We’re thrilled to share that on October 23rd, 2024 one of our favourite tall ships successfully completed the traditional Cape Horn rounding, with the crew – that includes Another World Adventures travellers – to be recognised as Cape Horn sailors.

The traditional rounding of Cape Horn refers to the historic maritime practice of navigating around the southern tip of South America, a notorious passage that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. This route, particularly significant during the Age of Sail, was often treacherous due to unpredictable weather, strong currents, and rocky cliffs. Today, it remains a landmark of maritime history and a challenge for modern sailors, embodying the enduring allure of the open sea.

In order to be considered as an official Cape Horn Rounding the voyage must round Cape Horn under sail as part of a non-stop passage of at least 3,000 nautical miles which passes above the latitude of 50° South in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and is completed without the use of engines for propulsion.

In their successful attempt Bark Europa departed from Auckland, New Zealand, on September 11, and passed 50º00′ South 43 days later. A Voyage of 5,830 nautical miles that was completed entirely under sail. 

Talking about the journey so far expedition leader, Jordi Plana Morales shared:

“Our long route to Cape Horn along the South Pacific Ocean showed its multiple faces during this trip—beautiful, difficult, hard, rough, and it tested our patience in windless conditions too.”

On board is an international group of 55 sailors, ranging in age from 18 to 72 years old and includes Another World Adventures travellers.

The captain of this voyage is Janke Kingma (44), for whom this is her first Cape Horn rounding. This marks the third successful Cape Horn rounding for Bark Europa, following previous roundings in 2002 and 2013.