There are less than two weeks to go until the start of the epic Transatlantic Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Travelling more than 7,000 nautical miles, this is your chance to sail in the wake of the great explorers and take part in an event you’ll never forget…
In this blog series, we’ve explored Race 1, between Royal Greenwich, UK and Sines, Portugal. We’ve also featured Race 2 (from Sines to Bermuda), Race 3 (from Bermuda to Boston, USA), and Race 5 (from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Le Havre, France). This week, we’re taking a look at Race 4, between Boston and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence ports, Canada, and the Canadian Guest Ports Programme. There are spaces still available on each of these race legs – book your place soon to avoid disappointment.
Boston’s historic waterfront.
Race 4 – Boston, USA, to Gulf of Saint Lawrence Ports, Canada
Race 4 provides a unique opportunity to join the spectacular international fleet of Tall Ships, in a race from Boston up toward the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Covering 600 nautical miles, this challenging leg through the North Atlantic will present the perfect opportunity for you to learn the benefits of teamwork.
Unlike the majority of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta race legs, Race 4 will not finish in port. Instead, it’ll end off of the coast of Canada at the entry of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, followed by an expansive Guest Ports Programme.
Canadian Guest Ports Programme – Outstanding Sailing Opportunities
The Canadian Guest Port Programme is similar to the non-competitive Cruise-in-Company legs of the Tall Ships Races events. The participating fleet will visit beautiful ports on the east Canadian coast, where they’ll have the opportunity to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Federation. The fleet will have the option to stop at more than 30 ports across the east coast and sample the rich maritime history on offer.
This programme is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy a more relaxed sailing environment. Participating vessels will morph from race competitors to sailing company, as each ship cruises at a more leisurely pace in order to enjoy the beautiful maritime sailing experience in all its glory.
You can find out everything you need to know about the Guest Port Programme on the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta event page, or by checking out the links below…
- Southern Gulf (30 June-3 July)
- Northern Gulf (7-9 July)
- Saint Lawrence River Ports (14-16 July)
- Great Lakes Flotilla (30 June-16 July)
- Outport Programme (29 July-20 August)
The Canadian Great Lakes provide some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world.
Book Your Place on Board
There are 24 vessels left with spaces throughout the Canadian Guest Ports Programme – and they’re taking bookings now. These are:
- Alexander von Humboldt II (Netherlands)
- Appledore V (USA)
- Atyla (Vanuatu)
- Blue Clipper (UK)
- Denis Sullivan (USA)
- El Galeon (Spain)
- Europa (Netherlands)
- Fair Jeanne (Canada)
- Gulden Leeuw (Netherlands)
- Jolie Brise (UK)
- Lord Nelson (UK)
- Niagara (USA)
- Oosterschelde (Netherlands)
- Pathfinder (USA)
- Picton Castle (Cook Islands)
- Playfair (USA)
- Roter Sand (Canada)
- Spaniel (Latvia)
- Spirit of South Carolina (USA)
- St Lawrence II (USA)
- Vahine (Vahine)
- When and If (USA)
- Wylde Swan (Netherlands)
Let’s take a more in-depth look at three vessels that are taking part in the Guest Ports Programme:
TS Playfair (Canada)
TS Playfair (Canada) is operated by Toronto Brigantine Inc. She was designed and built as a sail training vessel by Francis A. McLachland in Ontario, Canada, and was launched in 1973.
Interesting facts about TS Playfair:
- One of two sail training brigantines – the other is STV Pathfinder.
- TS TS Playfair was christened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
- Member of the Blue Flag Scheme.
- One of the vessel’s former captains was in the film “Master and Commander.”
- Aside from Captain, the entire ship’s complement is between 13 and 18 years of age.
What Her Crew Says…
“Sailing on… (board) was probably the most important development of my life, as it helped me understand responsibility and adventure. I still use everything I have learned. I miss the Brigs, but it was the people who made it special.”
- Price: From $750 for Hamilton to Bath (Guest Port Programme).
- Price: From $1,350 for Kingston to Québec City (Guest Port Programme).
- Visit: www.torontobrigantine.org to book your place.
Lord Nelson (UK)
Lord Nelson (UK) was launched in 1986. She’s named after the famous British Admiral and is owned by the Jubilee Sailing Trust. There are only two Tall Ships in the world that have been purpose-built to enable able-bodied and physically disabled people to sail side by side… and Lord Nelson is one of them. Lord Nelson can take 40 trainees on board in bunks and cabins. She’s equipped with showers and welcomes people with special needs.
Interesting facts about Lord Nelson:
- Member of the Blue Flag Scheme.
- Highly accessible: wheelchair access throughout, speaking compass, and power-assisted hydraulic steering.
- In 2012, Lord Nelson crossed the equator and sailed into the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.
What Her Crew Says…
“A voyage on Lord Nelson is not just an adventure holiday – it also looks great on your CV, qualifies for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, and equips you with new life skills, whilst having a positive impact on society through the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s socially inclusive sailing model. During your voyage, the crew will support you as you learn the ropes and put your new skills into practice. While this is a working adventure holiday, it is not all work and no fun – your fellow crew members will feel like family by the end of your trip and you can be sure of a life-changing and never-to-forget experience.”
- Price: From £835 for Cornerbrook to Sydney (Cape Breton) (Guest Port Programme).
- Price: From £735 for Sydney to Lunenburg (Nova Scotia) (Guest Port Programme).
- Visit https://jst.org.uk/voyage-filter to book your place.
What’s Next?
Has this whistle-stop tour of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta Guest Port Programme inspired you to get involved with this epic event? Check out our event page for more information.
You can book your place directly with a participating vessel, or if you’d like help simply email our friendly team on enquiries@sailonboard.com who can make recommendations, answer questions and process your booking for you.
