Star Clippers, a shipping company specializing in cruises aboard large sailing ships, has announced that it has begun construction of a fourth ship for its fleet.
The last ship built by the cruise line, the Royal Clipper, was launched in July 2000, so by the time the new ship enters service in the second half of 2017, 17 years will have passed, highlighting the significance of this news. Furthermore, it will represent a 53% increase in capacity for the cruise line thanks to its 150 cabins for 300 passengers.
The new ship, which has not yet been named, will be the largest and most ambitious to date, with a gross tonnage of 8,770 and 6,350 square meters of sail. It will be a five-masted vessel, practically a replica of the France II, commissioned in 1911 and the largest square-rigged ship ever built.
Michael Krafft, founder and owner of Star Clippers, stated: “We have already built a five-masted ship, the Royal Clipper, which is heavily influenced by the Preussen. This time, we are attempting to build a ship inspired by the France II, an ambition I have had for a long time. The sail plan will be identical to the France II and the dimensions very similar, although we have added several features that will make it the finest passenger sailing ship afloat.”.
In addition to its generous deck space, the new ship will feature three swimming pools, one of which allows natural light to filter through the interior atrium and into the elegant main restaurant. A watersports platform will be located at the stern for use when the ship is at anchor. The ship will offer various cabin types, including 34 suites with balconies and 4 luxurious owner's suites.
The restaurant will have seating for all passengers and will be open all day. Regular passengers won't miss a thing: the bow net, the lovely library, and the tropical bar. Although the ship will be equipped with very eco-friendly engines, it will sail as much as possible.
It will premiere in the second half of 2017 and will sail through the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
The company has also announced a season in Southeast Asia from December 2016 to April 2017. The Star Clipper will be the ship deployed to the region, based in Phuket, Thailand, from where it will operate 7-night cruises to or from Singapore.
Its twin, the Star Flyer, will be operating in Cuba from Havana and Cienfuegos in the winter of 2016/17.
