Sailing Holidays on Brigantine Florette

Description
Gallery
FAQ

Florette is the last active, originally built brigantine in the Mediterranean and one of the last wooden windjammers that are still actively sailing. After nearly 50 years operating as a cargo ship and a world war, she was discovered by the Haynes family at the end of the 70s, lovingly restored to a charter vessel and returned to her original condition. She still remains in the same family, sailing and exploring the Mediterranean to this day.

Over the past 45 years, Family Haynes has been faithfully restoring and maintaining her charm with her traditional rigging and still set all her sails by hand. As she was built to carry over 200t of marble deep sea, her construction is twice as strong as compared to a normal ship of her size. She is constructed with double oaked frames and up to 13 meters long, 14 cm thick ironwood planks (azobe). Her topsides are built in the finest mahogany. She was originally launched in winter of 1921 in Italy as a pure wooden sailing ship with no engine to serve as a cargo ship. She still runs cargo trips across the Atlantic today.

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.

Florette maintains a full ocean classification for historical sail training and charter vessel. She actively sails 6-7 months in the Mediterranean and spent last winter crossing the Atlantic and sailing in the Caribbean.

Accommodation

Number of guest berths : 28
Number of bathrooms : 4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower
Cabin configuration : 5x family cabins (double+single), 2x double cabins, 4x twin bunk cabins, 4x hammock bunks
Smoking policy : In the Outside smoking area.

Particulars

Port of Registration : Valletta, Malta
Builder : Fratelli, Picchotti Shipyard
Year built : 1921
Length overall : 40m
Draft : 2.8m
Beam : 7m
Number of Sails : 15
Rig : Brigantine
Sail Area : 600SQM
Engine : Iveco Aifo 360hp
Crew : 6
Licensed for day sails? : Yes
Waterproofs supplied? : No

Florette in full sail with sunshine behind

Breakfast in the Caribbean on board Florette

Guests eating and cooking on board Florette

Aerial View of the British Virgin Islands

Union Island Beach, Grenadines Florette Caribbean

Are all meals included?
Not all meals are included. Breakfast is provided everyday and 6 meals are included in the price, which will be lunch or dinner depending on the itinerary. Lunch can be eaten ashore or extra meals may be offered but there will be an extra charge.
Are there any added extra's?
Soft drinks & alcohol may be purchased onboard.
Are drinks included?
Tea/Coffee is included at breakfast. All other drinks/alcohol can be purchased onboard with an honesty bar.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please ask at the time of booking.
Are there any water toys?
Yes, Florette carries Kayaks and SUP's for guests use - a buoyancy jacket must be worn.
What language is spoken onboard?
German/English
What are the sleeping arrangements?
5x family cabins (double+single), 2x double cabins, 4x twin bunk cabins, 4x hammock bunks
How many toilet/showers does she have?
4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower
Is there WIFI?
No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.
Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, please bring european adaptors
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
Are Waterproofs provided?
No
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
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 bedding included?
All bedding is but towels are not. If you would like to sleep under the stars on deck, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.