The Art of Sailing

One of the great joys of traveling aboard a traditional tall ship is witnessing the theater of her spirited crew as they raise and lower the sails by hand en route to our next destination. Whether you are just beginning your journey or have already seen the process dozens of times, it is always thrilling to watch acrobatic sailors climb the rigging, loosen the heavy cloth, and haul the lines in from the deck—performing a grand choreography that never ceases to mesmerize. On both Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II, nothing happens at the push of a button—often, almost a full hour passes before all the sails can catch the wind.

The genuine camaraderie between captain and crew allows them to work in concert. Many of the sailors have been with the Sea Cloud fleet for decades, and for them, the square-rigger is home. As a guest on board these special ships, you become part of their family. The crew is eager to show you the art of their daily work among the ropes, winches, and cleats. And the captain’s bridge is always open for an in-depth look at the intricacies of turn-of-the-century navigation, before steamships dominated global waters.

While at sea, the ship engines are only used when necessary, allowing you to become fully immersed in a tranquil sailing experience. Settle into a deck chair with a book and spend long hours under sail, enjoying balmy sea breezes and soaking in the beauty of your maritime surroundings.