STAR CLIPPERS
Topmast Star Clippers Magazine / 2016
EXCLUSIVE STAY & SAIL PACKAGES From only £1149pp
PERSONAL INSIGHTS TO A TALL SHIP SAILING Interview with Captain Sergey!
MEET THE UK TEAM
Read exclusive blogs from first-hand experiences on board. Caribbean / Cuba / Asia / Mediterranean / Ocean Crossings / Panama Canal
The world’s most spectacular Tall Ships… Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels. Visiting
Welcome...
intimate ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht, Star Clippers is recognised as one of the premier speciality cruise lines.
Page 4 / An Insight into the Operation of Star Clipper
Passengers can enjoy the romance of sailing on board a true tall ship in a relaxed atmosphere with high standards of service provided by an attentive crew. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a convivial Tropical Bar and a comfortable piano bar.
The Star Clippers Experience… The gentle lapping of waves against a wind driven hull, a pod of dolphins playing in the curling bow wave, a salute to a propitious marriage, the wedding of a splendid cruise
Page 6 / Discover the magic of Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore...
holiday with the romance of sailing aboard a true tall ship. It is the unique combination of sailing tradition and pampered relaxation that is the essence of Star Clippers. For within the setting of a magnificently evocative Tall ship is a world for those who seek an authentic sailing adventure without sacrificing creature comforts. These graceful ships fly along the waves, just like the legendary clippers of a century and a half ago. This is as much an adventure in highly evolved relaxation as it is in tradition. Although computers have not replaced the skilled hands of the crew in the art of raising sails, guests are not expected to become barefoot seamen. Relax and let the crew do the work. Now come aboard Star Clipper, Star Flyer or Royal Clipper, the largest true full rigged sailing ship in the world today. As thousands of square feet of sail unfurl above you, you will feel the elation of those mariners of long ago.
Page 8 / Viva Cuba 2
Topmast News... Star Clipper’s return to
W
e are delighted to announce that Star
Singapore. Star Clipper will explore
Clippers is operating a Winter season
the many islands scattered off the coast of
in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore from
Phuket, accessible by water, with some of the
December 2016 to April 2017. This marks the
most beautiful beaches and dazzling marine
line’s return to the region for the first time
life in the world. There will be numerous
since March 2010. There are two itineraries,
opportunities for sunbathing, snorkeling,
Northern Islands and Southern Islands, as well
exploring on foot and taking photo safaris in
as seven departures that either begin or end in
the ship’s Zodiacs.
7 night sailings from Phuket start from
£948pp Cruise Only
Tailormade packages available
NEW 2016 MEDITERRANEAN PORTS Didn’t make it to the Mediterranean this season? Don’t miss out again next year… Book your 2016 sailing adventure now! We are pleased to announce our exciting summer season for 2016, ranging from 3 to 18 nights, and calling at ports such as Istanbul, Skiathos and the yachting paradises of the Adriatic and the Balearics.
New ports include: • Carloforte in Sardinia - known for its beautiful beaches • Trapani, Porto Empedolce and Messina in Sicily • Lerici on the Tuscan coast • The historic Italian city of Trieste • Bastia in Corsica • Rabac on the Istrian peninsula • The island of Cres in Croatia • Roquetas de Mar in Spain
BRAND NEW SHIP!
We are proud to announce that we have started building our fourth ship to add to our fleet; this will be our first new-build since the launch of Royal Clipper in July 2000. The new vessel, yet to be named, will be the biggest and most ambitious to date and will be launched in the second half of 2017, carrying 300 passengers, measuring 8,770 tons and powered by more than 6,350 sq.m of sails. The new ship will eclipse Royal Clipper as the largest tall sailing ship afloat today. The on board restaurant will accommodate
MIKAEL KRAFFT WINS AWARD!
all passengers for open-seating dining and
Congratulations to Mikael Krafft, Founder
regular guests will find all the features that
and Owner of Star Clippers, for winning
are familiar across the Star Clippers fleet.
the “Outstanding Contribution to the
These include a cosy library, bowsprit net
Cruise Industry” award at the Cruise
and al fresco Tropical Bar; the stern will also
International Awards in the UK. This award
feature a water sports platform for use when
is a great honour for Mr Krafft and the Star
the ship is at anchor.
Clippers family! 3
An Insight into the Operation of Star Clipper Climb aboard Star Clipper and you’ll instantly notice the spider’s web of ropes and sails that are synonymous with the entire Tall Ship fleet. Put simply, they aren’t just there for decoration – each and every rope and sail you see on board the Star Clipper has a purpose. To understand the true beauty of this Tall Ship is to understand the purpose of every part of the rigging. This article will provide an insight into the day-to-day operation of the four-mast Star Clipper.
by Daniel Mayes Masts
Yards
The Star Clipper is officially regarded as a
Yards are the wooden poles (otherwise known
four masted barquentine, meaning that only
as spars) which run across the mast and are
the front of the four masts carry square sails
where the square sails are set. In ascending
whilst the other three carry triangular sails
order, the square sails set on the fore mast
(otherwise known as stay sails). These four
are: the course yard, lower topsail yard, upper
masts, from front to back, are the foremast,
topsail yard, lower topgallant yard, and the
main mast, mizzenmast and jigger mast.
upper topgallant yard. The square sails are
The foremast features before the main mast, which is usually located in the centre
placed – for example, a square sail on lower
of the ship and is the tallest of all. The
topsail yard is the lower top sail.
mizzen-mast is the third mast and is usually
Underneath all of the square sail yards are
shorter than the main mast. Star Clipper’s
foot ropes, which run parallel to the yards
final mast is the jigger-mast, which is usually
and are supported by short straps known
the shortest and last mast on any ship with
as stirrups. These provide a place for crew
more than three masts.
members to stand and work upon each
On the jigger mast, sometimes you may
4
then named according to which yard they are
individual yard. At the end of each yard arm
see something known as a “spanker”, which
there is a loop of wire known as a Flemish
is a steering sail that resembles a rudder in
horse, which provides an area to stand when
the wind.
the foot rope comes to end.
Square Sails
(furl the sail), two sheets placed port and
Broken down, think of the square sails as a
starboard to control the clew of the sail, and
deck bowsprit and to other masts. They are named individually (except for jibs) based
canvas. The uppermost (and longest) side is
a tack pendant which is placed on staysails
on the mast they are supporting. Likewise,
simply referred to as the head, opposite is
and attached to the deck or mast at one end
backstays do the same job as stays but in the
the foot and the two shorter sides of the sail
to limit the travel of the sail along the stay.
opposite direction to prevent the masts from
are the leaches. The head of the square sail
They are assembled from the rear of the ship,
falling forward.
is attached to its yard by robands and the
going forwards: fore staysail, inner jib, outer
two lower corners are the clews. These clews
jib, flying jib. As the wind speed increases,
Running Rigging
are attached to sheets which draw down
these sails are taken down in reverse order
the lower corners of the square sails and are
as necessary. Additionally, the fisherman sails
positioned relative to the wind.
are placed between the main and mizzen
It is important that before any square sail is
masts and are currently the largest sails you
set, the yards are braced round to the correct
can find on any tall ship anywhere in the
angle to the wind. Each of the square sails
world.
are assembled in a prescribed order: lower topsail, upper topsail, course, lower topgallant and upper topgallant. By assembling the square sails in this order, the sail that is assembled first will be taken in last. The lower and upper topsails are considered to be storm sails and will be the last to be taken in, when the wind decreases. Higher sails will catch more of the wind, and are therefore taken in first as wind decreases.
In contrast to standing rigging, running rigging is used to position yards and, as the name implies, it “runs” or moves. Braces are used to pivot the yards around the masts as if to trim them and ensure they are set in the correct direction to angle the wind.
Standing Rigging The rigging of Star Clipper is broken into two categories: standing rigging and running rigging. Standing rigging is immovable and once it is set up it is occasionally tightened to keep it at the correct tension. It can be defined by shrouds, stays and backstays. Multiple shrouds provide lateral support to the masts and the first set of these run down from the futtock band, just
Every yard features a pair of braces, one
Triangle Sails
under the top (the first platform above deck
which is placed port and the other to
Headsails (fore main mast staysail, inner jIb,
level on each mast), to the sides of the ship
starboard. The braces are always used in
outer jib and flying jib) and the many other
where they are attached to the chainplates.
pairs and will allow the ship to sail in different
staysails are all triangular, fore and aft sails.
To put it briefly, the shrouds bring stability
angles to the wind. The standing rigging and
In order to operate correctly, all triangular
to the masts and can be found in multiple
running rigging combined will allow the masts
sails need: a halyard, which is attached to
sets at different heights of each mast. Stays
to be held firmly in position and provide the
the head of the sail to hoist it up (set the
are ropes, wires or rods that run fore and aft
ideal framework to support the sails at the
sail) a downhaul to haul it back down again
along the centreline of the masts to the hull,
correct angles to the wind.
5
New for 2016!
Discover the magic of Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore... Watching Wildlife From Star Flyer In Asia by Andy Lovering It’s 6 am on a balmy November morning and I am stood on the teak sun deck of the Star Flyer, watching a deep red sun rise over the Andaman sea. The ship left Phuket harbour last night and, this morning, the air is warm with enough breeze to eliminate humidity, yet fill the sails. Early mornings are always the best time of day for birdwatching and today is no exception. Looking from port to starboard, hundreds of Bridled Terns are perched on the many floating branches, occasionally taking to the air on short fishing forays. Overhead, the pirates are waiting; Frigatebirds hang bat-like aloft, waiting for their chance to harry a passing Tern and steal this morning’s catch. Lesser Frigatebirds are the most numerous in these waters, but careful observation picks out a few, much rarer, Christmas Frigatebirds; the white belly of the males being diagnostic. An afternoon beach stop at Ko Adang in the Butang Archipelago and many passengers are enjoying the watersports facilities set up on the white coral sand beach. Whilst holidaymakers sunbathe, many birds of prey are slowly migrating southwards, using these islands as landmarks. Grey-faced Buzzards mix with the larger, Crested Honey Buzzards as they use thermals from the islands to rise high and glide over the next section of open sea. There is a small lagoon behind the beach and here I find a pair of Indian Rollers, flashing their iridescent blue flight feathers, and also a small flock of Blue-tailed Bee Eaters, each hawking for dragonflies over the brackish water. Sailing to Penang brings Brahminy Kites, their rufous wings contrasting with their white head and breast. Once common on the mainland, the coastline and islands of the Thai-Malay Peninsula is now the best area in which to find them. As Star Flyer glides gracefully through the glass-like water, I see a huge 6
White-bellied Sea Eagle swoop down and grasp a Sea Snake from the water and head for the nearest island. There is still an area of rainforest remaining on Penang and butterflies abound here. If lucky, you can spot a White-handed ( or Lar’s ) Gibbon swinging through the trees, it’s whooping calls resounding eerily across the forest canopy. Gibbons are elusive, but can also be found on Langkawi, plus, where they have been reintroduced, on a handful of small islets in Phang Nga Bay. We set sail, via Ko Lipe, to the myriad limestone outcrops of Phang Nga Bay, spotting Dollarbirds, Pacific Reef Egrets, more Brahminy Kites and Sea Eagles. Dolphins ride Star Flyer’s bow waves and, when we stop for snorkelling at the idyllic beach on Ko Hong, they join us; their curiosity and playfulness as great as ours. Our last call is in the Similan Islands, where azure waters give way to the whitest of beaches, fringed by evergreen forest. Along an inland nature trail, spectacular butterflies float by and, birdwatching, I spot Common Koel, Cinnamon Bittern and my ‘bird of the week’, the metallic blue, and very rare, Nicobar Pigeon. Found only on the Nicobar Islands and a few of the more remote Thai islands, this colourful bird is truly endangered. A holiday in Asia aboard Star Flyer brings some stunning scenery, yet, unnoticed by many, there is a host of wonderful wildlife all around. Top photograph: A White-handed Gibbon swings through the rainforest. Bottom Photograph: The aptly named Clipper Butterfly is common along forest streams in Thailand and Malaysia. Andy Lovering is Director of Sales & Marketing for Star Clippers in Monaco and, for more than 35 years, he has been watching and photographing wildlife all over the world.
Thailand & Malaysia
FROM
14 NIGHT STAY & SAIL PACKAGE
• Fly from the UK on 6th December 2016 • Your private transfer will take you to
your 2 night pre cruise stay at Anantara Sathorn, Bangkok (with breakfast)
• Spend a half day city tour in Bangkok
• Your private transfer
will take you to the airport for your overnight return flight on 19th December
£2439 Per Person
visiting the Royal Palace and the Holy Wat Phra Kaew
• Embark Star Clipper on 9th December for your 7 night Sailing visiting, Phuket, Ko Butang, Penang, Ko Adang, Ko Rok Nok, Phang Nga Bay, Ko Hong, Similian Island, Phuket
• On 16th December your private
transfer will take you to your 3 night post cruise stay at Sala Phuket (with breakfast)
ADDITIONAL DEPARTURE DATES 11th & 25th January, 8th February, 8th March, 5th & 19th March 2017
Call for details... Spend Christmas on James Bond Island & New Year’s Eve in Singapore 14 NIGHT STAY & SAIL PACKAGE • Fly from the UK on 19th December 2016 • Your private transfer will take you to your 3 night pre cruise stay at Sala Phuket (with breakfast). • Embark Star Clipper on 23rd December for your 7 night sailing visiting, Phuket, Similan Island, Phang Nga Bay, Ko Hong, Ko Adang, Penang, Malacca, Singapore. Spend Christmas day on the iconic Phang Nga Bay, where Roger Moore filmed ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ in 1974. • On 30th December your private transfer will take you to your 3 night post cruise stay at Shangri La Singapore (with breakfast). • Spend New Year’s Eve in Singapore, one of the most exciting cities in the Far East and famed for its incredible firework displays. This will be a countdown you’ll never forget! • On 2nd January your private transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight.
FROM
£3389 Per Person
COUPLES SHARING WILL RECEIVE 600 EUROS ON BOARD CREDIT PER CABIN. SINGLE PASSENGERS WILL BENEFIT FROM NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT. 3RD PERSON SAILS FOR FREE.
Call for details...
ADD AN ADDITIONAL 2 NIGHTS AT ELEPHANT HILLS, THAILAND Elephant Hills are Thailand’s first Luxury Tented Jungle Camps, combining the camp idea of African national parks with the Thai tropical forest environment. The two camps, The Elephant Camp and the floating Rainforest Camp, are both situated in Khao Sok, part of Southern Thailand’s largest stretch of primary Rainforest. Despite being tucked away in the Green, these camps are easily reachable from popular beach destinations like Phuket, Khao Lak, Khanom, Krabi and even Koh Samui.
Call for details... 7
Viva
cuba When considering a cruise around the Caribbean, Cuba is often overlooked. This is surprising considering it is the largest of the Caribbean islands and is packed full of passion, culture, history and beautiful beaches. Star Clippers provide regular cruises around the south coast of Cuba and venturing into the Cayman Islands, so if you’re looking for a blend of Latin passion with white beaches and clear waters then this may be a perfect experience for you. Cuba is a real gem and with so much to see, do and experience on board Star Flyer you’re in for a real treat. Cars, Cigars & Salsa One of the most iconic sights in Cuba is the vast range of colourful 1950’s cars. The beautiful Chevrolet’s, frozen in time due to the historic US embargo are used as local taxi’s as well as owned privately. You can hire these vintage vehicles to explore the city of Havana like a true local, see them lined up outside the Nacional hotel, famed for its movie star guests, an attraction you won’t want to miss. The cigars in Cuba are something of an institution, whether you visit the factory to see them being hand rolled, or simply wonder around the cobbled city streets, you will see the oversized sought after tobacco everywhere, with the rich aromas filling the air, you can’t come home from Cuba without purchasing one or two (even if only for show!) Day & night the mojito bars and rum shacks will encourage salsa dancing, spilling out in to the streets with locals and visitors coming together to indulge in the music that Cuba is renowned for, the friendly atmosphere is on every street corner, all adding to the unique experience that this wonderful island has to offer. Cuban Beaches With golden sands and clear blue waters surrounding Cuba, you are sure to be able to find a spot to relax by the sea. On your travels you will visit Cayo Largo, which boasts crystal blue seas and plenty of places to relax under coconut palms, before venturing on towards the Cayman Islands. 8
After visiting the Cayman Islands and the beauty and tranquillity they have to offer, you will head back towards Cuba - stopping first at Cayo Largo. Christopher Columbus and Sir Francis Drake are both thought to have stopped here on their travels and the island features some of the most untouched beaches in the world. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch a rare glimpse of the turtle egg laying season on the beaches of Cayo Largo, or spot a free roaming iguana. There are many wildlife sanctuaries based on the islands of Cuba and this is one of the only places in the world where you will see turtles being raised from birth to adult, before being released into the sea.
Colourful Cuba: havanA stay & cuba sail Departs the UK on 2nd Feb 2017 Your private transfer will take you to Santa Isabel for your 2 night pre cruise stay in Havana, where you will have a half day city tour. Embark Star Flyer on 4th February 2017 for your 7 night sailing visiting Havana, Maria La Gorda, Punta Frances, Cayo Rico, Cayo Largo, Playa Ancon, Cienfuegos On 11th February your private transfer will take you to Iberostar Grand for your 1 night post cruise stay in Trinidad. Followed by a 1 night post cruise stay at Santa Isabel in Havana. Your private transfer will then take you to the airport for your return flights From £3299pp Additional dates & varied itinerary available Due to a high demand of bookings there is a wait list for some hotels in Cuba. Please call for details.
5 Facts about Cuba...
Dani’s Blog
1/ Cuba is the largest of all the islands in the Caribbean.
In December 2015, the UK team were lucky enough to sample one of our Cuba sailings. Below is a small snippet from Dani’s blog – to read the full article, please visit www.starclippers.co.uk/ cruising-from-cuba-on-starflyer.html
2/ It has a population of 11 million people as of July 2013. 3/ Cuba is full of US cars from the 1950s. This is because they’re the only cars Cuban citizens can legally own. 4/ Fidel Castro erected a statue of John Lennon from The Beatles in 2000. Castro admired Lennon and believed he was a true music revolutionary.
Havana ‘Stepping on to the cobbles of cathedral square in the old town, I stopped for a moment to take in the stunning surroundings. In the darkness, these outstanding works of architecture twinkled in the twilight, with the cathedral itself taking centre stage of course. Colourful locals gave a warm smile whilst smoking their oversized cigars whilst talented musicians played their instruments and sang to us. We took our seats at Dona Eutimia, one of the best and most well-known palader’s in Havana to enjoy a few rounds of Mojito’s whilst soaking up the electric atmosphere’
5/ Cuba has a 99.8% literacy rate, which is one of the highest in the world.
Itinerary Jan 7th & Feb 11th 2017
Itinerary Jan 14th 2017
Duration 7 Nights
Duration 11 Nights
Day 1. Cienfuegos, Cuba
Day 1. Havana, Cuba
Day 2. At Sea
Day 2. Bahia Honda or Cayo Levisa, Cuba
Day 3. George Town, Grand Cayman
Day 3. At sea
Day 4. Cayo Largo, Cuba
Day 4. Maria La Gorda, Cuba
Day 5. Punta Frances, Isla de la Juventud
Day 5. Punta Frances, Isla de la Juventud
Day 6. Maria La Gorda, Cuba
Day 6. Cayo Rico, Cuba
Day 7. At Sea
Day 7. Cayo Largo, Cuba
Day 8. Havana, Cuba
Day 8. George Town, Grand Cayman
Call for details...
Day 9. Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands Day 10. Playa Ancon - Casilda, Cuba Day 11. At sea
CRUISE ONLY FROM
£1073 Per Person
Day 12. Cienfuegos, Cuba
Call for details... CRUISE ONLY FROM
£2017 Per Person
Cienfuegos ‘Five young men sat in the street on what looked like a wooden picnic table and chairs. In reality it was old boxes and crates making up their camp, as they sat happily playing dominos and drinking rum straight from the bottle. This sweet scene really moved me, a simple sight but a real insight in to the life of a local in Cienfuegos, Cuba, and they even offered to share their rum with us, I really did feel as if I was on a film set from a 1930’s movie!’ Punta Frances ‘Our first Robinson Crusoe inspired day was in Punta Frances, a very small islet just off of the south coast of mainland Cuba. Star Flyer anchored a 15 minute tender ride away from the shore and provided an idyllic wet landing for all of our guests. The complimentary watersports were available from the beach all day, and it was great to see people enjoying the paddle boards, the kayaks and the snorkelling. There were no shore excursions available today, so it was the perfect excuse to simply relax on the pure white sands whilst listening to the clear blue seas splashing on the shore. Happily, there was a small wooden shack on the beach serving cocktails & beers, simply to service Star Clippers, as there was not another soul on the beach. This stop really is the ideology we promote so often, smaller islands untouched by larger cruise ships, a real hidden gem’.
9
Yoga themed sailings Picture the scene; you’re sitting on the top deck of a Star Clippers’ cruise ship, there’s a light but warm breeze in the air, the sails are out and the sun is just going down in the distance. If you are looking for the perfect setting to meditate and release any stress and tension you have come to the right place. A qualified yoga teacher awaits on the top deck; It’s time to try Ashtanga Yoga – otherwise known as “power yoga”. This form of yoga, which is promoted as a modern-day form of classical Indian yoga, features an array of breathing and movement techniques guaranteed to revitalise your mind, body and soul. If you decide to maintain regular yoga practices after your sailing there are an extensive number of benefits, but a few of the obvious benefits include better flexibility, muscle strength and posture. Additionally it will also make you feel happier, create a basis for a healthier lifestyle, lower your blood pressure and improve sleep. Star Clippers operate a number of free daily yoga and meditation on selected sailings. If you love sea and want to understand true peace and tranquillity whilst exploring new lands – a Star Clippers yoga sailing is perfect for you.
2016 Yoga Sailings aboard Star Flyer
10th & 17th January | Cienfuegos to Cienfuegos with Axelle Roucou 24th January | Cienfuegos to Cienfuegos with Inge Schöps 13th February | Barbados to Barbados with Annie Enea 4th June | Rome to Rome with Jane Egginton
VENICE MINI CRUISE Our taster cruises are the perfect way to test out life on a magnificent sailing ship before committing to a longer voyage. Or if you have already spent your main holiday on board one of our tall ships, why not treat yourself to a second mini-break? • 5 nights aboard Star Clipper • Departs 27th August 2016 • Visiting: Venice | Mali Losinj | Cres | Rovinj | Piran | Venice • Price includes return flights from London, all non UK transfers and port charges.
Highlights • A trip to Venice would not be complete without a Gondola ride. • Visit the lively food market in Rovinj and experience their famous truffles!
Other dates... • 4 night Venice Mini Cruise aboard Star Clipper Departs 1st September & 1st October 2016 • 3 night Venice Mini Cruise aboard Star Clipper Departs 17th August 2016
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£1149 F RO M
PER P
ERSO
N
Captain Sergey Utitsyn Sailing since 1978 Favourite ship is Star Flyer Calls Tallinn, Estonia home
Meet your Captain... Star Clippers’ Captain Sergey Utitsyn talks about life at sea Q How does a typical day begin?
Q Do you have a favourite among the
A “Early in the morning, we have some nice
Star Clippers fleet?
times with Star Clippers?
sailing if we are lucky and afterwards, various
A “I’ve captained all three ships. People ask
A “The first transatlantic crossing I did as
manoeuvres to drop anchor and come
which one I prefer but they’re all different, like
captain, from Europe to the West Indies,
alongside. I love the early mornings because
women! Star Flyer, though, is like my first love.”
on Star Clipper, was wonderful. We’re a
it is very quiet on the bridge. You can enjoy the sounds of the wind and sails, the rigging and the waves. It’s like a kind of therapy and it makes me feel very close to nature.” Q How did you come to be captain of a tall ship?
A “I was wondering whether to be an architect
designing aeroplanes, which was my hobby. But I also liked models of tall ships. My father was a professional seaman. I had to choose between the two careers. I had my first experience of sailing in 1978 when I was a training cadet on a Russian tall ship. I was training to be in the merchant fleet but I caught the bug. The tall ship was built in 1926 and was called Padua, although she’s now named Kruzenshtern. She was one of the last windjammers – a tall ship from the legendary Flying P Line. She’s still in service and is 88 years old. I was on her for nearly 14 years,
Q Where is your favourite port to sail into/
out of and why? “ A My home port of Tallinn, Estonia!” Q Do you enjoy mixing with the guests? A “Yes, I very much like having a mix of
nationalities on board and mixing with all the passengers. Personally, I have so many friends after nearly 15 years with the company and this is really one of the best parts of my job. On every sailing, we meet so many different passengers and every time, we find new friends.” Q What does your day involve when you are
not actually sailing the ship? A “Meetings with the heads of departments
and with the crew. Sports activities, ship
Q Can you name any particularly exciting
lot more flexible with the route and the sailing manoeuvres on a crossing. It’s a lot of responsibility and you really do have to find the wind, a challenge just like the old times! You have to have a strategy and make it work, and do a lot of manoeuvres with the passengers.” Q Are there any parts of the world you would
like to explore with Star Clippers and its guests? A Yes! New Zealand, Australia, the southern
part of Latin America especially Cape Horn! Q You have to listen to Vangelis’ Conquest of
Paradise every time the ship sails! Do you still enjoy it? A “Fantastic - it’s great music!” Q When do you get to rest?
maintenance, meetings and mealtimes with
A “The trouble with a job like this is that you’re
the passengers.”
four months on board, then two or three at
starting as a cadet and progressing to chief
Q What is your favourite sailing area
officer and relief Captain. We did everything by
and why?
hand, which is very important for any seaman.
A “The Caribbean Islands because there are more
It’s a good test. It gets you ready for a life at
possibilities for good sailing and sailing manoeuvres
sea and it’s an important lesson in teamwork.”
as there are always good trade winds blowing.”
home, but everybody thinks the time on board is a vacation! And you know what we always say – the Captain is on duty 25 hours a day!”
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for your peace of mind 09 44
ABTA No. V3510
TOP 5 POPULAR DEPARTURES* 1. Treasure Islands Stay & Sail
3rd February 2016 / From £2299pp / Aboard Star Clipper Additional dates December 2016 to March 2017 St. Maarten / Anguilla / Virgin Gorda / Normal Island / Tortola Jost van Dyke / St. Kitts / St. Barts / St. Maarten Includes return flights from London, 3 nights pre cruise stay at Grand Case Beach Club, all non UK transfers and port charges
2. Barbados Stay & Sail
12th February 2016 / From £2379pp / Aboard Royal Clipper Additional dates January to March 2017 Barbados / St. Lucia / Dominica / Antigua / St. Kitts Iles des Saintes / Martinique / Barbados Includes return flights from London, 1 night pre cruise stay at Tamarind, all non UK transfers and port charges
3. Yachtsman’s Paradise
7th May 2016 / From £1779pp / Aboard Star Clipper Istanbul / Canakkale / Limnos / Ouranopolis / Skiathos Skopelos / Poros / Athens Includes return flights from London, 1 night pre cruise stay in Istanbul, all non UK transfers and port charges
4. Monaco Grand Prix F1 Finals
28th May 2016 / From £2239pp / Aboard Star Flyer Cannes / Monaco / St. Margherita / Bastia / Portoferraio Bonifacio / Corsica / Rome Includes return flights from London, general admission tickets to the Grand Prix F1 final, 1 night post cruise stay at Marcella Royal, Rome, all non UK transfers and port charges
5. Positano Stay & Amalfi Coast Sail
July to August 2016 / From £1999pp / Aboard Royal Clipper Rome / Lipari / Sicily / Amalfi / Sorrento / Ponza / Rome Includes return flights from London, 3 nights pre cruise stay in Positano, train from Naples to Rome, all non UK transfers and port charges
STAR CLIPPERS Sailings on Star Clippers can be booked with ABTA travel agents or with the company’s UK general sales agent, Fred. Olsen Travel on
0808 115 1295 STAR CLIPPERS
www.starclippers.co.uk sales@starclippers.co.uk
*Terms & Conditions. All prices are per person and based on 2 sharing a lead in category cabin. Port charges are per person and need to be added to the cruise fare. Price includes return flights from London and non-UK transfers, hotels included where applicable. All prices are correct at time of print and are subject to availability and/or change and can be withdrawn at any time. ABTA & ATOL bonded for your protection.