There are many highlights to this extraordinary voyage from the beautiful maritime city of Brest along Frances rugged Atlantic coastline into Rouen, but all are surely overshadowed by our arrival in time for the Rouen Armada, one of the world’s largest gatherings of tall ships.
This year over 50 sailing ships, including modern military vessels, will converge on Rouen including the legendary Le Belem – the last French three-masted square-rigger afloat, L’Hermione – a reconstructed 18th century frigate, the Cisne Branco – a Brazilian ship, the Krusenstern – the second largest sailing ship in the world, and the aptly-named Tenacious. In 2019, around 10 million spectators were welcomed to Rouen over the 10-day period, and thousands of sailors from across the world walked the streets of Rouen. They say that touching the red pom-pom on a French sailor’s cap brings good luck, so visitors to Rouen were in for a treat!
With the usual wind from the southwest we hope to sail most of the way with the wind on our stern. There´s nothing our crew like more then to share their knowledge of sailing with our guests, and they will encourage you to get actively involved with all aspects of the ship’s life. Volunteers to hoist and trim the sails for best speed are always welcome, and the feeling of helming a 67m sailing ship as she responds to the command of the wheel is something to savor forever.
Knot classes are a great way to learn a new skill whilst sharing sailing stories with shipmates, and if the weather allows there's the opportunity to go up the mast or relax in the bowsprit netting. A drink at sunset on the deck is the perfect way to round off each day.
After disembarking take a moment to soak up the atmosphere of the festival and explore the historic city of Rouen.
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