Welcome Aboard the Bark EUROPA
Overview
Since the year 2000, the Bark EUROPA has been crossing oceans and seas on a regular basis and has the reputation of being a ship that really sails. Our voyages bring us to remote islands and cities all over the world, giving you the possibility to step on board halfway through a long ocean crossing.
Since the year 2000, the Bark EUROPA has been crossing oceans and seas on a regular basis and has the reputation of being a ship that really sails. Our voyages bring us to remote islands and cities all over the world, giving you the possibility to step on board halfway through a long ocean crossing. Bark EUROPA follows the favourable winds of traditional sailing routes. This has brought her to all continents, sailing the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, thus earning her nickname ‘Ocean Wanderer’. From December to March, in the Southern hemisphere summer, the EUROPA conducts expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula. The EUROPA also participates in the Tall Ships races, the largest international ocean races for sail-training ships in the world. Races occur annually in various parts of the world with thousands of spectators. Our crew and guests are international and of different ages, united in their search for adventure and new experiences.
Technical Specs
| Build | 1911 |
| Home port | Scheveningen, Netherlands |
| LOA | 56 meter |
| Width | 7.4 meter |
| Draught | 3.9 meter |
| Height | 33 meter |
| Max. Sails | 1250 m2 |
| Engines | 2 x 365 pk Caterpillar |
| Call Sign | PDZS |
- Permanent crew: 16
- Voyage crew (guests): 48
Sails
As a three masted bark the EUROPA has quite a lot of sails. Once on board you will receive a sailors handbook with more details on the names of the sails and all the corresponding sails.
Things you like to know about sailing with the Europa:
| Maximum speed | The max hull speed is just over 13 knots. In reality 12.5 knots has been made |
| All sails up | It takes about 45 minutes to hoist all sails |
| All sails down | It takes about 5 minutes to take all sails down |
| Rope on board | Including all sheets, halyards, clew and buntlines, brasses and mooringlines there is 5,5 kilometer rope on board |
| Close hauled | The EUROPA can sail on a 65 degrees close hauled course |
Cabins & Amenities
- All cabins have ensuite facilities
- One dining room with a large kitchen
- Library
- Bar/lounge area
- Ship-to-shore communications via satellite
Cabins
If you are traveling as a couple you can decide to book a 2-persons cabin, but you can also be placed together with another couple in a 4-persons cabin. Single travelers can find their bunk in a 4- or 6-persons cabin (male or female cabins). We cannot guarantee any specific cabin or bunk to you, we can make a note of your preference, however the final cabin overview will be made on board by the captain.
There are four 2-person cabins, four 4-person cabins and four 6-person cabins. The classic romantic bunks are very comfortable. All cabins are provided with ensuite shower and toilet. Every bunk has its own sheet, duvet and covers. You do not have to bring your own sleeping bags. Towels will be provided too. During the Antarctica voyages or the long ocean crossings a maximum of 5 persons will be placed in a 6-persons cabin.
Food
At sea it is very important to eat and drink well. An experienced cook and cooks mate prepare excellent meals every day. You will be suprised by the variety of dishes. The cook will often use local ingredients from the ports we visit. And if allowed a fresh caught fish will be on the menu as well!
On Board EUROPA you have a choice between vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. You can make your choice know on the booking form.
Notes
Life onboard
Many people who come on board struggle to believe the history of the hull of this classic three-master. The Special purpose sail training ship EUROPA was built in 1911. In 1994 she was fully restored as a barque (three mast rigged ship) and now roams the seas of the world in the best seafaring tradition. With a professional crew of maximum 14 and a complement of 48 voyage crew members of different ages and nationalities, EUROPA is powered by canvas and co-operation. The crew makes sure the ship operates safely. The atmosphere on board reflects an adventurous maritime history. The traditional mahogany deckhouse, teakwood decks and floors as well as the beautiful interior with authentic early 20th century details provide a perfect ambiance for a fantastic voyage.
No Experience Needed
Everyone is welcome to take the helm, set sails, assist with manoeuvres, navigation, weather observations, furling the sails on the yards and much more. The permanent crew will give lectures and instruct you during the voyage in steering, navigation and line handling. This will be done in a “Dutch” style, so without yelling, blowing whistles and so on. Also, you will find no uniforms on the Bark EUROPA. Crossing the ocean properly with a square rigger under sail like the Bark EUROPA is a team effort, so we appreciate every input from the voyage crew. Sailing experience is not necessary. Instructions will be given in watch responsibilities, basic sail theory, line handling, steering and navigation.
There is always something new to see or to learn from the crew, of the voyage crew or by our environment. For some of the guests sailing on board EUROPA feels like an escape from their daily routine. Think of a relaxing time without your phone and without internet. Without Google you turn to each other and books for information. Let the people onboard surprise you with their knowledge of very diverse subjects. Live in the moment and admire the wonder of nature. During a voyage on board you establish a routine that is relaxing and comfortable but keeps you occupied.
Teamwork
One hour on board the Bark EUROPA and it will instantly be clear: “teamwork” has to be the key to this beautiful traditional sailing vessel. No winches, but an infinity of lines; at first glance maybe a complete jungle. The hundreds of blocks look like spiders in their webs. The novice sailor will be introduced to these matters every day and, after a few weeks, all those lines, blocks, stays, booms with their impossible names and functions become an open book.
Ideal for OceanCrossings
The ship is ideal for ocean crossings and longer voyages, with various places for relaxing: library, lounge, poker corner and deckhouse. These different areas allow you to do your own thing: perhaps some quiet reading or a more active role in the social life in the deckhouse. In the aft of the ship you have the Library. This is usually the most quiet place of the ship so ideal to read a book or work on your own logbook. On tweendeck level you will find the Lounge. Breakfast is served here but this room also is used by the guides to have their lectures and show their movies. In the deckhouse you will find the ship’s Bar with the nice benches to meet your fellow crew and toast on another wonderful day.
