This voyage will open for bookings on September 25th at 12:00 CEST.
Embark on a new adventure and enjoy three weeks of sailing and exploring. From Ushuaia we will set sail to Puerto Williams and from there we will explore and navigate through the Chilean Channels! The last part of the voyage we will sail on the open ocean and explore the Chilean coast on our way to Valparaiso!
Ushuaia
Your voyage will start in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world! Nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is a city that embodies the rugged spirit of Patagonia. It is a thriving city that serves as a gateway to the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Arrive a few days early to experience the charm of this unique city at the "end of the world".
Departure
After embarking the Bark EUROPA in Ushuaia, we’ll have the opportunity to settle in and get acquainted with our new surroundings. Spend your first day getting to know your fellow travelers and familiarize yourself with the ship. Learn the ins and outs of your cabin and get to know the colors of your watch - red, white, or blue - which determine your watch schedule for the voyage. Understand how to stand look out, steer the ship, and help with sail handling. After enjoying the first meal together you get ready for bed, set sail the next morning and begin the adventure of a lifetime! Whether this is your first ocean crossing or you're a seasoned tall ship sailor, the mix of experience levels on board creates a dynamic learning environment, where each person can contribute in their own way to keep the ship sailing.
Through the Chilean Channels
The voyage starts with a short sail from Ushuaia to Puerto Williams, crossing the Beagle channel. Here we will step ashore for the most southern trek of South America on Isla Navarino, where we will be welcomed by stunning views of the Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams in Chile on the one side and Ushuaia in Argentina on the other.
Puerto Williams is the capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province. The settlement was founded in 1953 and served primarily as a naval base for Chile. The port attracts tourists and scientific activity linked to Cape Horn or Antarctica, but also hike enthusiasts that go on multi day hikes in the 'Dientes de Navarino (Teeth of Navarino)' mountains surrounding Puerto Williams.
After a day spent hiking, we will sail further through the beautiful channels and fjords of Southern Chilean Patagonia, a breathtaking landscape of high snow-capped peaks, glaciers and dramatic fjords.
Leaving ‘fin del mundo’ behind us, we will now start our sail up north and explore the Chilean Channels! Learn the ins and outs about setting and taking away the sails, by hauling and easing lines. Climb in the rigging to furl or unfurl the sails. The crew will learn you how to trim the sails to the direction of the wind. They will ask you to help with the maintenance of the ship, by assisting in woodworking, sail making or rope work.
The Humboldt current, named after the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, has an impressive ecosystem that hosts a wide range of organisms, such as plankton, crustaceans, fish and marine mammals. With some luck we will see whales that come here to feed on phytoplankton. The area is also known for 18 to 20% of worlds marine fish catch, mostly being mackerel, anchovies and sardines.
Valparaiso
After a voyage centered on sailing, nature and wildlife, we'll arrive in a world heritage city brimming with bohemian vibes and vibrant colors that have long been a muse for poets and writers. The city's hills are full of small and colorful houses, connected by endless staircases of historic funicular elevators, allowing you to wander through a maze of narrow streets or soak in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Located approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Santiago, Valparaíso is one of the South Pacific's most significant seaports. In the second half of the 19th century, it played a critical geopolitical role, serving as a vital stopover for ships travelling the Strait of Magellan en route from the Atlantic to the Pacific. During this time, the city thrived and was known by many seafarers as 'the Jewel of the Pacific.
In the second half of the 20th century, especially after the Panama Canal opened, the city suffered a severe setback. However, the last years twenty years the city reached its recovery, attracting artists, writers and tourists to the historic districts of the beautiful city and evolving into a major educational center with multiple universities and colleges. The port of Valparaíso continues to be a major distribution center for marine traffic and cruise ships and will also be our gateway into the Pacific.
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 unexpected situations. 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.
How to book
This voyage will open for bookings on Monday 25th of September at 12:00 (noon) CEST. 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.