From the Azores to La Rochelle on the Barque EUROPA

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Sailing from the Azores to La Rochelle

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

On this voyage, we are taking the Barque EUROPA to beautiful France! Join us on board for an unforgettable sailing trip – from the breathtaking Azores archipelago to the picturesque coast of La Rochelle. Setting out from this hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, you will have the chance to learn to sail on a square-rigged ship.

This voyage is far more than just a route – it is an experience: a passage across the Atlantic, crossing the Bay of Biscay. From the rugged coasts of the Azores to the adventure of the open Atlantic, where the rhythm of the waves and the wind in the sails become your daily companions. This is sailing in its purest form.

From ocean sailing to a maritime celebration

From sailing through the volcanic islands of the Azores to arriving on the French Atlantic coast, this voyage offers the perfect blend of ocean sailing, seamanship and discovery. You will have plenty of opportunity to learn the ropes on board, stand watch and become a real part of the crew. While enjoying the long ocean swells and starry nights, you will gain valuable hands-on sailing experience and make new friends – on a genuine Atlantic crossing.

When the French coast finally comes into view, round off your journey by sailing into the historic port city of La Rochelle. You will bring home new skills, unforgettable memories and the fulfilling feeling of having covered a considerable part of the Atlantic under sail.

Highlights of the voyage

Starting the journey in the Azores gives you the chance to explore the surroundings before you go on board the Barque EUROPA. Meet other sailors from all over the world and discover the famous murals hand-painted by crews on the walls of the marina.
A true hands-on experience: support the crew with navigation and handling the sails.
The rhythm of the Atlantic: this voyage is long enough to settle into the daily watch routine at sea, experience sunsets over the Atlantic and enjoy an incomparable view of the starry sky during the quiet night watches.
A visit to the beautiful La Rochelle – we sail past the 14th-century medieval towers; a city where the salty sea air and maritime pride are everywhere.

Route

From the enchanting port of Horta, we set off on a voyage of around 1,250 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. We leave the mainland behind and head out onto the open sea, making use of the prevailing westerly winds. From the long Atlantic swell to the legendary waters of the Bay of Biscay, this varied route offers an intense, hands-on experience. Over the course of two weeks, we reach the French coast, sail past the Île de Ré and finally enter La Rochelle. Along the way, we immerse ourselves in maritime traditions, find our place in the rhythm of the sea – and with one another – and create memories that last a lifetime.

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