21-01-2025
10-02-2025
days
4
–
fully booked
From tropical island to vibrant cosmopolis
In the summer of 2023, the Clipper Stad Amsterdam set off on a two-year world tour. Adventurous travelers and fans of the Clipper can join parts of the world tour for unforgettable sailing adventures.
Experience an unforgettable sailing voyage during the winter months of January and February aboard the majestic tall ship Clipper Stad Amsterdam, sailing from Mauritius to Cape Town. Enjoy this 21-day voyage across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans with clear blue skies, warm tropical breezes, and golden sunsets. Learn about sailing aboard a tall ship during this special voyage from a tropical archipelago to a vibrant metropolis. The Clipper crew looks forward to welcoming you!
BOOK NOWThe Route
This sailing trip starts in Mauritius, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and a blend of cultures before the sails are hoisted and the course is set westward. Mauritius is located approximately 855 kilometers east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and, along with the islands of Réunion and Rodrigues, is part of the Mascarene Archipelago. Our destination is Cape Town, situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean near the Cape of Good Hope. After an undoubtedly unforgettable sailing journey of about 3 weeks, you will set foot on South African soil on February 10.
En route
Experience the serenity of the open ocean. Feel the freedom of the expansive horizon, the peacefulness by looking at the waves and the sea, and the thrill of possibly spotting dolphins, whales, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
The sailing voyage from Mauritius to Cape Town covers approximately 2,500 nautical miles. On this trip, the Clipper Stad Amsterdam will sail past the iconic Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. For sailors, passing the Cape of Good Hope was once a feared milestone due to the rough seas and strong winds, and a true test of their skill and courage. The Cape of Good Hope is also renowned for its spectacular landscapes, with dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines, and a wealth of flora and fauna. A tip for a visit if you have some extra time to explore Cape Town and its surroundings.
Weather conditions and wind
When the Clipper leaves Mauritius in January, when it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere, the southeast trade winds provide good speed. These winds can range from 10 to 25 knots. As the Clipper travels south, the weather gradually shifts from tropical to temperate. Around the Cape of Good Hope, conditions can be rough, with strong winds and high waves. It may be necessary to navigate using engine power here. In Cape Town, temperatures in January can reach around 30°C, but a cool, dry wind keeps it pleasant.
Marine life
Every year, between June and November, migrating Southern Right Whales make a stop in the bays of South Africa to mate and give birth. In January and February, these ocean giants are on their way again, but there is still a good chance you might spot these dolphins.
Want to know more about the destination? Read on below!
Sailing & Adventure
Immerse yourself in the sailing experience by actively participating in crew activities.
You are invited to work alongside the crew during their watches. Whether assisting with navigation, learning the art of sail handling, or participating in other aspects of seamanship, this hands-on experience adds a unique dimension to your sailing adventure. What could be more beautiful than standing lookout with nothing but the sea around you? It’s a unique experience to feel small and insignificant in the overwhelming nature. Gaze into the waves, enjoy the vast ocean, and perhaps spot a few whales which are frequently seen in this area.
Besides sailing, there are plenty of other activities! We also recommend you to assist the crew, for instance, in maintenance, to truly experience life on board a sailing ship.
An impression of a day at sea
| White watch | |
| 04:00 | The white watch is expected on deck |
| 06:00 | Enjoy a stunning sunrise |
| 06:30 | The crew is eager to teach you all about sailing and navigation |
| 08:00 | End of watch: a delicious breakfast buffet awaits you |
| 10:00 | Join in more sailing activities or catch a few hours of sleep |
| 12:00 | Indulge in a delicious lunch |
| 13:00 | Relax with a book or get to know the other guests better |
| 16:00 | The white watch is back on deck |
| 17:30 | The dinner buffet is open |
| 19:00 | Daily briefing by the captain in the longroom |
| 20:00 | End of the watch: witness a spectacular sunset on the open sea |
Practical Information
EMBARKATION
Tuesday January 21, 2025 at 17h00, in Port Louis, Mauritius.
DEBARKATION
Monday February 10, 2025 at 10h00(am) in Cape Town, South-Africa.
There is a 50% discount for youth up to and including 25 years.
This discount is calculated based on the price for a shared 3-person cabin.
Are you interested in a cabin with a double bed?
The surcharge is € 250,- (depending on availability).
Including
• Breakfast with coffee, tea and juices;
• Morning coffee;
• Lunch buffet with coffee, tea and juices;
• Afternoon coffee;
• Dinner buffet with coffee, tea and juices;
• Fresh fruit;
• Harbor and port dues.
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
• Flights and transfers;
• Additional drinks & snacks on board;
• Other personal expenses.
Guests and crew dine together in the longroom, where meals are served buffet-style. On board, simple yet varied and nutritious dishes are prepared in the galley. The meals are designed to be both tasty and nourishing, ensuring everyone can enjoy the journey to the fullest with enough energy for the activities on board.
Meal times are scheduled according to the watch system and are served in two shifts, each lasting 30 minutes:
07h30 & 08h00 breakfast
10h00 coffee break (smoko)
11h30 & 12h00 lunch
15h00 coffee break (smoko)
17h30 & 18h00 dinner
Included in the trip:
Three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Fresh fruit, fruit juices, coffee, tea, and milk.
Optional during the trip, at extra cost:
Soft drinks, candy, chips, and alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and whisky.
Breakfast:
Home-baked bread, cheese and cold cuts, sandwich spreads, eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt and oats/granola.
Lunch:
Home-baked bread, cheese and cold cuts, sandwich spreads, soup, a hot snack, or salad.
Dinner:
A varied selection of vegetable-, meat-, and fish dishes, combined with potatoes, pasta, salad, curries, and stews.
Occasionally, the meal is concluded with a sweet dessert.
All guests are obliged to have a valid passport with them on board Clipper Stad Amsterdam. An Identity Card is not sufficient.
Always inquire about the rules for the validity period of your passport for the country you are traveling to. In many countries, a passport is required to be valid for several months beyond the date of entry/departure.
VISUM
It is crucial and your own responsibility to check and arrange visa requirements for the countries you are traveling to and traveling from.
The best way to determine if you need a visa to enter a specific country is by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ship has modern communications equipment that allows the use of phones and e-mail on board. The satellite system onboard provides limited Internet access via Wi-Fi. Please note that the connection speed may be slower than that of land-based services. All guests will receive a complimentary allocation for daily use (200MB), with the option to purchase additional data if needed. However, please be aware that satellite connectivity may be intermittent or unavailable at times, and uninterrupted access to the Internet cannot be guaranteed.
Friends and family at home can always track the live location of the ship through our website.
SHIP’S DOCTOR
When booking your trip, we request you to fill out a health declaration. If you provide any specific details here, the ship’s doctor may contact you to discuss your situation. Based on observations or strong suspicions of a very limited physical condition and associated risks, the ship’s doctor may advise the captain to exclude you as a passenger from the voyage. The final decision rests with the captain. The ship is equipped with a (small) hospital. Upon boarding, our ship’s doctor may ask you again to provide him with as much information as possible about your medication use and/or physical limitations, so that he can take this into account.
ARE YOU 75 YEARS OR OLDER AT THE START OF THE TRIP?
In addition to having good health, we also want to emphasize to our guests aged 75 and older the importance of having good muscle strength and balance.
Only if you are 75 years or older and can answer the following questions with a yes, there is a chance that you will be considered suitable to join the voyage. After registration, an additional health questionnaire will follow.
-Can you stand well on one leg without losing your balance?
-Can you perform a few deep knee bends?
-Are you able to walk on a steeply inclined deck on a ship that is moving vigorously?
-Is the muscle strength in your hands good: can you open a tin can by hand without any problems?
Given the above, our ship’s doctor will invite you for a video call (WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, or any other mutually agreed platform) after registration for the trip. During this call, the doctor will assess your condition and may ask you to perform a few tests.
Doctor onboard
There is a doctor on board on multi-day sailing trips. Your first point of contact on board for your medical inquiries, among other things, is the ship’s doctor.
SAFETY
During the welcome speech, the captain and the designated crew at their muster stations will brief you on safety aboard. Please be aware that the ship is in motion, which can cause items to fall, shift and doors to close. It is advisable to secure your belongings, keep doors closed and never hold onto a door frame.
Some countries require proof of vaccination for travellers wishing to enter or exit the country.
Travel requirements are updated often, so we recommend always checking the latest entry requirements before your trip.
We would like to remind you that you should always stay informed about and adhere to the travel advisories applicable to travel to and from the ship. These travels are your own responsibility.
It is recommended that you arrive at the port of embarkation one day prior to the scheduled embarkation. This precaution is advised because the ship cannot delay its departure in the event of travel disruptions. In addition, traveling to our next port of call may not be feasible due to long trips at sea or remote islands.
On your embarkation day, while the ship is in port, we provide the opportunity to drop off your luggage in the morning. Should you wish to take advantage of this service, please notify us in advance ([email protected]) to ensure that access to the ship is arranged before the official embarkation time.
Please keep in mind that unfavorable weather conditions (e.g., lack or excess wind) may cause the captain to decide to sail on engine power, enter or exit a port earlier/later.
Temperature
Daytime: average between 25°C and 30°C (Mauritius).
Nighttime: cooler, but still mild, usually around 20°C to 25°C.
This is the summer month and also the rainy season, so the weather is warm, humid, and can bring heavy rain showers and even tropical cyclones.
Daytime: average between 17°C and 27°C (Cape Town).
Nighttime: cooler, with temperatures that can drop to around 15°C to 20°C.
January is summer in Cape Town, meaning it is warm and dry. This is one of the hottest months of the year with plenty of sunshine and little rain.
Wind Strength and Direction
In January, you can benefit from the southeast trade winds with speeds ranging from 15 to 25 knots. Further west and south, the southeast trade winds diminish. Near the southwest coast of Africa, the winds often shift to the southwest and become stronger, especially near the Cape of Good Hope, where stormy conditions can occur.
Level 4 trip: considered an ocean crossing. Expect moderate to severe ship movement due to prevailing winds and ocean currents.
Clipper Stad Amsterdam is a member of SGR. Within the limits of the SGR-guarantee arrangement, the multi-day trips published on this internet site are covered by the SGR-guarantee. This legally required guarantee means that consumers are assured that their prepaid travel money will be refunded if the other party (the shipping company) due to financial insolvency cannot fulfill the agreed performance. The travel prices on the website include a contribution to SGR.
Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for all guests onboard to possess personal travel insurance during overnight sailing trips. The required insurance must cover medical expenses, accidents, and repatriation, in accordance with Article 13.9 of the General Terms and Conditions.
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