From A Coruna we set course for Basque country, to the town of Passaia in the south-eastern corner of the Bay of Biscay. 

Here at the maritime festival we are going to see our friends, the builders of the 16th century Spanish whaling tall ship replica. Basque sailing history is quite fascinating. In 16th century they would chase whales across the ocean to the very Canadian coast where they built whale fat production plants. At home, on the rocky Biscay coast, they would plant groves and groves of trees shaped into the future ships’ frames as they grow. Also make cider. Plenty of cider so that the whole huge whaling fleet would be well supplied for the hunting season.   

We can’t be late for this event! Luckily the prevalent winds are westerlies and north-westerlies, so we have good chances of following winds.

We leave behind A Coruna and the most ancient functioning lighthouse – the Tower of Hercules - and hide from the Atlantic swell in the Bay of Biscay, which can also be pretty fresh. Depending on weather we can visit a couple of small towns along the way. For example, Gijon or Santander. But the most interesting place is waiting for us at the end of the trip – Passaia, hidden in a narrow bight between tall rocks.

Every trip aboard Shtandart, even a short one, means setting and hoisting sails, bracing the yards, and standing watch at the helm. You are no passenger!

The amount of knowledge you can gain is totally up to you. Our watch officers and the Captain are eager to share their experience, so pile them up with questions! Knots, modern and traditional navigation, radio communications, sail trim – you can learn about it, see how it works and try it out yourself.