Start-up Tradewind Voyages reveals name of sailing ship

UK-based start-up, Tradewind Voyages, has revealed the name of its chartered vessel as Golden Horizon, according to Seatrade Cruise News.

Carrying 272 passengers with a crew of 159, the ship, which is the world’s largest square-rigged sailing ship, will start offering voyages in northern Europe from May to August 2021 before sailing to the Mediterranean, Asia and further afield.

Golden Horizon is a near replica of the 1913-built ocean vessel France II, and whilst she has engine power, the philosophy is to sail with the winds and currents utilising the 6,300sq mtr of sails whenever possible. The intent is to be under sail for around 70% of each season.

Tradewind Voyages CEO, Stuart McQuaker, told Seatrade Cruise News: “Uniquely, all her voyages are planned on the basis of the prevailing winds and currents around the world, often following the traditional trading routes; a real maritime experience.”

McQuaker adds that the 162-metre-long ship will “appeal to active adults who want to travel the world in a new way. Families will not be excluded, but it is not going to be a child-friendly product.

“There will be a sophisticated enrichment and wellbeing programme and, for those who wish, the opportunity to take advantage of various complementary watersports available from its marina.”

The main dining room will have capacity to seat all passengers at one time for lunch and evening dinner, while the alfresco Horizon Bar in the ship’s aft will offer grills and light lunch/suppers for those wanting a more casual setting.

The ship is currently at Brodosplit shipyard in Croatia, the owner of the vessel and where it was constructed.

Nine voyages will be offered from the UK, with seven departures from Harwich and two from Glasgow. A highlight of the first season’s itinerary will be a British maritime-themed voyage, with the ship anchoring off Cowes for the traditional regatta fireworks display. Visits are also planned to the traditional maritime communities of the Scilly Islands and Channel Islands.

Northern European itineraries will feature Denmark, Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords, and the Baltic republics with a mix of durations, mainly seven, 14 and 21 days (round-trips to St Petersburg and up to Svalbard), as well as 10 and 11-day sailings.

In September 2021, Golden Horizon will sail into the Mediterranean and then through the Suez Canal and follow the historic maritime Silk Route to Jakarta, and on to Bali. Itineraries in late 2021 and into 2022 will feature a circumnavigation of Australia, the Indian Ocean, Japan, Alaska, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands.

Tradewind Voyages is planning to add further newly designed sailing ships to its fleet over the coming years, with the design process under way.

The Tradewind Voyages’ programme goes on sale in September.

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