Tallship Sailing in Denmark; South Funen

YOUR SAILING AREA

South Funen, Denmark

Denmark is home to over 444 islands with 368 of them uninhabited and they are undoubtedly best discovered by boat. Traditional Schooner Aron is not only a beautiful example of a historic Danish working boat but with both her skippers (Gorm and Helene) hailing from the islands, they certainly know all the best spots to take guests. 

With low waves and moderate winds throughout the summer season, sailing in Denmark certainly has plenty to offer. Begin in the waterside port of Svendborg on the south of Funen island. The third largest island in Denmark, sailing in South Funen is the perfect point to begin your sailing holiday in Denmark. Its oldest house dates back to 1560 with streets lined with architectural delights, so make sure you leave some time to explore Svendborg before jumping aboard. 

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Each island has its very own unique personality and landscape scenery but all have that mythical Danish charm and romance. Their cultural history and traditional fishing industries remain common across the islands and they all have a welcoming and relaxed nature. The voyage is always dictated by the wind and the weather but below is an idea of where you could sail with Aron. 

The island of Tåsinge is where Gorm’s hometown of Troense sits with its rustic wooden houses along meandering streets. Enjoy a relaxed coffee on the waterfront and explore the small towns cobbled streets. The neighbouring island of Skaaro is famous for its ice-cream and small offshore farm community with pretty thatched cottages. Or the flat island of Drejø provides peaceful walking and wildlife watching opportunities, home to white fallow deer.

Lyø is a pine-forest covered island with islet hiking trails, bird filled marshes & grazing land. Its idyllic little town is the perfect island escape. The sparsely inhabited island of Strynø is full of half-timbered houses, a traditional boat museum and an iconic Danish windmill. 

Further south sits the island of Langeland and the fishing town of Bagenkop where red timber clad houses line the marina. This iconic fishing town has long stretches of sandy white beaches and nature reserves to explore. 

The island of Ærø can only be accessed by boat so it’s little surprise that the town of Marstal where Aron originally came from back in 1906 sits to the East of the island. Ærø has been dubbed the sailing hub of Denmark and the island has a rich history in maritime sailing and traditional heritage vessels – many of which you’ll still spot sailing in the bay! Ærø is also home to Ærøskøbing – nick-named “fairy-tale town” one of the best preserved 18th century towns in Denmark. Unchanged for hundreds of years, it truly is a magical experience arriving here by boat to explore ashore and soak in some mythical Danish history.

All voyages for Aron of Svendborg

Aron of Svendborg

Guest berths: 10 Rig: Schooner

Traditional schooner Aron of Svendborg offers hands-on sailing holidays in Denmark. Immerse yourself into life as it would have been some 115 years ago as her crew gives guests the chance to get involved with all aspects of sailing this beautiful traditional wooden boat.

She is owned and skippered by Danish sailing couple Gorm and Helene whose love of traditional sailing is clear to see. They believe that any sailing voyage is “an adventure at your own pace”. Travelling on a sailing ship like Aron is a sustainable choice at a time when climate challenges are having an increasing impact on the experiences we choose. On board Aron, they prioritise ecology, sustainability and local produce wherever possible.

Built in 1906, Aron of Svendborg is a fine example of a traditional Marstal sailing ship with the soft lines and powerful ‘spring curve’ that these schooners were renowned for. Built with solid oak, her flat transom and good sailing characteristics are typical of shipbuilder Lars Jensen Bager of Bager’s shipyard in Marstal.

Both above and below decks, Aron of Svendborg is a beautiful base to have while exploring the islands and coastline of Denmark. She offers private bunk cabins, a spacious saloon area and plenty of space above decks to relax under sail and watch the world go by.

Read more about what to expect from life on board.

Aron spends her summers sailing in Denmark, discovering the Danish archipelago of South Funen and visiting the cosmopolitan city of Copenhagen. She is perfect for those looking for a relaxed, traditional sailing holiday with the opportunity to get involved with sailing such a magnificent vessel under the watchful eye of a professional crew. There is no age limit, either young or old and there is no need for any sailing experience, just a good sense of humour and lust for adventure is a must!

Deck plan

Life on board

Our sailing holidays on traditional tall ship Aron of Svendborg are perfect for those looking for a unique sustainable holiday experience. Get to grips with life on a traditional vessel as you explore the islands of Denmark under sail.

GETTING INVOLVED

Roll up your sleeves and help set the sails or let your mind drift with the warm breeze of a summer’s day. On Aron, you can simply go wherever you want.

The owners and skippers are from Svendborg and have been sailing in Denmark for many years. They love nothing more than to welcome guests onboard, showing them the ropes with a truly relaxed manner. Guest participation is not mandatory, but they believe it is truly the best part of the experience. Get to grips with setting the sails, taking the helm, washing down the deck and some basic navigation. If you’d rather just sit back and forget the demands of the modern world, find a quiet corner or even a hammock on deck and relax as the beautiful Danish scenery glides by.

SUSTAINABLE SAILING

Enjoy the silence of the sea, the wind in the sails and the gentle creak of this beautiful old wooden ship. Sailing with Aron is not necessarily about the destination (although the islands of Denmark are truly beautiful and perfect to be explored by boat!) but the journey itself is the real purpose. Using mainly the power of the steady Baltic winds, sailing with Aron is a sustainable holiday choice in a time when there are increasing climate challenges around us. The impact on the environment is deciding the experiences we choose and with Aron, ecology, sustainability and local experiences are at the heart of everything on offer.

SLEEPING AND EATING

With the fresh sea air comes a healthy appetite and after a day of traditional sailing, enjoy delicious home-cooked meals aboard. Using local produce or perhaps even throwing a line for our very own catch-of-the day, Helene is well-versed in cooking up a feast from the galley. There is plenty of space both above and below decks to lay up a feast, with the saloon and dining area providing a cosy space for colder evenings.

Aron of Svendborg can accommodate up to ten guests in a combination of four twin cabins, one 3-berth cabin and a single saloon bunk with privacy curtain. Each cabin comes with its own sink and USB charging points and all cabins share a toilet and shower. The crew have their own private space and cabins in the transom of the ship and Gorm and Helene sometimes sail with two of their sea-going children. So Aron is suitable for all and any ages of children although as a guide, it is preferable that children under five do have some experience of being at sea.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• All-inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Alcohol
• Wash and/or swim towel
• All flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will not be more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, water and hot drinks are all included./

• Are there any added extra's?

  No

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Vegetarians only. Any other dietary requirements will need to bring their own supplies.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English/Danish

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 4x twin bunks, 1x single saloon bunk and 1x 3berth cabin. All cabins have their own sink and USB charging ports.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  There is one toilet and shower for guests.

• Is there WIFI?

  No! Time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature!

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes - there are plenty of USB sockets available in each cabin.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not!

• 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. Ginger tea and biscuits also help with sea sickness.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding is included but please bring your own towels.

Travel Planning

From: Svendborg, Denmark

To: Svendborg, Denmark

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There

There are a few different ways to travel to Svendborg from the UK. Most involve flying from London or Manchester Airports. 

The quickest way is to fly (1.30 hour flight time) from London Stansted/Heathrow or Manchester Airport  to Billund (BLL) Airport in Denmark. You can then get a 30 minute bus into town and take a train from Vejle Street to Svendborg (total train time 90 minutes). Svendborg is a small town so the train station is just a 5minute walk from the marina. 

If you fancy combining a trip to the Danish capital (which we highly recommend) of Copenhagen, fly from Bristol, London Heathrow or Manchester Airport (flight time approx 1 hour 50min). Once you explore the cosmopolitan capital, jump on a train to Odense across to Fyn island and change to continue onto Svendborg (total train journey time 3 hours). Travelling by train through Denmark is an experience in itself as you soak in the fairytale landscapes and scenery along way. 

Travel by train

If you’ve got the time and want to extend your travel sustainably, a great way to see Europe and get to Denmark is by train. The overall travel time is admittedly 16 hours but it can be split into city stops through Belgium and Germany!