Formula One‘s famed Monaco Grand Prix is one of the world’s premier sporting events.  A regular fixture of the world championship since 1955, the Monaco Grand Prix is considered to be the race that separates the good from the great in Formula One racing. In the world of tall ships, there is a field of just two lines to consider; Windstar and Star Clippers.  A recent announcement from Star Clippers reminds us which of the two lines provides the most authentic tall ship sailing experience.

On Star Clippers, details in the culinary department make each meal an event.  Stateroom stewards customize their services for each guest.  Marine operations has sailors raising sails with precision timing, giving an entirely new definition to the term “setting sail”.  No detail is overlooked as passenger actively engage the experience, climbing the ship’s mast, learning how to tie knots as the real sailors on the ship actually do, taking a turn steering the ship in open sea and more.

When I read that travelers looking for a private yacht-like experience in a unique setting can join one or two Star Clippers sailings in May 2015 which feature the Monaco Grand Prix, all of the above came flooding back.  One of the best parts of our Royal Clipper sailing was a photo opportunity simply called a “Photo Tender”.

Held once each voyage, sea conditions allowing, passengers who wish to participate board one of Royal Clipper’s two tender vessels and head in the opposite direction one would normally associate with tender operations: out to sea.   We then watched as Royal Clipper sailed away, leaving us behind, then turning around to sail back in our direction.

The opportunity provided a marvelous chance to see what others saw every time we entered a port of call.  Always turning heads and demanding attention from other ships and shore we had become accustomed to as the world’s largest masted ship made her way to each port of call.  Seeing the ship as others had seen her, under full sail, from a variety of angles, was simply breathtaking.

Hold that thought for a moment.

Coming up shortly,  170- passenger Star Flyer‘s May 19 and May 23 departures offer itineraries specifically planned around the time trials and Grand Prix Final race, enabling guests to go ashore in Monte Carlo and get up close to the action. The ship will be at anchor and provide tender service for guests to the harbor of Fontvieille that is within walking distance of the race course and related events.

“To be able to combine the excitement of Formula One with visiting some of the most glamorous ports in the region on our beautiful tall ship is the ideal adventure for any fan of sport and travel,” said Mikael Krafft, president and founder of Star Clippers.

Back to that original thought “which of the two lines provides the most authentic tall ship sailing experience.”  The sails of Star Clipper ships are actually used to propel the ships while Windstar sails are ‘for show’ as a number of experienced seamen have told me.  Enough said.

Here is more on those two interesting sailings:

May 21- Four Night round-trip Cannes- Trials 
Star Flyer will call at Monte Carlo May 21 for the Grand Prix trials during a four-night roundtrip Cannes, that also calls in the French port of St. Tropez as well as Calvi, Corsica departing May 19. Additional calls during the cruise include .

“If you don’t have your own yacht but want to travel to the Monaco Grand Prix in yachting style, now is the time to book a cabin on Star Flyer.”- Mikael Krafft, president and founder of Star Clippers.

May 3- Seven Night The May 23 roundtrip Cannes- Finals
This one calls at Monte Carlo Sunday, May 24, for the Monaco Grand Prix finals. The seven-night cruise also calls at L’lle Rousse, Figari Beach, Bonifacio, Porto and the Scandoloa Nature Reserve at Corsica; and Porquerolles, Sanary-sur-Mer and St. Tropez, France.

More Information
Fares for the May 21 and May 23 sailings begin at $940 and $1574 per person respectively, double occupancy, plus port charges.Tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix trials and race are not included in the fare, but guests can reserve grandstand on the Grand Prix website   For more information, call Star Clippers at 800-442-0551. To make a reservation, contact a travel professional. To request a brochure, call 800-442-0556 or email brochures@starclippers.com. Visit www.starclippers.com to view a video about the line or take a virtual tour of Star Clippers’ tall ships.

See more of our Royal Clipper sailing:

• A Ship With Sails Brings Memories Full Circle
• Star Clipper Ships Offer Some Distinct Advantages
• Sister Ships Meet In The Caribbean
• A Tour Of Cabrits Dominica Brings A Different Outlook
• Antigua Welcomes Star Clippers, Royally
• Ship With Sails Stops Two Times A Day
• Star Clippers Attention To Detail: On And Off The Ship
• A Day In Terre de Haut Via Royal Clipper
• Unique Features Of The Star Clipper Experience
• Unique Caribbean Islands Visited On A Ship With Sails

Facebook Photo Albums

• Royal Clipper Windward Islands Sailing
• Royal Clipper Cuisine
• Royal Clipper Crew
• Royal Clipper Ports Of Call

 

interest Photo Boards

• Star Clippers– The Experience 
  
• Royal Clipper Crew
• Royal Clipper Stateroom Details

Spotify Sailing Playlists

• Tall Ship Sailing Music
• Sailing By Night