Atlantic Crossing with Tall Ship Florette

YOUR SAILING AREA

Sailing the Atlantic

Ocean passages can bring conditions fit for only the boldest adventurers seeking the ultimate challenge. This hands-on sailing adventure is perfect for those wanting to experience life on a traditionally rigged tall ship and tuck some sea miles under their belt. We recommend some previous experience of time on the water and some time spent on a boat. Whether that’s a taster sailing weekend, dinghy sailing club or weekends on your grandparents boat, once we have left port, there is no turning back!

The soft, steady up and down of the ship’s hull in the waves, the expanse of the sea, and the gentle creaking of the rigging are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing and at the same time, adventurous holiday experience.

After joining on the Caribbean island of Martinique, our next stop will be the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores on the island of Faial in the harbour of Horta. A popular destination for sailors on Atlantic crossings to and fro the Caribbean, the archipelago of the Azores is an untouched tourist destination far away from the usual holiday hustle and bustle. With so many islands and anchorages to choose from, exploring the Azores under sail is certainly the best way to see as much as possible with ease. The islands are still mostly underdeveloped from resorts and retain their traditional Portuguese island charm. We’ll spend a week exploring the Azores where the ticket price includes Bed and Breakfast. For the rest of the voyage whilst sailing the Atlantic, the ticket price is full board.

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Getting involved

The professional and experienced crew will teach you everything you need to know as you will sail with and become part of the crew, hoisting sails, taking the helm and getting involved with all aspects of sailing a tall ship. Florette will run a 3 tier watch system throughout the voyage with all guests and crew. You’ll never be without a crew member and the watch system will be worked out once everyone has boarded to gauge guest abilities.

From plotting our route on the chart to cooking together, some celestial navigation skills, hoisting and trimming sails, and rope work and repairs, there is always something for everyone to do while on watch. The rest of the time is free to enjoy the inky black of the night sky, reading a book or three or playing cards together; the ocean gives guests the chance to switch off from the demands of the modern world and fill their souls with vitamin-Sea.

Sailing by the stars

Far from land, miles into the open ocean, you’ll see the night sky as you have never seen it before. The stars light the sky as we sail away from any man-made light pollution creating a truly spectacular sight. Although each boat certainly has all the modern GPS equipment, there will likely be the chance to try your hand at celestial navigation, using the stars to plot your position and guide your route! An age old skill used by sailing ancestors of years gone-by.

Weather

Part of the beauty of an ocean-going adventure is experiencing all the elements. From wind, rain and sun, we will certainly see them all. Whatever comes our way, the crew will use weather radar technology to plan our route as best they can to ensure we cover the most miles as safely as possible. Expect strong winds and big waves, perfect sailing to glassy seas with not a breath of wind and everything in-between.

All voyages for Florette

Florette

Guest berths: 28 Rig: Brigantine

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. 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!

More about Florette

LIFE ON BOARD

AUTHENTIC TALL SHIP SAILING

Florette and her crew always try to combine traditional classic sailing while immersing guests in the natural landscapes ashore. Florette invites you to get involved with her traditional sailing. With an original rig, it is certainly an all-hands on deck approach – which is surely part of the magic to this adventure sailing holiday.

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 boats chef, cooking up fabulous cuisine, so you won’t be going hungry after a day of sailing and exploring.

HAVE FUN!

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. 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 cabins in combinations of 2-3 berth bunks. All cabins share a total of four toilets and three showers with another shower on deck for a rinse off after some sea swimming. For Atlantic crossings and Caribbean voyages only, under 30’s have the chance for a true authentic pirate experience to stay in a hammock! Each hammock will be allocated a seamans chest for any belongings and will strung up in the saloon between 9pm and 8am.

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.

Please check the What’s included tab for a breakdown of the ticket price and the board cash.

Kit list

Florette has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
Waterproof sailing boots or clean wellingtons
Wash towel – micro fibre are lightweight and quick drying!
Swimsuit and swim towel
Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

Warm, windproof and waterproof coat
Waterproof trousers
Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
Camera/binoculars
Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
If you wish to sleep on deck under the stars or are booking a hammock berth, please bring your own lightweight sleeping bag
Refillable water bottle
Charging cables for personal devices
EU 2pin plug adaptor
A good book to read!
Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Half Board* – All breakfast (includes tea and coffee). 65 meals (combination of lunch and dinner) *Bed and Breakfast only while stopping over for a week in the Azores.
Use of all facilities on board including snorkelling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, board games
All bedding (pillow, duvet, bedding)
All tender trips during the voyage, to and fro the boat
Full crew, plus tuition

What’s not included

BOARD CASH (in EUROS )

€150 per person (water, waste and harbour fees)
Tea/Coffee (other than at breakfast)
Alcohol (cash honesty bar)
Meals ashore
Wash or swim towels
Use of sleeping bags for sleeping on deck (only if you want!)
Domestic flights
Insurance
Crew and tour leader tips

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.

This voyage will be more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

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) Some voyages are Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner & hot drinks).
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please ask at the time of booking.
Are there any added extra's?
There are water and waste fees which require bringing board cash. A breakdown of this will be within your ticket/booking. Soft drinks & alcohol can be purchased onboard with an honesty bar.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
5x family cabins (double+single), 2x double cabins, 4x twin bunk cabins.
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.
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
Are there any water toys?
Yes, Florette carries Kayaks and SUP's for guests use - a buoyancy jacket must be worn.
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 . For Caribbean voyages - it's 60+ Children go free when under 12 and sharing with adult parents in one cabin.

Gallery

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Travel Planning

From: Martinique, Caribbean

To: Falmouth, Cornwall

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

Getting There

Martinique

BY AIR

Fly to Fort de France Airport (Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport) from major UK airports.

Getting Home

Falmouth, UK

A local train line will connect to Truro where you can pick up connections to London and beyond.

Need help with flights?

If you require some expert help with sourcing the right flights to meet the boat, please get in touch with Jenny at the Flight Centre via this form, she will be able to send you a quote within24 hours.