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As we bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture of South America, we embark on a new adventure, setting our sights on the vast and seemingly infinite Pacific Ocean.
The uninterrupted beauty of the Pacific, the sound of the waves against the hull, and the camaraderie of our shipmates will be the only constants as we sail towards our destination, eager to explore the mysteries and wonders of Easter Island.
Talcahuano
Our journey will take us from Talcahuano, Chile, to Hanga Roa, Easter Island, a voyage that will take us approximately 20 days to cross. During this time, we will be fully immersed in the seafaring experience, living life aboard Bark EUROPA, with no distractions from the outside world.
As we venture into the Pacific, we'll be met with the prevailing easterly trade winds, originating from the southeast region of the ocean. These winds, known for their consistency and strength, are ideal for sailing a square-rigged vessel like Bark EUROPA. We can look forward to a smooth and comfortable voyage ahead.
The vastness of the ocean around us will provide an awe-inspiring backdrop, with nothing but the seemingly endless expanse of blue water in sight. Spanning an impressive 64 million square miles, the Pacific is not only the largest but also the deepest ocean on earth, covering approximately half of the planet's water surface. Its deepest point, known as the Challenger Deep, reaches an astonishing depth of 35.797 feet (10.915 m), equivalent to nearly 7 Eiffel Towers stacked on top of each other.
Embarking on this sailing adventure provides a fantastic opportunity to fully appreciate the natural world and develop a greater sense of responsibility for the environment. While keeping a lookout over the water, you'll experience the raw power of nature in all its glory. The towering waves that appear and disappear, the feeling of being at the mercy of nature, the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, the countless stars glittering overhead, the sea creatures, and the never-ending shades of blue all contribute to making an ocean crossing an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Easter Island
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a small remote island located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. The island is famous for its mysterious and awe-inspiring Moai statues, which are giant stone carvings of head-and-torso figures that were created by the first settlers of the island. These statues, which are about 4 meters tall and weigh approximately 14 tons each, reflect the history of the dramatic rise and fall of the most isolated Polynesian culture.
The island is situated about 3,700 kilometers west of South America and 1,770 kilometers from the nearest neighboring island. Despite its isolation, it is believed that the people who carved and erected the Moai statues were descendants of intrepid voyagers who set out from Taiwan thousands of years ago. According to legend, the people left for Easter Island because their own island was slowly being swallowed by the sea.
Easter Island is not only famous for its Moai statues, but also for its beautiful beaches. The island is home to several pristine beaches with lapis lazuli-colored water and soft white sand. One of the most stunning beaches is Anakena, which is surrounded by an impressive coconut tree forest and is said to be the place where Hotu Matua disembarked. Some people believe that one of the many caves along the beach was the king's home.
Visiting Easter Island is an experience like no other. The island's isolation and unique history make it a fascinating and mysterious destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Become a sailor on board Bark EUROPA
On board Bark EUROPA, guests are referred to as voyage crew, and the ship's permanent crew will provide training to transform them into sailors. Even if you have no prior experience, the crew will teach you everything you need to know throughout the journey. Unlike a traditional cruise, Bark Europa offers a hands-on sailing experience, where you actively participate in sailing activities. The voyage crew is divided into three groups or watches, named after the colors of the Dutch flag - red, white, and blue. Each watch will take turns being on duty for four hours, followed by eight hours of free time.
While on watch, the voyage crew will be given different tasks to perform, which will be divided among the members of their watch. Two individuals will be responsible for helm duty, and the crew will guide them on steering the ship, maintaining course, and staying alert for potential hazards. There will also be two people assigned to lookout duty to spot any other ships, debris, or wildlife, and communicate with the officer of the watch.
The remaining members of the watch will be tasked with deck duty. The permanent crew will provide training on sail handling, and you will assist in setting up and taking down the sails by hauling and easing lines. You may also climb the rigging to furl or unfurl the sails and learn how to trim the sails to the direction of the wind. During deck duty, there will be opportunities to help the crew with maintenance tasks and learn traditional skills such as woodworking, sail making, celestial navigation, and traditional rope and rigging work.
During the eight hours off watch, voyage crew members can take advantage of the downtime to rest or enjoy the scenery. The library is available for quiet reading or writing in your logbook, and the deckhouse offers opportunities to socialize with fellow crewmates over a drink, board game, or card game. The crew will also provide lectures on various topics, ranging from traditional sailor skills and knowledge to science and astronomy.
Even during the off-watch time, voyage crew members can still assist the permanent crew and their watchmates with sail handling and maintenance jobs. If needed, the galley team may also ask for help with preparing meals. Your off-watch time is for you to fill in, you may do as little or as much as you like.
How to book
For a seamless booking process, please have a look at our FAQ for more information about booking multiple voyages, health requirements and other essential details.