About the trip

A journey through time, culture and nature Crossing the historic routes of 17th centuries spice trade ships on this journey we will experience beautiful sailing, stunning under water life, colourful indo-pacific food and culture and whiteness both the challenges of and solutions to marine plastic pollution. The grand finale of this journey is Banda, a tiny island group in the heart of the Banda Sea. Despite its small size Banda is a spectacular mixture of history, culture, nature, landscape and environmental engagement. Whilst we are strolling through centuries old colonial buildings, we can hear the singing of the muezzin echoing through the lush rainforest clinging to the sides of a semi active volcano. Nutmeg, Cloves and Cinnamon are still being grown, reminding the visitor of the time, when the “Spice Islands” were the dream destination for sailors longing for wealth and adventure. Under water Banda is just as spectacular. Christal clear water, healthy choral gardens and an abundance of seldom fish, sharks and even whales make snorkelling and diving an unforgettable experience.

4,000 EURO

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Sailing with us

Sailing:

Sailing with us is a lifetime experience!
We accommodate only 2-6 crew-guests on board and our crew will do all for you to have a pleasant trip. This explains that our trips are from planning to execution exclusive and individual and can easily be adapted to your plans and aspirations.
As guest-crew you will be fully integrated in the day-to-day routines and take part in watch-shifts during passages. Onboard tasks, however, will be adapted to your abilities and interests. Our trips are centred on learning how to sail, so it's important that you can participate rather than being a passive passenger. Sailing with us is apart from adventures an ideal way to practice your sailing and navigation skills, learn about passage planning, and collection of milage or proof of experience.

The boat and its level of comfort and safety:

S/Y Nora is a Alubat Cigale des Mere 14, a fast and safe aluminium sailing vessel with average cursing comfort, but not a luxury ship. The boat has two guest cabins, each with 3 beds (one doble) and a crew cabin. Two bathrooms and an open pantry-saloon solution. Special with S/Y Nora is its low aft deck which can be used as a great working platform and dingy dock.

Food and meals:

Everyone contributes on-board, and cooking is a shared task. Before we set sail, we put together a menu. We focus on local and healthy food. Be sure to let us know in advance if you suffer any allergies (you might need to bring some of your own provisions). Occasionally we moor up and nip into restaurants and eateries to try local delicacies. On board meals, tee, coffee and water are included other drinks are not included. Under sail we do not serve alcohol on board. However, if in harbours and safe anchorages a beer or glass of wine can be fine.

Getting on board:

We plan our expeditions to start and end in harbours easy to access. Yet, expedition sailing around the world sometimes requires adventuresome travels to reach the boat. We will advise you during your travel preparations but are not booking your tickets.

Visa/travel permit:

Our team will assist you also with questions on vias and travel permits. The skipper for each trip will be responsible to inform you on required visas. You will have to document if your passport and visas are valid and cover the entire trip before you bord the boat. This is especially important for international travels.

Insurance:

You need valid travel insurance. Ideally one that covers cancellation. Please read our terms and conditions on cancellations and reimbursements.

Safety:

We are serious about safety! S/Y Nora is equipped with offshore safety equipment, and our skippers are very experienced in every situation, and they meet the Norwegian Maritime Directorate's requirements. At sea we'll practice how to handle different situations. Amongst these, man-over-board, fire, abandon ship, dismasting and running aground. It's important to build knowledge, understanding and competency around critical situations. You will be required to fill in a declaration form with information of next of kin.

Payment:

Our prises are affordable but vary between different expeditions, see specific expedition information. For tailormade expeditions we will send you an offer. We ask for a deposit of 30% of total cost, payable to confirm your booking. Approximately 70 days before departure we will send you a final bill, which needs to be paid within 10 days. However, if you book a trip with less than 60 days, we will invoice you the full amount.