Australians and New Zealanders
are invited to sail on historic
ships visiting the region as part
of a global circumnavigation.
Following the old trade routes of historic
times, Europa (1911), Tecla (1915), the all-abilities
Lord Nelson and the three-masted
topsail schooner Oosterschelde will arrive in
local waters in August.
Sailing buffs, with or without experience, can
get aboard any of the vessels during voyages in
Australia and New Zealand.
Resident crew will teach newcomers about
navigation, rigging, sail hoisting and square rig
sailing techniques.
The largest of the tall ships, the bark-constructed
Europa, has a sailing capacity of
48 people, with two-person, four-person and
six-person cabins, and this year offers seven
voyages in the Australasian region.
Oosterschelde, which has already made a
global circumnavigation since its restoration in
1992, can accommodate 24 people and is also
operating seven local sailings.
The smaller, family-owned Tecla is a twomasted
gaff ketch with topsails, offering seven
voyages.
Meanwhile, the Lord Nelson is designed for
people with disabilities, with wheelchair lifts,
wide aisles, signs in Braille, joystick steering, a
speaking compass and eight cabins suitable for
wheelchairs.
Lord Nelson has ten voyages, including
several between New Zealand ports.
While traditional on the outside, the four
ships have modern conveniences below deck,
with areas to relax in between the hands-on
sailing.
Participants can also be part of a Tall Ships
Regatta from Sydney to Auckland, the first ever
sail training event in Australasian waters.
Youth prices apply for 15-25 year olds on
Tecla, Europa and Oosterschelde.
For details, see www.wildearth-travel.com.
