 Tallship Søren Larsen Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the ship?
Soren Larsen is a large wooden squarerigger 145 ft long, 25ft 6 ins wide, 98 ft high masts, 19th century brigantine rig; traditionally and comfortably furnished below decks and with many of today's modern conveniences. The Soren Larsen is surveyed to both the British Department of Transport & Bureau Veritas World Wide Class Certification.
How many crew?
13 professional crew: Captain; First Officer; Second Officer; Medical Officer; Purser; Engineer; Cook; Bosun; & Deck hands.
What does the price include/ exclude?
Includes berth aboard the vessel and three meals per day whilst on board. Does not include transport to or from the ship, any alcohol or soft drinks purchased from the bar aboard. Do note that in the Pacific islands we shall be visiting remote villages where you may need to pay for local souveniers, jungle trek guides or local custom dancing ceremonies - and of course you will need to have local currency with you (credit cards not accepted there!!). This is usually obtainable at our port of departure.
Am I too old/young?
Age range is from 16 years to 85 years; as long as you are in good health and want a participatory type holiday. We do take younger children, but they have to be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent.
I have never sailed on a ship before, will I find it difficult or feel left out?
You do not have to have any sailing experience beforehand to enjoy a sailing holiday aboard Soren Larsen. A large number of our voyagers have never stepped on a sailing ship before. Others have had a lot of experience, some owning their own yachts. However very few will have sailed a squarerigger. The ship's professional crew are there to guide you and assist you at all times.
Our guests (or voyagers/voyage crew) are encouraged to participate in all aspects of sailing the ship, under the guidance of the professional crew. This is the unique opportunity the ship offers. The more our guests participate, the more it will enhance enjoyment of your holiday. However life on deck is not very physically demanding. Note; nothing is compulsory and the choice is yours to decide how little or much you wish to join in. This is the difference between sail training voyages for adults and those for youth development programmes. However it should be made clear that you will not be a passenger on board - you are signed on as voyage crew. If you want to sit and do nothing for the whole holiday then this is not a holiday we would recommend.
Due to the nature of our voyages we are able to offer alternative types of holidays:
- The longer sea passages are aimed at our adventurous guests who wish to experience blue water sailing on a square rigger. The ship will be sailing continuously until she arrives at the next chain of Pacific islands, hence our Voyagers will be able to experience a number of night sailings. We will however, spend time exploring the islands we visit en route. It is advisable that guests joining this type of voyage are prepared to participate in most aspects of sailing the vessel including the night watches.
- Cruises once the vessel is in amongst a chain of islands are designed to be more leisurely, with the emphasis is on exploring the various islands, snorkelling, lazing on beaches as well as sailing the vessel between the destinations. Often the ship anchors overnight in a harbour or lagoon.
What do I need to pack?
After booking has been confirmed and deposit received a Soren Larsen handbook is sent to you which includes suggested packing list, deck plan, accommodation layout, sail plan, medical information, history of the ship and nautical terminology.
How long are the voyages?
They vary in length. Guests may join for a three or five day NZ voyages or 10 day or 17 day Pacific voyages. The voyages are numbered and guests may book one voyage or combine a number together. When joining a number of voyages, guests are often allowed to stay on board at no additional cost for the days between voyages. (An exception is when the vessel is under maintenance when guests are asked to find their own accommodation ashore). Please ask at time of booking.
How long has this ship operated in this way?
Since 1978 - family owner/operators Captain Tony Davies and his wife Fleur developed this adventure sail training programme for all ages. In 2006 Steve Randall andhis wife Rosie took over the operation to preserve and continue this important maritime opportunity. Soren Larsen has circumnavigated the world twice and has covered over 220,000 nautical miles.
Accommodation:
Maximum, 22 guests, accommodated in seven twin berth cabins & two four berth cabins. Some twin cabins have wash basins. Twin berth cabins may be reserved at time of booking, there is no extra charge, but are available on a first serve basis. Duvets and bedding are supplied by the ship, but we ask guests to bring their own towels.
Facilities:
Shared facilities include fresh hot water showers, 220 - 230 volt AC & 24 volt DC electricity. We are able to charge up video recorder batteries as long as guests bring their own adaptors. Please note that the ship is fitted with standard British three pin plugs.
Recreational Facilities:
Include large comfortable saloon, library, snorkelling equipment, sailboard, various fishing tackle, various musical instruments and numerous board games. Those interested can take instruction in navigation and use of the sextant.
Health / Fitness:
Although fitness is an advantage, people with disabilities will be accepted, subject to a completed medical questionnaire being approved by our Medical Officer.
Diet:
Our ship's cook is able to cater for vegetarians, and/or any other special dietary requirements as long as we are informed at time of booking.
Areas of Cruising:
Mainly the South Pacific islands of Easter Island, Pitcairn, Tahiti and French Polynesia, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu New Caledonia, Australia and New Zealand.
Hotel Accommodation/ Flights:
The Soren Larsen Auckland office is able to assist with flights and hotel accommodation prior to or after a voyage if required. Packages are available for each Pacific voyage which provide an ecomonical and tested travel solution to each of our destinations.
Alcohol:
The ship has a small bar aboard and bar bills can be paid at the end of the voyage. We accept most major credit cards.
Souvenirs:
There is a select range of quality souvenirs available aboard the ship including, fleeces, rugby shirts, polo shirts & hats all with ship's logo and name embroidered on.
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