The Tallship Florette is the last original brigantine in the Mediterranean and one of the last active wooden windjammers. After nearly 50 years as a cargo ship and a world war, she was lovingly converted into a traditional charter ship in the late 1970s and restored to her original condition. For the past 45 years, the ship has been kept in original condition and all sails are still set by hand. Being designed to transport over 200 tonnes of marble across the high seas, her construction is twice as strong as a comparable ship. She was originally launched in Italy in the winter of 1921 as an all-wood sailing freighter without an engine. She still carries cargo voyages across the Atlantic.
The Florette has ample space both above and below decks. Below deck is a spacious saloon, bar and dining area with traditional wooden panelling. Above deck there is a large padded area for relaxing, sunbathing or sleeping under the stars (bring your own sleeping bag if you feel like it!). In the middle of the ship is an outdoor dining area, ideal for lunch in the sun or dinner at sunset.
Today, the Florette is equipped with the latest safety standards in line with EU directives for historic charter and sail training vessels and is approved for sea sailing. She sails actively in the Mediterranean for six to seven months and spends winters crossing the Atlantic and sailing in the Caribbean
The captain and his family live on board, but have their own separate quarters. Guests are accommodated in comfortable cabins. All fellow sailors share a total of four toilets and three showers. Another shower on deck invites you to rinse off after swimming in the sea. On some trips, under-30s get the chance to have a real, authentic pirate experience by sleeping in a hammock that can be hung in the saloon between 9pm and 8am! Each hammock comes with a sailor’s chest for personal belongings. A sleeping bag must be brought with you.
No sailing experience is required to take part in a trip on the Florette. On the first day of your trip, you will receive a sailing, knotting and safety briefing and all other information. To ensure safe sailing of the ship, all fellow sailors are expected to actively participate in sailing. Therefore, a certain level of physical fitness is required. When you book a trip, you will receive a questionnaire about it. If you have any concerns or want to know whether a particular trip is suitable for you, you can always contact us.
Life on board The Florette
In the morning, enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before sitting down to a delicious breakfast and then discussing the plan for the day over coffee.
The Florette’s rigging and sailing experience motivates guests to actively help with sailing, but in between you can also just lie on the sun deck and relax.
A sailing week on the Florette is always a combination of active sailing and island hopping with the opportunity to get to know the land and its inhabitants. Visit, for example, the seven volcanic Aeolian islands north of Sicily. A beautiful archipelago, which with its 5,000-year history is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikers, snorkelers, kayakers, swimming enthusiasts, foodies and those interested in cultural history will find what they are looking for here. Visit the Archaeological Museum in Lipari. Hike the volcano, enjoy breathtaking views and soothe your tired muscles in the therapeutic sulphur baths. Enjoy local cuisine and wine tastings in Salina. Meet the rich and famous in Panarea and hike to Stromboli, Europe’s most active volcano.
The Florette also has sea kayaks, SUPs, snorkelling equipment and, for less active guests, a hammock or fishing equipment.
Meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients, seasonal produce and local fish, which can easily be turned into delicious Mediterranean dishes. Half-board is included in the tour price. You can have an additional meal ashore daily at your own expense. You will also have the opportunity to try the region’s specialities.
Accommodation is in comfortable cabins. Or pack your sleeping bag and sleep under the stars. For young sailors under 30, it is also possible to book a hammock on some journeys.
