BERTH AVAILABILITY
Updated May 07, 2008

Horta, Azores; Cork, Ireland From one of our all-time treasured island groups we'll start with an overnight sail then set sail close hauled to reach the edge of the blustery westerlies. Expect a wide range of frequently challenging conditions as we approach Ireland's SW coast. We make landfall in historic Kinsale and sail up the south coast, ending the expedition at the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Total distance: 1,250 miles. Leg 1 departs from Horta Marina and ends at the Royal Cork Yacht Club.

May 1-15, 2008 2 weeks $4500 Filled, 0 wait list  Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Cork, Ireland; Oban, Scotland Ireland's rugged and magnificent west coast, along with the wild, remote Outer Hebrides of Scotland were highlights of our 2000 and 2007 expeditions. Huge tides, strong currents and rapidly changing weather guarantee this leg will be distinctly challenging. Outstanding sailing, hiking, music and scenery plus many offshore islands, historic Celtic sites, castles and pubs make this leg a favorite. Leg 2 ends in Oban, a short train ride from Glasgow airport. Total distance: 1,250 miles. Leg 2 starts at the Royal Cork YC and ends at picturesque Oban Marina.

May 26-June 9, 2008 2 weeks $4500 Filled, 1 wait list. Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Oban, Scotland; Ellos, Sweden From Oban we transit the Caledonian Canal crossing the Scottish Highlands through Loch Ness to InvernessWe'll sail offshore to Orkney archipelago, and, weather conditions permitting, north to the Shetland Islands. The North Sea crossing to Norway, although only 380 miles long, presents demanding weather, navigational and traffic challenges. Our final landfill is Ellos, Sweden, home of the Hallberg-Rassy boatyard and just a short bus ride north of Gothenburg. Total distance: 750 miles. Leg 3 departs from Oban Marina and ends at Hallberg Rassy boat yard in Ellos, a short bus ride north of Gothenburg, Sweden.

June 19-July 3, 2008 2 weeks $4500 Filled, 0 wait list Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Ellos, Sweden: Brighton, UK Challenging North Sea sailing with serious ship traffic, canals and strong currents, plus the opportunity to explore many historic coastal towns and islandsin Sweden, Denmark, Germany and England. Gain substantial seamanship and navigational skills in just two weeks and 700 miles. Leg 4 ends at Brighton Marina, England's largest marina which is closest to London airports and ends at Lisbon's gorgeous Marina Cascais.

July 17-31, 2008 2 weeks $4500 4 Berths Available Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Brighton, England; Lisbon, Portugal The weather rules this leg! We will sail England's historic south coast until a good weather window opens for the crossing of the English Channel and infamous Bay of Biscay to La Coruna, Spain. The captivating Galatian coast of Spain and Portugal's vibrant Atlantic coast rate as two of our favorite sailing destinations worldwide. Serious weather and navigational experience are guaranteed on this 1050 mile leg. Leg 5 departs from Brighton Marina and ends at Lisbon's gorgeous Marina Cascais.

August 7-22, 2008 15 days $4500 Filled, 0 wait list Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Lisbon, Portugal; Lanzarote, Canaries This leg has it all! Offshore passage experience, fascinating landfalls at Porto Santo and Madiera and 1,000 miles of exhilarating sailing. Leg 6 departs from Marina Cascais and ends at Puerto Calero, one of our all-time favorite harbors.

Aug. 29-Sept. 12, 2008 14 Days $4500 Filled Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Lanzarote, Canaries; Antigua This is the big one, the Atlantic crossing! After an overnight sail to Las Palmas where we'll visit past expedition members preparing for the ARC, we set sail downwind for Antigua, former home of the British Caribbean fleet and Nelson's Shipyard. Total distance: 3,000 miles. Leg 7 starts at Puerto Calero, Lanzarote, Canary Islands and ends at Jolly Harbour, Antigua.

Nov. 10-Dec. 1, 2008 3 weeks $6000 Filled, 2 wait list Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Antigua; San Blas Is., Panama Based on our 2001 experience and the Pilot Charts, be prepared for 1,200 miles of demanding downwind heavy weather sailing. Landfall at Panama's intriguing and colorful San Blas Islands reveals the magic of tropical island cruising and gives us the opportunity to again deliver requested school supplies. Leg 8 departs from Jolly Harbour Marina and ends at Panama's new Shelter Bay Marina

Dec. 8-22, 2008 2 weeks $4500 Filled, 0 wait list. Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Panama Canal Transit Always wanted to transit the canal? Here's the opportunity, plus the chance to enjoy some great sailing and navigation experience as we sail to and celebrate New Year's at the gorgeous and isolated Las Perlas Islands off the Canal's Pacific entrance. Leg 9 starts and ends at Country Suites Inn Hotel in Balboa from where we have arranged transport to Shelter Bay Marina at the start, and to Panama City airport at the end of the expedition.

Dec. 29, 2008-Jan. 5, 2009 1 week $2000 Filled Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Click for details and images from similar legs we sailed in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005.

Panama; Cocos; Clipperton; Hilo From Panama we sail 400 miles to Cocos Island. After a stop with outrageous snorkeling and hiking we blast off on a 1,200 mile reach to uninhabited Clipperton Island, rumored to have buried treasure. The final 2,300 miles should provide fast and exciting downwind sailing. During our 2002 expedition we experienced more 200+ mile days than we've ever seen before or since! Plenty of time for learning all aspects of ocean voyaging, plus a lovely tropical landfall in Hilo. Leg 1, 2009 starts from Country Suites Inn Hotel and ends in gorgeous Hilo, Hawaii

Jan. 12-Feb 11, 2009 30 days $6000 4 berths available Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Kona, Hawaii; Papeete, Tahiti We'll sail hard to gain easting before crossing the ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone) where we will encounter SE trades. Challenges include close hauled to close reach sailing in the trades, low island landfall, coral piloting, pass navigation and anchoring. Following a couple days of snorkeling (optional scuba diving with LOTS of sharks), hiking, bicycling and exploring Rangiroa, we'll try to break our previous record of sailing the last 200 miles to Tahiti in under 24 hours. Total distance 2,450 miles.

July 16-Aug. 6, 2009 3 weeks $6000 3 berths available Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Papeete, Tahiti; Rarotonga, Cook Islands Many people say this leg showcases the best sailing and most beautiful islands in the South Pacific. It offers a comprehensive overview of tropical passage making starting with an afternoon sail to Moorea, and overnighter to Huahine, day sails to Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Maupiti. When we reach Mopelia, you will be well prepared for the 550 mile passage across the South Pacific Convergence Zone to Rarotonga, Mahina Tiare's homeport. Total distance: 1,000 miles.

Aug. 17-Sept. 7, 2009 3 weeks $6000 2 berths available Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Rarotonga, Cooks; Apia, Samoa On a fast 260 mile broad reach from Rarotonga we anticipate again carrying mail and school supplies to tiny Palmerston Atoll, population 60. We plan to spend a day ashore on this, the smallest inhabited island in the Pacific before blasting off on a fast 300 mile reach to uninhabited and awash Beveridge Reef. An overnight sail brings us to Niue and after enjoying a couple days of cycling, snorkeling (optional scuba) and exploring, we sail 360 miles to Apia. Leg 4 provides intense coral navigation, anchoring and heavy weather experience in the reinforced trades which often reach 35-45 knots in this area. Total distance 1200 miles.

Sept. 16-30, 2009 2 weeks $5,000 2 berths available Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Apia, Samoa; Wallis & Futuna; Suva, Fiji Great sailing conditions, gorgeous islands and three distinctly different cultures (Samoa, Wallis & Futuna, Fiji) make this expedition a well-rounded introduction to South Pacific cruising. The most challenging navigation of the year is the 260 mile passage from isolated Futuna Island through the dangerous Nanuka Passage to clear customs in Savusavu, Fiji. Poorly charted waters, strong currents, numerous reefs and occasionally strong, squally weather in the South Pacific Convergence Zone provide maximum learning potential. Total distance: 870 miles.

Oct. 8-23, 2009 2 weeks $5,000 2 berths available Read log updates from a previous expedition.

Lautoka, Fiji; Auckland, New Zealand We'll watch for a weather window before blasting off on our most difficult ocean passage of the year, 1,100 miles south to Opua, NZ. We will attempt completing this passage between the often-vicious cold fronts that barrel across the Tasman. After a couple days of cruising the subtropical Bay of Islands, we'll enjoy sailing down the coast to Auckland with brisk westerly winds. We'll anchor in a different cove each afternoon with time for practicing skills, hiking and swimming. Total distance: 1,300 miles.

Nov. 6-24, 2009 18 days $6,000 5 berths available Read log updates from a previous expedition.

2010 Our 21st Year of Sharing Knowledge and Adventure!

1. Auckland, N.Z.; Rurutu, Papeete, Tahiti      May 4-25, 2010 3 weeks $6000

2. Papeete, Tahiti; Rarotonga, Cook Islands      June 7-28, 2010 2 weeks $6000

3. Rarotonga, Cooks; Apia, Samoa      July 8-22, 2010 2 weeks $5000

4. Apia, Samoa; Wallis & Futuna; Suva, Fiji      July 29 to Aug. 12, 2010 2 weeks $5000

5. Suva, Kadavu, Mamanuca, Lautoka, Fiji      August 20-30, 2010 10 days $4500

6. Lautoka, Fiji; Luganville, Port Vila, Vanuatu      September 13-27, 2010 2 weeks $5000

7. Port Vila, Vanuatu; Noumea, New Caledonia      October 4-14, 2010 10 days $4500

8. Noumea, New Caledonia; Norfolk Is.; Auckland, NZ     Oct. 25-Nov.15 3 weeks $6000