As the world comes to a standstill, and with it, tourism collapses, a new cruise company emerges in the United Kingdom, Tradewind Voyages, initially driven by Stuart McQuaker, former operations director of Saga Cruises, and whose CEO is currently Alan McGrory, with four years of experience at Windstar among other shipping companies.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 57 – June 2021
Tradewind Voyages presents sailing with a philosophy of authenticity: traveling as the old maritime trade ships did, following the monsoons and currents, powered by the wind and stopping at ports along the traditional trade routes of yesteryear.
Tradewind Voyages will debut in 2021 with a series of new itineraries focused on the British Isles and Northern Europe and a simple and unique philosophy: follow the sun, using the winds and currents, to magical beaches and port destinations in the luxury of a classic but contemporary ship.
The Golden Horizon is the world's largest square-rigged sailing ship, with capacity for 270 passengers and a crew of 159 people.
In McQuaker's words, "The team is thrilled to be operating this fabulous ship," "We are eagerly anticipating the start of its UK season before heading to exotic locations, and providing our passengers with a truly memorable sailing experience aboard this stunning vessel as part of an unforgettable holiday.".
The
Golden Horizon is the world's largest square-rigged sailing ship, accommodating 270 passengers and a crew of 159. The five-masted vessel is a near-exact replica of the ocean-going vessel France II, built in 1913, offering guests the charm and romance of a historic ship combined with modern luxury. All 140 elegant cabins face outwards, allowing passengers to enjoy breathtaking views.
Originally, the ship was designed, planned, and built by Star Clippers to be called the Flying Clipper, but it became embroiled in a dispute between the company and the Brodosplit shipyard in Croatia. Ultimately, DIV Group, the shipyard's owner, acquired the ship and chartered it to Tradewind Voyages.
The sailboat is designed to take guests on a journey that connects them with the world and the sea in all its forms, offering an unforgettable maritime experience, sailing where other ships cannot. While Golden Horizon has an engine, it is expected to sail using its 6,300 square meters of sail whenever conditions are favorable, especially on longer routes, with the goal of using its propulsion engines only 30% of the time each season. To achieve this, the company has an integrated sustainability model.
Life on board the Golden Horizon is relaxed and informal, where the passenger is free to do as much or as little as they wish.
All cabins offer ocean views, while luxury cabins and suites feature private balconies. The cabins provide guests with a place to relax in contemporary luxury, with traditional features and furnishings that pay homage to the ship's nautical heritage.
Onboard activities include wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, games on the upper deck, movies under the stars, and yoga and pilates classes, among others.
Water sports are available from the marine platform. A resident speaker from the destination and visiting local speakers will present on areas of history and culture, maritime history, and astronomy.
Tradewind Voyages will also apply the strictest health regulations and the new requirements of this time, but will benefit from outdoor living, low passenger numbers, and visits to remote locations.
The ship may be a replica of an old ocean-going vessel, but the facilities are modern. The decor is distinctly nautical. The dining room is a large, two-level hall where dishes are prepared with local flavors and focus on fresh, sustainable, and healthy ingredients.
The Golden Horizon boasts three swimming pools and is equipped with a fleet of kayaks, windsurfing gear, boats, and other water toys, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of water sports and experience the sea to the fullest. The ship offers an excellent culinary experience focused on local products from the destinations visited, a wellness program, five bars, a hair salon, a library, a conference room, and live music. This vessel offers a high staff-to-guest ratio and a pleasant, relaxed, informal, and elegant atmosphere, free of unnecessary formalities, befitting a young, friendly, and attractive brand that understands that luxury is a feeling.
Life on board the Golden Horizon is relaxed and informal, where the passenger is free to do as much or as little as they wish.
Itineraries
In July and August 2021, the Golden Horizon is scheduled to offer a series of trips to and from the United Kingdom, sailing from Harwich, Leith (Edinburgh), Greenock (Glasgow) and Liverpool, but the latest restrictions from the British government could alter the schedule.
The Golden Horizon's inaugural voyage will be "East Coast Contrasts," departing from Harwich on July 1, 2021. This will be followed by "East to West Scotland," departing from Leith (Edinburgh) on July 6, "West Coast Gems of Scotland," departing from Greenock (Glasgow) on July 15, "North West Maritime Cities," departing from Greenock on July 21, and "Circling the South West Peninsula," departing from Liverpool on July 25.
Other trips from the UK include the south coast and English islands, an adventure through the Norwegian fjords and beautiful Denmark.
Between August and October 2021, the shipping company offers a selection of four new Mediterranean voyages with itineraries through Spain, Morocco, Italy and the Greek Islands
At the end of summer 2021, the Golden Horizon will offer three Adriatic cruises that will include visits to Venice and Split. These cruises will be called the “Owners Collection,” as Split is the birthplace of the Golden Horizon.
The Golden Horizon's routes will follow the monsoons and currents, powered by the wind and stopping at ports along the traditional trade routes of yesteryear.
In autumn, the ship will sail on a series of itineraries including the All Inclusive Dubai, comprising two voyages through the Persian Gulf discovering destinations such as Doha, Abu Dhabi and Oman, and the Indonesian Islands Collection which, in turn, includes 'A Passage to Singapore', sailing directly from Dubai to Singapore for fourteen nights.
In late 2021 and early 2022, Tradewind Voyages will launch its inaugural season in Australia, offering five unique itineraries, including a complete circumnavigation. In late February, March, and April, the Golden Horizon will take advantage of the easterly trade winds to explore the islands of the Indian Ocean, from the pristine beaches of the Maldives to the enchanting islands of Réunion and Zanzibar.
In the coming years, the company plans to add new ships to its fleet.
