The Spring is steadily gaining RPMs even here in the Mediterranean that knows no winter by our standards. It’s time for the Tall Ships festivals, rowdy and colorful. From Palma we’re bound for the very first one in the season of 2020. In just 300 miles and a few days we meet with the whole armada of friendly tall ships and start the new sailing season with a merry celebration.

From Palma Mallorca to Sète it’s 300 miles along the Gulf of Lion and in the open Mediterranean. Prevalent northerly winds, speeding up in the wind pipe between the mountains can get pretty fresh. We have enough time to pick the optimal course and timing so that we have following winds. Depending on weather we might do the first part of the passage in the open seas stopping by the Citadel on Menorca, or we might hug the Spanish coast closely and stop in Palamós or Roses. 

We’re expected in Sète on April 7th. Our arrival will mark the start of a maritime festival, a traditional celebration that gathers dozens of tall ships from all over the world and thousands of spectators every two years.

The trip starts with our usual safety instructions and an exercise in climbing aloft. Then basic bracing and setting sails. If you are so inclined during this trip you can earn an IYT International Crew and\or VHF Operator certificates for an additional fee of 90 Euro per certificate. 

We are also going to teach you to tie knots, distinguish the various ships’ lights and signs, find your location using navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses and communicate on the marine radio.