A new Itinerary has been announced for this voyage sailing an alternative route through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Departing April 2025 this epic voyage will sail 25,000 nautical miles to Tahiti and Cape Horn.
Find the new itinerary here.
Join the crew to sail around the world in a square-rigger and you’ll sail to 20+ ports over 30,000 nautical miles on this incredible circumnavigation 2024-2026 where YOU are the crew.
Set to embark in late 2024, a majestic sail training tall ship is preparing for a year-and-a-half-long voyage, charting an eastward course around the ocean world, predominantly in higher latitudes.
The upcoming journey will navigate the waters via the Cape of Good Hope and the renowned Cape Horn.
The crew, engaged in tasks such as hauling braces, setting, taking, and furling sail, and steering through a span of 40,000 miles, comprises robust seagoing adventurers led by qualified leadership, poised for the challenges of a genuine seafarer’s deep-sea, square-rigged sailing voyage. Along the way, the itinerary promises captivating ports of call steeped in sailing ship history.
No sailing experience is needed for this voyage. Through a combination of the hands-on practice you’ll get in daily watch standing and educational workshops, you will develop seamanship skills while working together with your shipmates.
Sign aboard a three-masted barque as a trainee crew member on a voyage around the world.
As you sail, you will learn the skills you need such as:
- to take your turn at the helm
- take your turn on lookout
- handle lines and sails
- assist the cook in the galley
- and help with ship’s maintenance projects.
Everyone aboard is a working crew member. Climbing aloft in the rigging is optional, participating in duties on deck is not.
Prospective participants have the opportunity to apply for this epic voyage, as the tall ship accommodates a blend of professional and trainee crew members.
The leadership crew consists of qualified, credentialed mariners trained in some of the world’s renowned square-riggers, possessing significant sea experience and ready to impart their knowledge. Trainee crew members, resembling individuals with a shared spirit of curiosity, adventure, fitness, and aged 18 and above, hail from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
They share a common desire to embark on a sea adventure, witnessing the world from the unique perspective that only being part of a voyage can offer – and are prepared for the challenges ahead. The diversity of the crew enhances the overall voyage experience.
The journey will deviate from the conventional Panama Canal route, opting to sail under Tierra del Fuego, South America. Exploring different parts of the world becomes all the more intriguing and authentic, earned by the efforts of the crew who, alongside their shipmates, sail every mile on a square-rigged ship.
The itinerary promises fascinating ports of call, some rarely visited by sailing ships in contemporary times.
The adventure culminates in sailing around the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn eastbound, following the prevailing winds and traversing great ocean passages.
For those seeking a truly immersive and challenging oceanic experience, this voyage presents a life-changing opportunity.
You can sign aboard for the full year+ voyage or for leg of the voyage.
See the other listings for details of each of the legs of the voyage.
Make an enquiry for full details!
Why you'll love this adventure
- Expand your skill set, learning all about square rig sailing ships and seamanship
- Challenge yourself to complete a big goal over an extended period of time
- Visit remote ports and islands that few others get to see or experience
Dates
Itinerary
Sailing around the world in a square-rigger is truly an epic voyage! For the full details please make an enquiry and we'll send them over. Catch the tradewinds on this voyage designed around the best seasonal sailing winds in each of the oceans you'll visit. Starting in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, and ending in Virginia, USA, ports on the way include Cape Town (South Africa), Hobart (Tasmania, Australia), Auckland (New Zealand), Tahiti (French Polynesia) and Stanley (Falkland Islands).
What's included
- Accommodations on board
- All meals on board
- Passage from port to port
- Instruction, both through the daily sailing of the ship and through regular workshops
- Entry fees/port fees at the various ports of call
- Sea Service Certificate that documents the time you’ve spent at sea (useful if you plan to pursue certification following the voyage)
Not included
- Travel to and from the port where you will meet the ship
- Travel insurance (mandatory, must meet minimum requirements for medical expenses and medical evacuation)
- Vaccinations that are required or recommended before signing aboard
- Items on the packing list, including foul weather gear (waterproof jacket, pants and boots) and a rigging knife
- Any visas you might be required to obtain before signing aboard
- Spending money for your days off duty ashore
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
Accommodations are in upper and lower pilot berths in large compartments. Each crew member has their own berth that will be assigned to them for the duration of the voyage. Each berth has a curtain that provides some privacy, a reading light, and a storage space that is either built in below the berth or in a separate locker. Hooks are provided in each compartment for hanging foul weather gear (waterproof jacket and pants). Sheets and pillows will be provided, you should bring your own sleeping bag or blanket.
There are four heads (marine toilets) aboard and four fresh water showers (two with both hot and cold water, two with cold water only). You will be careful about conserving both fresh water and electricity while on board.
Meals
There is a cook as part of the ship’s professional crew, trainee crew (that’s you) will take turns assisting the cook in the galley. Three meals are provided daily, all are offered buffet style and usually eaten casually on deck in good weather. Some dietary restrictions can be accommodated, please ask.
Meals change as the ship is at sea for longer periods – you may start out eating salads and fresh vegetables but after weeks at sea those are no longer available and we need to rely on dry, canned and frozen goods. The ship has no refrigeration, but does have many deep freezers.
Because the crew work hard, meals are simple and hearty. The cook is famous for his fried chicken!
Who is this trip for?
Applications are welcome from individuals of all nationalities and genders, ages 18+. No couples.
Applicants must be in good health, able to be away from normal shore-based medical care for extended periods of time, and able to do moderately strenuous physical activity. As part of the application process, a note from your doctor confirming all of the above will be required.
This voyage is open to people of all nationalities and genders, ages 18 and up. No sailing experience is required. You will be part of the working crew of the ship, so prepare to roll up your sleeves and dive in cheerfully!
There are times you will be hot, uncomfortable, tired and sore. There are time you’ll be content, exhilarated, joyful and relaxed.
There is an application process where your suitability will be assessed. Ideal candidates are positive, flexible, willing to pitch in, and good company for extended periods of time.
Trainees choose to sail with us for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’re looking for a gap year expedition, either after high school or during or after college or university. Maybe you want to do something unique for your big overseas experience. Perhaps you’re looking to develop seamanship skills to help start a career as a seafarer. Maybe you are already working in a maritime career and want to gain deep-water sea time and square rig experience. Or this is the right time to take a break from your job and life ashore to make the voyage in the tradewinds you’ve always dreamed of. Or maybe you’re retired and want to travel and learn and immerse yourself in a South Seas adventure. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a unique way to travel to exotic, iconic places, a foundation from which to launch a maritime career or an authentic square rig sailing experience on a vessel similar to one in the Great Age of Sail, there is a place for you on board. Sailing aboard is truly a life changing opportunity and the dream of a lifetime.
Whatever your reason, we want to be clear that signing aboard as a trainee crew member is a big commitment. On this voyage there will be long stretches where signing off is simply not possible. We encourage anyone who is interested and curious to make an enquiry so we can connect you with the crew office to discuss the voyage and whether it might be a good fit for you.
There is an application process that starts when you make an enquiry on our site and are shared details on how to make an application online. If you complete the application form the crew office will request a note from your doctor that says you’re in good health and can do moderately strenuous physical activity on a remote, oceangoing voyage. They will also request payment of a deposit which will hold your spot.
On previous voyages they have required applicants to come visit the ship in person for an in-person interview. On this voyage, they’ll save you the time and expense of a trip to Lunenburg and arrange an interview with you by online video conference instead. It’s still important for you to see the ship, including what the accommodations are like, how they eat meals, what the bathroom/shower situation is, what you’ll be doing when you stand a watch, and so on, so they’ll recommend some videos for you to watch that give you the full tour.
Additional notes
This ship, its sail training program and its Captain are highly respected in the sail training industry, winning multiple industry awards. This will be the ship’s eighth world circumnavigation voyage, so they know the waters and ports intimately.
FAQs
What is a typical day like at sea like?
The crew are divided into three watches at sea, each of which is on duty for four hours and off duty for eight hours, around the clock.
While you are on duty, you will take your turn at the wheel, take your turn on forward lookout, handle sails and lines as little or as much as is required by the wind and weather, keep the ship clean and tidy, and work on ship’s maintenance projects, which could include everything from sanding and scraping to painting and tarring, mending sails to taking inventory.
While you are off duty, you will sleep, eat meals, participate in educational workshops if they happen during your off watch time, read books, work on personal projects or watch the world float by.
Trainees take turns being on galley duty, meaning that instead of standing your regular watch you will be assigned to assist the cook. You will wash dishes, set up for meals, and assist with basic food preparation.
What is a typical day on duty in port like?
When the ship reaches port, the crew will be divided into two or three watches, so you will have one day on duty for one or two days off duty.
When you’re on duty in port, you will do a full day of ship’s maintenance projects, including things like oiling the decks, painting the topsides, or running the ship’s boat to ferry people from ship to shore.
Because the ship is never left unattended, you will stand a night watch of approximately an hour where you will be paired up with an experienced crew member to monitor the ship overnight.
What is a typical day off duty in port like?
Your days off duty in port are what you make them! You are welcome to go ashore and explore on your own. The ship does not arrange activities ashore, but before arriving in each port there will be an orientation that includes suggestions for what to do.
There are a few ports, usually the more remote and less populated ports, where there may be some activities planned that you are welcome to join in or not.
The ship visits so many beautiful, amazing places. You will be encouraged to venture beyond the marina or wharf where the ship’s boat will drop you off.
What should I bring?
A packing list will be provided to all accepted trainees.
What will my shipmates be like?
Your shipmates will come from many different countries, it’s a real international mix. Most will be under 35 years old, some will be older. Usually the crew is about half women and half men. All of them will be adventurous souls who are passionate about this particular voyage.
How much does it cost?
Trainee fees, in US dollars, are as follows:
Full voyage: $72,800 October 7, 2024 – January 27, 2026
Leg 1
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada to Cape Town, South Africa
October 7, 2024 to March 3, 2025
Leg 1: $24,000
- Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde
- Tristan da Cunha (weather and conditions permitting)
- Cape Town, South Africa
Leg 2
Cape Town, South Africa to Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
March 4, 2025 to July 6, 2025
Leg 2: $20,000
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Reunion
- Port Lincoln, South Australia, Australia
- Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Leg 3
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand
July 7, 2025 to August 28, 2025
Leg 3: $8,500
- Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Bay of Islands, New Zealand
- Auckland, New Zealand
Leg 4
Auckland, New Zealand to Tahiti, French Polynesia
August 29, 2025 to November 23, 2025
Leg 4: $14,000
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Pitcairn Island
- Mangareva, French Polynesia
- Raivavae, French Polynesia
- Tahiti, French Polynesia
Leg 5
Tahiti, French Polynesia to Stanley, Falkland Islands
November 24, 2025 to January 26, 2026
Leg 5: $10,500
- Tahiti, French Polynesia
- Cape Horn
- Stanley, Falkland Islands
Leg 6
Stanley, Falkland Islands to Virginia, USA
January 27, 2026 to June 11, 2026
Leg 6: $22,500
- Stanley, Falkland Islands
- Helena
- Grenada, West Indies
- Carriacou
- Tobago Keys
- Bequia
- Martinique
- Anguilla
- Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
- Virginia, USA
Tour operator
This three-masted tall ship based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada is best known for adventurous international long distance sail training voyages. Anyone can become a trainee crew member, no experience required, just a desire to become part of the crew that sails the ship. With the guidance of the professional crew, you'll literally learn the ropes.
Enquire today
Sail Around the World via Cape Horn Square-Rigged Tall Ship
Please complete the enquiry form above with as much detail as you can and we will send you all the trip information and connect you with the operator so you can make a booking directly.
If you have queries and questions about the trip include those in your form and we’ll personally reply to you within 24 hours.
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