Sailing Trip Atlantic Crossing

The Bark Europa is a training ship. The passengers are considered a part of the crew and therefore receive detailed safety instructions. Depending on your interest and condition, you will be assigned tasks on board. The permanent crew will be there to help and advise you. For example, you can assist with navigation, set sails, steer the ship or support the crew on watch. Sailing experience is not required.
You will quickly understand that teamwork is the key to a unique sailing adventure. However, the Bark Europa also invites its passengers to relax. The ship is ideally equipped for longer sea voyages. It has a library, a lounge, a poker area and a lounge, the deckhouse. In addition, there is a DVD and CD player and radio on board. The majority of the crew is Dutch, but English is predominantly spoken on board.

Join us aboard Bark EUROPA and experience what it's like to be away from civilization for more than 40 days. Our adventure begins in Cape Town, South Africa, from where we'll cross the vast South Atlantic Ocean towards Montevideo, Uruguay. This extraordinary journey is a unique opportunity for sailing enthusiasts who wish to learn the ropes and fully embrace the rhythm of the sea.

The upcoming voyage of Bark EUROPA holds a special significance as it marks its first ocean crossing since the restoration following the accident in Cape Town. We are immensely grateful for the incredible support we've received from everyone. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team and external partners, the ship has been completely restored. Before embarking on our crossing, a shakedown voyage is on the agenda: a short trial journey before we cross the Atlantic. Travel with us as EUROPA triumphs and is ready to embark on new adventures.

Departure from Cape Town
Guided by our experienced captain and crew, for the first time in 15 years, EUROPA will set sail on a direct crossing from Cape Town to Montevideo. We'll harness the prevailing south-eastern trade winds, which generally favour our westward journey. While we remain mindful of different weather patterns, including storms, calms, and shifts in wind direction, our course adjustments will ensure an enjoyable sailing experience.

The Crossing
Experience the thrill of sailing a historical ship. Not only do you get to enjoy the sun and the surroundings of the ship, but you also have the opportunity to actively participate in the sailing of the ship. There is plenty of time on sea to assist with sail handling, helping with all kinds of maintenance activities and enjoying lectures on topics ranging from sail setting and striking, to meteorology, navigation, and seamanship. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time adventurer, come and work together with your fellow trainees and crew on board the Bark EUROPA and enjoy this beautiful and once-in-a-lifetime sailing voyage together.

As the night falls, you’ll be mesmerized by the clear skies, which offer magnificent opportunities for stargazing. Soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of the stars, learn about the constellations and enjoy the peacefulness of the open sea at night.

Looking back down from the stars and into the ocean, you’ll be able to witness another beauty of nature’s wonder. Be mesmerized by the stunning sight of the algae lightning up on the bow of the ship. The magical effect is further enhanced when we’re accompanied by dolphins, who take some time to swim with us, while their tails light up under water.

This crossing offers you magically starry nights, swim stops, the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and helping our crew with maintenance.

Become a sailor on board Bark Europa
During this incredible adventure, you won't simply be a guest, but an active participant in the sailing experience on board Bark EUROPA. Our dedicated crew will guide you in mastering the art of sailing a tall ship, covering everything from hoisting sails to navigating the rigging. Regardless of your prior experience, this hands-on opportunity will deepen your understanding of traditional seafaring. As part of the voyage, you'll engage in the rotating watch system, allowing you to actively participate in sailing the ship under the guidance of our experienced crew.

You’ll be divided into three watches – red, white and blue – named after the colours of the Dutch flag. During your four-hour watch, you will be working alongside our experienced sailors to keep the ship running smoothly. You and your watch members will take on different tasks to keep the Bark EUROPA sailing smoothly. Two people will be on helm duty, making sure to steer the ship at a steady course. During the watch there will also always be two people on look-out duty. When you spot ships, debris, or wildlife this will be communicated to the officer of the watch.

This hands-on experience will enable you to develop your sailing skills and learn to navigate the ship as a team. For those seeking an extra thrill, there are plenty of opportunities to climb the rigging or contribute to the ship's maintenance. All that's truly required is your enthusiasm for learning, a passion for adventure, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, fostering a sense of camaraderie among fellow adventurers.

After your watch, you’ll have eight hours ‘off watch’. There is plenty of free time to rest and enjoy the scenery. Whether you wish to do some quiet reading or writing in your logbook in the library or enjoy an active role in the social life of the deckhouse: there is a place for everyone. Enjoy a good talk and a glass of wine at the bar with your fellow crewmates, play some games or attend the lectures given by the crew on various subjects, from traditional sailor skills and knowledge to science and astronomy.

Upon reaching Uruguay and disembarking after a spectacular ocean crossing, you can rightfully consider yourself a fully-fledged sailor with memories and friends for life.

Responsibility to care
As you sail over the ocean, you will instantly understand the importance of having respect for the environment. This philosophy plays a big role on board Bark EUROPA and among her crew. We hope to inspire you to focus on everything around you: not just a vast open ocean, but a world on its own. We offer our voyage crew the experience to look at this world of endless ever changing blue and listening to the sound of the ocean, the wind in our sails and to the peace and tranquility around us.

On this ocean crossing, we have the privilege of being joined by experts from various fields, enriching the voyage with their knowledge. These scientists and students conduct research projects and share their insights into the wonders of the ocean, providing a unique learning experience for all onboard.

By conducting safe and environmentally responsible sailing voyages, we offer firsthand travel experiences to give our guests a better understanding of the ocean itself and the animals that call this place their home. We hope that this way we create a group of ocean ambassadors all over the world.

As we work together with universities and other institutions, we hope to connect the scientific world with our world at sea. We aim to bring scientific knowledge to a wider audience and help to create more awareness for the state of the oceans and the polar regions. Together with researchers, universities, and companies, we have been able to collect solid data in the recent years. To build such a database, a great deal of effort over several years is required and we are happy to make every effort as a platform for collecting this data.

So, are you ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of this epic voyage? Join us on board Bark EUROPA and embark on a journey that will leave you with lifelong memories and friends and a newfound appreciation for the power and beauty of the ocean.