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At a conservative estimate we shall make 100 miles a day on the sail down to the Loyalty Islands which we will reach within 2 or 3 days but we shall sail onwards to the capital Noumea, to clear customs before exploring the nearby islands. Transiting passage between the mainland and the Isles des Pines we may spot humpback whales which are known to frequent here on their migration to the Australian coast.
 We aim to have 3 nights cruising the waters off Noumea. Here the outlying atolls have beautiful white sand beaches low lying palm groves quite unlike the volcanic, jungle covered islands of Vanuatu. In the shelter of the mainland we will enjoy quite anchorages where the sunsets are often quite spectacular.
 Anchoring off the uninhabited atolls within the main lagoon that protects the southern coast of New Caledonia will allow us time to roam the deserted beaches or snorkel from the ship's inflatable boat. Favourite places include the lighthouse island of Amedee and Ilot Maitre.
 On arriving onboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the first morning will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works.
During the short sea passage from Vanuatu to New Caledonia the ship is sailing 24 hours a day and as voyage crew you will stand deck watches and work within a normal 4 hours on / 8 hours off watch system.
Our sailing between anchorages in the island groups may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. However this allows those who would rather relish the amazing scenery to stand back and let the keener sailors get involved in handling the ship under sail.
 Everyone is involved in the duty watch system as Voyage Crew which will operate while we are under way and you may have your turn at the helm, on bow lookout or helping trim sail or help tack ship. Going aloft is a unique experience but is not compulsory and everyone can decide when or if they’d like to. People of all ages join us and many have never sailed before - previous experience is certainly not necessary.
 There are 13 permanent crew who maintain and sail the ship who are there to assist and help you enjoy your time aboard. Once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you the Voyage Crew are free to explore ashore.
Vanuatu is a Malaria Risk Area so inspect repellent is vital and it is recommended that malarial pills be taken before/after your visit - but check with your own doctor for the requirements this area.. Pt Vila is relatively mosquito free but this is relevant if you are spending any time in Vanuatu before you join the ship.
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Tanna itself is steeped in ritual and custom and is centre of the John Frum cargo cult. It is Yassur, the highly active volcano on Tanna that will leave the most profound impression, seeing red lava being thrown hundreds of feet into the night sky is an awesome display of nature's power. Its impossible to exaggerate the scale of the spectacle. If we are required to pay a surcharge for Customs Clearance at Tanna this cost will be split between us. 
PRACTICAL INFORMATION 
Now famous for providing sail training adventure voyages and as the star of the BBC’s classic series "The Onedin Line", the Soren Larsen was originally one of the last cargo carrying sailing ships trading throughout Scandinavia, northern Europe and Britain. Built of oak by the Danish ship building company of 'Soren Larsen & Sons' in Nykobing Mors in northern Denmark, she carried timber, grain and general cargo from 1949 to 1972. Purchased in 1978 by Tony Davies and his family, she was taken to Colchester on the east coast of England and lovingly restored and rerigged as the graceful 19th century brigantine she is today. Captain Davies specialised in period film work and so the Soren Larsen began her working life again in early 1979 starring in "The Onedin Line". Other projects followed including "The French Lieutenant’s Woman" and "Shackleton". In 1982 she was invited to pioneer sailing for the disabled for the Jubilee Sailing Trust in Southampton before being chosen, in 1987, to be Flagship of the First Fleet Re-enactment Voyage to celebrate Australia’s Bicentennial. She led a fleet of squareriggers on an ambitious 22,000 mile voyage from Portsmouth via Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town, arriving to a tumultuous welcome in Sydney in 1988.
After a major refit in the UK at Gloucester, Soren Larsen returned home to Auckland. She established herself as 'Flagship of the City of Sails' and has won Tourism Awards for Adventure and Experience categories. This illustrious ship celebrated the Millennium with a spectacular round the world voyage, the 2000-2001 Global Odyssey, visiting 25 countries and sailing 30,000 nautical miles. This 2010 project sets out to visit the further corners of the Polynesian Triangle and visit the very best of the untouched tropical South Pacific. 
