‘Sampler’ sailings in Baltic

Romantics, old salts, and those looking for a different nautical experience can book ‘sampler’ sailing cruises on the replica clipper ship Star Flyer next year.

Star Flyer will operate two four-night cruises in northern Europe: Amsterdam to Hamburg, and Hamburg to Ostend, Belgium.

The May 5 off-the-beaten-track sailing from Amsterdam to Hamburg includes a seven-hour visit to the quaint German island of Helgoland, a tranquil car-free oasis known as a haven for seabirds, seals and sea lions and boasting colourful quayside cafes and a warm climate.

The ship will also call at Den Helder and Texel in the northern Holland archipelago which are not often visited by big passenger ships.

In 1795 Texel wrote itself into military history books as the only time a navy (Dutch) was defeated by an army on horseback (French). Discovering that the navy was frozen in the ice around Texel, the French rode up and demanded surrender. Not a shot was fired.

The second sampler cruise departs Hamburg on August 24 2013 calling at Ijmuiden, a Roman era North Sea port in northern Holland, and also visits Den Helder/Text.

Prices start at $1359 including port charges and all meals and entertainment on board.

During the 2013 northern hemisphere summer of 2013 all three vessels of the Star Clippers tall ship fleet (the others are Royal Clipper and Star Clipper) will sail in Europe: the flagship Royal Clipper will be in the eastern and western Mediterranean; Star Clipper in the western Mediterranean and Aegean; and Star Flyer in the Baltic and southern Spain.

In the 2013 winter the fleet follows the sun — Royal Clipper and Star Clipper sail the Caribbean, and Star Flyer explores the lush forested coastlines of Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

For Star Clippers sailing reservations contact your travel agent or Star Clippers on 1300 362 599 or email:starclippers@creativecruising.com.au
www.starclippers.com