Brand new UK-based Tradewind Voyages has announced details of its inaugural cruise season and the name of the worlds largest square-rigged sailing ship.
Carrying 272 guests, Golden Horizon will offer cruises from the UK in 2021. The ship, built and owned by a Croatian shipyard, is a near replica of the 1913-built France II.
Tradewind Voyages first season will feature nine UK sailings between May and August 2021. Seven from Harwich and two from Glasgow. The ship will then head over to the Mediterranean and further afield.
Highlights include a British maritime-themed voyage, which will see the ship anchoring off Cowes for the regatta fireworks display. The ship will also visit the South Coast, Scilly Islands and the Channel Islands.
Other UK departure itineraries include Denmark, Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords and the Baltics on mainly 7, 10, 11, 14 and 21 night cruises. Another highlight will see the Golden Horizon sail to St Petersburg and Svalbard.
In September 2021, the ship will sail around the Mediterranean, before travelling through the Suez Canal along the historic maritime Silk Route to Jakarta and on to Bali.
in December 2021 and into 2022, Golden Horizon will circumnavigate Australia, as well as offer sailings that visit the Indian Ocean, Japan, Alaska, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands.
Although Golden Horizon has engine power, the ship will mainly utilise the 6,300 square metres of sails, harnessing wind power for around 70% of each cruising season. The prevailing winds and currents around the world have formed the basis for the itineraries the ship will operate.
Golden Horizon will appeal to active adults looking to travel the world in a new way. Although not child-friendly, families will not be excluded. There will be a focus on enrichment and wellbeing, as well as various complimentary water sports available from the ship’s marina. The main dining room will have capacity to seat all passengers at one time for lunch and evening dinner. The alfresco Horizon Bar will offer grills, light lunches and suppers in a more casual setting.
Tradewind Voyages is planning to add further newly designed sailing ships to its fleet over the coming years, with the design process underway. Cruises for the company’s first season will go on sale in September 2020.