’s fine too!

Sailing Florette is a true family affair. Captain Ron is the 2nd generation to run and sail Florette with his family after his parents bought the boat back in the 70’s. Ron was brought up on the boat, as he is now doing with his family. Alongside Ron and his wife Nicole, Florette is fully crewed with experienced and knowledgeable sailors. Nicole is also the boat’s chef, cooking up fabulous Mediterranean cuisine, so you won’t be going hungry after a day of sailing and exploring.

Florette commands attention wherever she sails with her traditional wooden hull, decoratively carved transom and her impressive sail rig. Sailing with her is part of the magic of this adventure holiday and is a huge part of the experience. She also has sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkelling gear for guests to use at no extra cost. There is also fishing gear available, which is used to catch fresh fish for supper!

Sleeping and Relaxation

Florette is one of the larger boats in our fleet, so she has ample space both above and below decks. Her Captain and family live-aboard, but they have their own separate quarters. Guests can enjoy private, double or family cabins, or share as a solo traveller. All cabins share a total of four toilets and three showers, with another shower on deck for a rinse off after some sea swimming! A generous saloon, bar and eating area sit below decks with a traditional wooden finish.

Above decks, there is a large cushioned area for relaxation, sun-bathing or sleeping beneath the stars (bring your own sleeping bag if this is something you fancy!). An alfresco dining area sits mid-ships, perfect for lunches in the sun or dinners at sunset.

Dining Aboard

Nicole prepares meals using local fresh ingredients, seasonal produce and local fish to make excellent, healthy Mediterranean dishes. Breakfast on board every day, and six meals are included in the ticket price. These six meals can be a combination of lunches or dinners, with the rest of the guest meals eaten ashore at guests’ expense. The ticket price reflects this and gives guests the opportunity to sample and enjoy the local cuisine. If, for some reason, Florette cannot get guests ashore, meals will be offered from the boat at a reasonable price.

Meet the crew of FLORETTE

Florette is a family-run tall ship which has been operated by the Haynes family for over 45 years, with Ron Haynes and his wife Nicole now at the helm.

Captain Ron Haynes grew up on the ship, moving on board at only six days old. He learned everything from traditional seamanship, diving and engineering from his father. Since 1999, he has taken over as the sole Captain, making him the second-generation sailing the Florette. He has participated in high-profile races such as the Rolex Middle Sea race and St. Barth’s Bucket race. In his 22 years as Captain, Ron has been involved in sail training, kayaking, dive charters, and marine biology seminars (to name a few) and has taken over 10,000 people safely to sea. He is half Bavarian, half English and speaks fluent Italian.

Nicole Haynes, Ron’s wife, has been on board since 1999. She served seven years in the Canadian Navy, training as an Officer of the Watch and as a rescue diver. Onboard Florette, she serves as first mate and is known for being a fantastic cook.

Their daughters, Jaden and Amber, live part-time onboard. They were “ship” schooled with a tutor through an online school in the UK. They have the luxury of family, a simple ship’s life and travel all rolled into one.

Last is the ship’s dog Lucy – a loveable Spanish water dog and a firm guest favourite.

The history

Brigantine Florette was built in 1921 in the famous Picchiotti shipyard in Italy.

The wooden tall ships and schooners of Viareggio were famous for their exceptionally good sailing characteristics, seaworthiness and durability. With over 600sqm of sail and no engine (a 60hp engine was fitted in 1936 to help with harbour manoeuvres), she sailed with 200t of marble and mixed cargo in Europe for the Telaro family until 1968.

During WW2, Florette became a Q/guard ship for the Italian navy and took part in the battle of Taranto. In September of 1943, she was stopped by the Germans and ordered to the port of Livorno to load ammunition for transport. The evening before loading, Captain Telaro scuttled the ship during an air raid in order to avoid helping the Germans. In the fall of 1944, her masts could still be seen. With the help of the American military, she was raised and restored to go to sea again.

There was plenty of work for Florette due to the lack of ships. She was engaged to trade with the British Admiralty to bring food to Malta and war material to Livorno.

Ron Sr and Christine Haynes came on board in the late 70’s and decided to purchase her. A 60-year-old tall ship that was in much need of repair, a huge bank loan, a small child and a dog. They spent the next 25 years sailing in the western Mediterranean, making their money from chartering. The winters were spent restoring and rebuilding Florette.

In 1999, Ron Jr became Captain, becoming the 2nd generation to run Florette. At the same time, Ron stole the heart of Nicole. They continued to charter 6-7 months of the year in the Mediterranean in their homeports in Malta and Italy. In 2007, with Malta joining the EU, they formed a company called Historical Tallship Sailing Ltd. In that same year, it was decided to start a major rebuild of the ship. Over the next 10 years, she spent months in a shipyard in Sicily, where traditional boat building is still practised. Side projects included becoming the Flagship for the Malta Sail Training Association, ECOSHIP and our own coffee brand VELA VELA.

Reviews

FAQs

Are all meals included?
It varies between voyages so please check each individually. Most are Half board (breakfast & 6 meals - a combination of lunch or dinner on a week voyage)
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please ask at the time of booking.
Are there any added extra's?
Soft drinks & alcohol can be purchased onboard with an honesty bar. There may be options for group BBQ's and wine tastings on some voyages, information will be given as you board.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
9x cabins: 6x double/family cabins (double+single), 3x shared cabins (solo travellers), 2x hammocks (by request, under 30 year olds)
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Every cabin has a large deck hatch.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower.
Is bedding included?
All bedding is included but towels are not. If you would like to sleep under the stars on deck, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag!
Is there a hair dryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
Not on week long voyages but on longer crossings it is possible.
Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated at your discretion. A fixed amount, or 5-10% of the ticket price is a guide.
What language is spoken onboard?
English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.
Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, please bring 2pin European adaptors
What is the currency on board?
EURO's
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
How do I get on and off the boat?
Florette is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder. There will always be a crew member to steady.
Are waterproofs provided?
No there are no waterproofs available for guests so please bring your own.
Are there any water toys?
Yes, Florette carries Kayaks and SUP's for guests use - a buoyancy jacket must be worn. There is also a selection of snorkelling and fishing gear for guests to use.
Do I need sailing experience?
On her week-long voyages, no - just a love for adventure! On her Ocean crossings, some previous time on the water is recommended.
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Is there an age limit?
No min. age technically - but ideally 5+ with sailing experience. Over 70's must provide a medical certificate. One child can go free when under 14 and sharing with two parents sharing in one cabin. If there is one parent, then the adult must pay the solo occupancy price and the child is still free.