Aron – South Funen Denmark Apple festival

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. Even on the land, you’re never more than 32 miles from the coast at any time so it’s easy to see why sailing and the sea are deeply rooted in Danish culture.

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. 

You’ll start south of the island of Funen in a town called Svendborg. This sailing area is known for its sheltered calm seas and moderate winds so Aron makes a great introductory boat for traditional sailing. For those wanting to learn the ropes in a supported environment, Aron is certainly a great option set in some beautiful scenery. Low waves and little swell also means sailing between the islands rarely causes sea sickness.

Life on board is a truly relaxed sailing experience with a good mix of 3-5 hours of sailing each day and plenty of time to discover islands ashore. Click the tab below to read more about what to expect from “Life on board”.

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The South Funen Archipelago

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. Most islands also have the option to hire bicycles to explore and have numerous bathing spots! This time of year is the nations annual apple harvest so there’ll plenty of apple markets happening across the islands.

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 skipper Gorm’s and Helene’s hometown of Troense sits. Manicured cottages line the waterfront with a lovely blend of sensitively restored 17th century architecture and ancient apple trees. Electric cars glide around and some sparsely populated locals all pass with beaming smiles. There’s a real sense of an enriching life here, a community spirit with a strong sustainability approach to everything.

The neighbouring island of Skaro is the island that time forgot – a small offshore farm community with pretty thatched cottages. The island has a declining population of about 30 people, and probably a similar ratio of chicken and sheep. Most importantly, it’s famous for its ice-cream, made using natural sugars from birch trees and seaweed. They have a small cafe in the centre of the island and you can see watch the ice-cream being made!

The sleepy island of Lyø is home to only about 80 inhabitants and a handful of cars. You can hire a bicycle to explore or just take a walk, it’s relatively flat to navigate. Traditional farmhouses nestle between the islands five ponds where ducks and chickens roam the tracks. The whitewashed 17th century church sits in the only circular graveyard in the whole of Denmark – it’s a bit like walking through an old film set.

The island of Drejø provides peaceful walking and wildlife watching opportunities, home to white fallow deer, while the island of Strynø is full of half-timbered houses, a traditional boat museum and an iconic Danish windmill. 

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. The town is a little more bustling with a few artisan shops, cafe’s and a great maritime museum.

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.

A few members of the VentureSail Team sailed with Aron, click here to read more about their week sailing and exploring the islands, travel tips and more…!

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

More about Aron of Svendborg

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.

SAMPLE MENU FOR Aron

BREAKFAST

• Continental style; fresh meats, cheeses, warm rolls, soft boiled eggs and conserves, oatmeal, fresh pastries

ELEVENSES/AFTERNOON CAKE

• Tea, coffee, cakes and local pastries

LUNCH

• Home-made soup, bread and local cheeses
• Fresh sandwiches, local meats, salad
• Danish buffet; warm liver pate with mushrooms and bacon, potatoes, fresh bread, cheeses, smoked herring and mackerel
• Open sandwiches -“Smørrebrød”

DINNER

• Home-made potato and leek soup with fresh rye croutons, and locally caught chilli shrimp
• Local rolled stuffed pork with garlic roasted vegetables, and a salted lemon and apple salad
• Local celeriac fritters, sesame new potatoes and fresh greens, salad and fresh bread
• International tapas – a variety of Helene’s dishes from her worldly travels – we won’t ruin the surprise!

DESSERT

• Ice cream for Skaro
• Fresh fruits
• Chocolate Liquorice! (a Danish favourite…)There is also a huge fruit bowl that guests can help themselves to throughout the voyage!

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.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Meat eaters and vegetarians only. Any other dietary requirements will need to bring their own supplies.

• Are there any added extra's?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and beer.

• 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.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  All cabins have ventilation hatches and a light-well for daylight.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  There is one toilet and shower for guests but showers are mostly taken ashore. The shoreside marina facilities in Denmark are so good, it's almost a shame not to use them!

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels. Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Aron does not have laundry facilities on board.

• Is there heating on board?

  There is a full heating system although we won't need it for summer sailing!

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English/Danish.

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech 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 - there are plenty of USB sockets available in each cabin.

• What is the currency on board?

  Danish Krone.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Aron usually spends most evenings alongside in remote harbours so you'll need to be comfortable climbing over the gunwale. It's about 1m high and she has steps onto the dock.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No - but you'll only need lightweight waterproofs. The area is very sheltered so sea spray is rare!

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not. Aron is the perfect boat for learning the ropes.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but Aron sails in such sheltered waters, it's very rare anyone suffers aboard.

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!