Star Clippers in Talks to Build the World’s Largest Sailing Ship

November 23, 2009 · Filed Under Current, Lore of the Sea, Ships 

Updated Update:  When asked about the proposed ship, the folks at Star Clipper responded – “Our new ship is not planned now until 2012.”  We will keep our fingers crossed.  Thanks to Alaric Bond for following up.

Update: Oops. As Dexter Donham diplomatically points out in the comment below, the article we posted is two years old. “My understanding is that these plans are on indefinite hold.”  Our mistake.  Nevertheless, the remaining three Star Clipper ships are beauties in their own right.

royalclipper

Royal Clipper, as seen across the bowsprit of the Star Clipper

Almost eighteen years ago, just before the birth of our older son, my wife and I took a cruise on the then brand new Star Flyer, a four masted barquentine, owned and operated by Star Clippers.   She was 360 feet long and carried 36,000 square feet of sail – fore and aft rigged on the aft three masts, square rigged on the foremast.  She had the amenities of a cruise ship and met all the latest safety standards but sailed like a mega-yacht.  And she could sail.  We were cruising in the Leewards and would sail at night so that we would arrive at a new island each day, which meant that I got very little sleep as I wandered the decks at night, marveling at the expanse of rigging and canvas being along driven by the Trades.  It was absolutely glorious.

In 2000, Star Clippers added the Royal Clipper, a five masted ship rigged cruise ship with 56,000 square feet of sail modeled after the Preussen built in 1902, the only other five masted ship rigged windjammer ever built.   The Royal Clipper is currently the largest square-rigged sailing vessel in the world.  Recently it was announced that Star Clippers is in discussions with shipyards to build an even larger square-rigger, modeled on the France II, the largest merchant sailing ship ever built.

World’s Largest Sailing Ship

Star Clippers have been in discussions with shipyards to build a new five-mast vessel for the line for delivery in 2010. Expected to be the largest, most expensive sailing vessel ever constructed, the 7,400-gross-ton barque is modeled on France II, which at 5,000 gross tons was the world’s largest sailing ship when it was launched in 1912. The ship will be 518 feet long (157 meters) and 61 feet at the beam (18.5 meters) with a draft of 20 feet (6 meters). The vessel will carry 37 sails for a total of 68,350 square feet (6,350 square meters) of sail surface area. The rig will extend 217 feet (65 meters) above the waterline, and the open deck area will be an 8,200 square feet (2,500 square meters).

Although 48 percent larger than Star Clippers’ Royal Clipper — currently the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world — the newbuild will carry only 30 percent more passengers, with a double-occupancy capacity of 296 and a crew of 140. The ship has been designed to make it capable of operating independently of any port infrastructure. With its Ice Class C hull, extra heavy anchor gear, davit dampening system and specially modified tenders, the ship will be able to sail virtually anywhere in the world.

The newbuild is being constructed to the highest environmental, safety, comfort and security specifications to qualify for Det Norske Veritas certification. The propulsion system is diesel-electric, employing two Caterpilar generators that burn clean low-sulphur marine gas, instead of heavy fuel oil, supplying two Siemens electric propulsion motors to drive the twin screws.

Thanks to Alaric Bond for pointing out the article.

Click below for a short video about Star Clippers.

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Comments

5 Responses to “Star Clippers in Talks to Build the World’s Largest Sailing Ship”

  1. CAPT. D. Peter Boucher, MN (Ret.) on November 23rd, 2009 12:01 pm

    Now THIS is something really worth while designing, building and operating. A real seagoing vessel to enjoy the ocean and not a floating ‘theme park’ – well done Star Clippers. We shall look forward to articles about her as she develops.

    Good Watch.

  2. Rick on November 23rd, 2009 5:15 pm

    I do hope that they build the new ship, but even if they do not, their remaining three ships are wonderful. I have never been on the Royal Clipper but the Star Flyer and Star Clipper are really nice ships to sail on. They are small enough to get into small uncrowded ports and are real beauties under sail.

  3. Dexter Donham on November 24th, 2009 11:41 am

    The date on this Web article is 9/22/07. My understanding is that these plans are on indefinite hold. We would love to see it happen, and to hear any updates.

  4. Margaret Muir on November 29th, 2009 4:52 pm

    In 2005 I sailed across the Atlantic from Malaga (Spain) to St. Maarten (WI) on the Star Clipper’s relocation voyage. It was an unforgettable 23-day experience, not least for the fact that we were hit by the tail end of a hurricane as we neared the Caribbean.
    The Star Flyer offers a relocation voyage from Asian waters to Europe twice a year which takes about 40 days. That is one cruise which is on my wish list.
    Margaret Muir (Tasmania – in the path of the Roaring Forties)

  5. Rick on November 30th, 2009 4:23 pm

    That sounds like a great trip. I ran into some folks who took a scuba diving trip on the Star Flyer in Polynesia, which sounded fantastic as well. All I need is more time and more money. I know that I am not alone in that regard.

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