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Cape Horn Rounding

52 days voyage

Next voyage: Oct 11 - Dec 1, 2026

Starting from €8.875,- pp

Map Key Auckland - Cape Horn.png

The ultimate voyage

A 52-day non-stop voyage from Auckland to Ushuaia

New voyage

Sailing the southern seas on board EUROPA
Dates & prices

Embark on the ultimate non-stop adventure, a 52-day journey through the most remote regions on Earth. Setting sail from Auckland (New Zealand), this voyage takes you over the Southern Pacific, across the infamous Drake Passage, around Cape Horn and finally to the the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia (Argentina).

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Bark Europa Antarctica expedition crew work

This expedition is not for the faint-hearted. A Cape Horn rounding means braving powerful winds, towering swells and the raw power of nature at its most untamed. Yet, the rewards are unparalleled: the sense of achievement that comes from sailing one of the world's most challenging routes and becoming an official Cape Horn sailor (if we meet the conditions).

Sailing the southern seas

Destination

An official Cape Horn rounding

During the Cape Horn rounding, everyone on board takes part in the watch system and daily ship operations, gaining hands-on experience sailing a square-rigger in one of the most demanding regions in the world. In 1933, the Amicale des Capitaines au Long Cours Cap Horniers (AICH) was founded to honor sailors who had successfully rounded Cape Horn under sail.

By actively and consistently participating in the watch system during the rounding, sailing under sail alone, without the use of the engine, from 50° south in the Pacific to 50° south in the Atlantic, crew members may be eligible for recognition by the Dutch section of the AICH.

A transformative experience

This is more than a voyage; it's a transformative experience of endurance, discovery and wonder. Become part of the legendary Cape Horn Rounding and learn to handle sails of Bark EUROPA, navigate through from warmer to colder waters, sharing the camaraderie of life at sea. Be aware that this voyage entails long stretches of seeing nothing than the sea around you. Plenty of time to reconnect with the sea, the ship, your fellow sailors and yourself. With Bark EUROPA as your home, this expedition is not only an adventure, but a profound connection to the planet's wildest corners.

Route

The Cape Horn rounding takes you through legendary Southern Pacific and via the Drake Passage to the Southern Ocean waters. A true test of endurance!

From the calmer waters close to Auckland, sailing east across the world’s most remote waters. Battling the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties, this challenging yet breathtaking voyage promises an unforgettable adventure to the planet’s most remote corners.

Map Route Auckland - Cape Horn.png

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome on board

From nearly all corners of the world, our guests will arrive in Auckland, this friendly city in the New Zealand. It is here where you will start your voyage to South America. After signing you on to the crew list at the gate, you will be welcomed on board. You will meet your fellow travellers, a first glance at who you will share your Cape Horn rounding with. They will be solo travellers, friends or couples, young and old, from various countries and with different backgrounds, all united in one dream of becoming a Cape Horn sailor on board EUROPA.

Welcome on board

Itinerary

Day 2 - 40: Crossing the Southern Pacific

As with all remote places in the world, the route to our destination is long and before we arrive in Ushuaia, we have to cross the Pacific and the Drake Passage. During these weeks you will see Bark EUROPA showing off her strength and resilience. At this time, the watch system will be in full force. During your watch you will stand on look out, steer the ship and help with sail handling.

Crossing the Drake

Itinerary

Day 2 - 52: The art of doing nothing

The silence and spaciousness of the sea can be impressing. Plenty of time to enjoy being offline and discover new hobbies during this long stretch of weeks at sea.

Reading in the library

Itinerary

Day 2 - 52: Hands-on

There will be ongoing maintenance tasks during this crossing. Throughout the voyage, you will work closely with the crew on activities such as routine maintenance and small cleaning jobs. This hands-on involvement is an essential part of life on board and helps keep the ship in good working order.

By taking part in these daily tasks, you’ll gain the full experience of life as a Cape Horn sailor. Ready to lend a hand?

Sail maintenance during Cape Horn Rounding

Itinerary

Day 40-45: Rounding the Horn

After approximately 40 to 45 days, it is time to meet 'the Horn'. This spot is called Cape Horn by seafarers from the city Hoorn in the Netherlands in 1616. We will all greet her together.
 

Rope handling during the Cape Horn crossing

Itinerary

Day 45-52: The final push

The Southern Ocean is infamous for its rough conditions, reflected in names such as the Roaring Forties, Furious Fifties, and Screaming Sixties, which refer to bands of latitude known for strong winds and heavy seas. To become an official Cape Horn Sailor, we must reach 50° south before turning back toward Ushuaia, without the use of the engines.

This stretch of the voyage also offers many opportunities to spot wandering albatross, often seen gliding effortlessly over the waves.

Crossing the line 50 degrees

Itinerary

Day 51-52: Arrival in Ushuaia

After many weeks at sea, we leave the open ocean and enter the Beagle Channel. In the evening, we arrive in Ushuaia for our final night on board. The following morning, it is time to say goodbye to the ship that has been your home for the past weeks.

You will leave Bark EUROPA with new friendships and memories that will stay with you long after the voyage ends.

Bark EUROPA moored in the port of Ushuaia by Jordi Plana Morales

Reviews

Stephanie Fowler - OceanCape Town to Horta

You may imagine what a trip on bark Europa will be like. But the journey is beyond imagination. The sights, the places, the people, the activities were all extraordinary and incredible.

James Ogilvie - Cape to CapeCape to Cape

Trip of a lifetime! All the paid crew were incredibly helpful, cheerful and patient. A truly memorable experience!

Caren Adams - OceanOcean voyage

What a marvellous experience: The ship was incredible and the crew were so helpful for those of us who had never sailed on a square rigger before. It was good to meet new people, there were 13 different nationalities onboard all of whom experienced their own personal adventure. We swam near the equator, saw dolphins, whales, flying fish and albatross and had perfect sailing weather for most of the trip. A small niggle was that a number of our more experienced fellow male voyage crew were a bit over zealous when it came to rope handling or sail setting and maybe the initial briefing could make it clearer about allowing everyone the opportunity to be involved rather than those who mostly pushed themselves forward. I would absolutely recommend Europa to anyone looking for a special experience, I can’t wait to do another trip!

Sailing - Bark Europa Benjamin Hardman

Why choose us

  • Sailing the Southern Seas

    Navigate some of the world's most challenging and storied oceans, this voyage offers the ultimate test of endurance and seamanship, following in the wake of historic explorers.

    Climbing the rigging during your adventure

  • Offline time

    Being offline during your time on board is a special kind of freedom. With only the horizon to distract you, the world becomes wider and quieter at the same time.

    General areas Bark EUROPA

  • Part of the crew

    On board EUROPA you're part of the crew. Learn to handle sails, navigate through unpredictable seas and experience being an active participant on this journey.

    Sail training on board Bark EUROPA

Dates & prices

The booking process

For the Cape Horn Rounding we have implemented a stricter booking process due to the intensity of the voyage. As physical fitness and mental resilience is of great importance and this adventure is exclusively suitable for experienced and well prepared sailors, we ask you to complete the following:

  1. Booking form - Please send in your booking form via this page to start the booking process. Once we have received the form, we will assess the information before we further dive into the details of the online form and health statement.
  2. Online form - To assemble a proficient and capable team, we ask you to fill out an additional online form with extra questions regarding your sailing experience, health and fitness and team skills. The link will be send after we receive your booking form.   
  3. Health statement (within 2-3 weeks) - To ensure that you are physically prepared for this journey, we ask you to fill out an additional health statement signed by your medical practitioner.

Highlights of the journey

  • A fully immersive experience, together with the crew you will navigate the Southern Pacific and Drake Passage till we reach the official end of the rounding.
  • Embrace the slower pace of a tall ship.
  • Plenty of time to disconnect from daily life and wifi and to reconnect with the sea, the ship, your fellow sailors and yourself
     

What's included

  • Small and personal expeditions with a maximum of 40-42 voyage crew members
  • Sail training and interesting lectures from our permanent crew
  • Delicious meals from our experienced cook, unlimited coffee & tea
  • Spend your “off-watch” time in the ships library, lounge, poker corner, deckhouse or ships bar
From To Days Nautical miles Age 18-34 Age 35+
From
Auckland, New Zealand
To
Ushuaia, Argentina
Days
52
Nautical miles
5800
€8.875,-
2 ps cabin € 10660
€9.880,-
2ps cabin: € 11650
Book now

FAQ

To all FAQ's
How can I physically prepare for my voyage on board EUROPA?

Whether you're hauling ropes, climbing rigging or just staying steady on deck, being prepared for your voyage will make your time on board even more worthwhile. We advise you to train in the months before your trip, focusing on balance, strength and stability. You can find more tips for exercises here!

Is WIFI available on board?

On board, there is no internet access. This creates an environment where you can escape the digital world and fully immerse yourself in the experience of sailing at sea and embracing the moment. However, if you still wish to keep your loved ones informed, there is an option to send and receive small text emails. Additionally, a designated person from your home front will have access to the captain's phone number in case of emergencies.

Is it mandatory to take part in the watch system and sail handling?

When you join us aboard EUROPA, we hope you'll embrace the excitement and adventurous spirit of being part of the watch system and helping navigate the ship from point A to point B. As a sail training vessel, we highly encourage passengers to get involved and contribute to the sailing experience. Being part of the watch system means taking turns keeping watch, steering the ship, and assisting with sail handling alongside our experienced crew. It's an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the voyage, learn new skills, and be an active participant in the journey together with your fellow sailors. Teamwork is key on board! There is of course also enough time to enjoy the voyage by spending time on deck, mingling with fellow travelers, observing the crew's activities, or simply taking in the breathtaking surroundings.