From Cape to Cape with the Barque EUROPA

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A 57-day expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha

The crew on board is international, so English is predominantly spoken.

Embark on the ultimate adventure at sea – a 57-day voyage through some of the most remote and impressive regions on our planet. The expedition begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and takes you across the notorious Drake Passage, through the icy waters of Antarctica, past the rugged wilderness of South Georgia and the isolated archipelago of Tristan da Cunha, until you finally reach the warm shores of Namibia.

This voyage is not for the faint-hearted. Crossing the Southern Ocean means facing strong winds, waves as high as houses and the untamed elemental force of nature. But the rewards are unrivalled: icebergs glowing in the light of the Antarctic sun; penguin and seal colonies as far as the eye can see; albatrosses gliding across the horizon – and the deeply satisfying feeling of having successfully mastered one of the most demanding shipping routes in the world.

Highlights of the voyage

Sail through Antarctic landscapes, surrounded by fascinating wildlife and unspoilt nature.
An intense experience: help the crew navigate the Southern Ocean.
Visit some of the loneliest places on Earth and experience extraordinary wildlife.
Enjoy the unhurried way of travelling aboard a tall ship.
Cross the Southern Ocean towards Namibia – where the desert meets the Atlantic.

A life-changing experience

This is more than just a voyage – it is a transformative experience shaped by perseverance, discovery and wonder. Become part of the legendary “Cape to Cape” expedition: learn to handle the sails of the barque EUROPA, navigate through icy waters and experience the special sense of togetherness of life at sea. Please note that this voyage includes long ocean crossings – from Antarctica to South Georgia and from there on (hopefully) to Tristan da Cunha. With the barque EUROPA as your temporary home, this expedition is far more than a mere adventure: it allows a deep connection with the wildest corners of our planet.

Route

The “Cape to Cape” expedition takes you through the legendary waters of the Southern Ocean. From Ushuaia you cross the notorious Drake Passage – a true test of endurance and the gateway to Antarctica. On your course to the north-east you cross wild seas towards South Georgia, following in the footsteps of explorers such as Shackleton.

From there, the voyage continues to Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world. On your way through the “roaring forties” and “furious fifties” latitudes, you can expect a challenging yet breathtaking expedition – an unforgettable adventure to the most remote corners of our planet.

“Cape to Cape” Expedition 2027

This “Cape to Cape” expedition is a genuine sailing voyage, with more than half of the travel days spent under sail. During these many days at sea you will get to know every facet of a sailor's life. The remote places we are heading for are known for their changeable weather and rough conditions. Whether a landing is possible therefore depends heavily on the weather and sea conditions at the time. We will make the best possible use of our stays and try to go ashore at various places – with a varied programme combining themes such as history, wildlife, glaciology and geology.

Special Features

The watch system

The EUROPA is operated around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a manoeuvre can be called at any time, the crew must organise itself and sail on a watch system. This means that part of the crew is always awake and sailing the ship, while the rest of the crew is off duty. The watches change after four hours.

The Barque EUROPA is a so-called sail training ship, and as such every participant becomes part of this crew and sails as a trainee. This means that everyone on board is introduced to the safety procedures and that everyone is expected to take an active part in the watch system. Active participation in all sailing manoeuvres is what makes these voyages so special. How far you are involved in everything depends on your own interest and physical fitness.

On deck, you work closely with the permanent crew. During a watch you assist the permanent crew for four hours and then have eight hours off. The watches are named after the colours of the Dutch flag. During a watch, you have to take the helm, stand lookout and help with setting and taking in the sails.

Requirements for the voyage:

Health certificate and health and international travel insurance
A valid passport. Please ask your consulate about visa regulations for the countries to be visited, and make sure you have adequate vaccinations for these countries yourself
Personal medication
For work on deck: waterproof shoes with non-slip soles
Swimwear and sandals
Clothing for every kind of weather

For clothing, the “onion system” is recommended, in which several layers are worn on top of one another. Bear in mind that it can get cold at sea, especially at night.

Unsuitable on board

Your bunk has a duvet with cover, a pillow with pillowcase and a bed sheet.
You do not need to bring a sleeping bag.
Towels are provided.
Suitcases are unsuitable for stowing in the cabin. Please bring a holdall or a kit bag instead.
It is not permitted to bring large quantities of food or alcoholic drinks on board.
Valuables