Florette
Sail with a beautiful piece of maritime history as classic brigantine Florette offers a hands-on experience, taking you around the world from Italy to the Caribbean, Scotland to Portugal.
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, Scotland and the Caribbean. From week long island hopping around the Aeolian islands to Atlantic crossings and winter sun sailing in the Caribbean, she certainly has something for everyone!
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. Â 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 oak 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.
Now, 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. Below decks she has a combination of twin and triple cabins, authentic hammock bunks in the saloon or even take your chances and sleep on deck beneath the stars!
Read more here about what to expect from a traditional sailing holiday on board Florette.
Accommodation
- Number of guest berths : 22
- 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
- Year built : 1921
- Length overall : 40m
- Draft : 2.8m
- Sail Area : 600SQM
- Number of Sails : 15
- Rig : Brigantine
- Crew : 6
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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)
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please ask at the time of booking.
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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.
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
5x family cabins (double+single), 2x double cabins, 4x twin bunk cabins.
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Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Every cabin has a large deck hatch.
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How many toilet/showers does she have?
4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower.
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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!
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Is there a hair dryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
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Will I be able to wash my clothes?
Not on week long voyages but on longer crossings it is possible.
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Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes.
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.
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What language is spoken onboard?
English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.
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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.
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Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, please bring 2pin European adaptors
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What is the currency on board?
EURO's
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
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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.
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Are Waterproofs provided?
No
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Are there any water toys?
Yes, Florette carries Kayaks and SUP's for guests use - a buoyancy jacket must be worn.
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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.
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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.
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Is there an age limit?
No min. age technically -but ideally 5+ with sailing experience. Over 70's must provide a medical certificate . For Caribbean voyages - it's 60+ Children 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.
Skipper profile
Florette's crew
Over by the same family for over 45years, you couldn't be in safer hands.
Read moreLife onboard
Florette
Think, relaxed sunshine sailing on a beautifully restored classic brigantine.
Read moreThe History of
Florette
Built-in 1921, Florette is one of the last brigantines of her time to still sail the Mediterranean
Read moreDestinations
Our range of vessels enables us to offer several destinations all over the globe. Which adventure will you choose?
View DestinationsOur Fleet
With vessels of all sizes and each with a unique history and construction, there is no shortage of choice for your sailing holiday.
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