Sea Cloud Spirit: A Classic Windjammer Experience
There’s something inexplicably romantic about spending a day ‘under sails’. The weightless feeling of flying across the water’s surface, the strength of the wind, the engine-free silence… it is pure freedom. And freedom is luxury.
I’ve been writing about the superyacht industry for several years, but I’ve rarely had the chance to experience the joy of traditional sailing. As a child, I spent summers learning to sail toppers on freezing British lakes; as an adult, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy the comfort of larger yachts as a guests. And while I certainly enjoy motor vessels, there’s something very special about a classic windjammer.
Boarding Seacloud Spirit
Earlier this year, I boarded Seacloud Spirit for a cruise along the Costa Rica coastline, quite unprepared for what I was about to discover. Spirit is the third and largest of the Seacloud fleet (accommodating 136 guests and 85 crew) and is the most contemporary of the trio, which suited me well. Cabins were relatively modern and surprisingly spacious – ours had a balcony – and the level of service was exceptional.
Onboard facilities included a gym; a spa with sauna, steam room and rain showers where you can select your chosen scent; and a sun deck over which the yacht’s four gigantic sails towered. This was my chosen spot from which to watch the 14-strong deck crew the masts to manually raise the sails each day – a terrifying task for anyone with a fear of heights.
Dining and Entertainment
Like on most yachts, dining was a highlight and meals were a blend of casual buffets outside on the lido deck, themed nights with living cooking stations and entertainment, and the occasional five-course gala-style dinner in the more opulent dining room. The overall experience was less formal than I’d anticipated (in a good way), although travellers who prefer the traditional can get on the waitlist for trips on the original Seacloud I, which dates back to 1931 and offers Titanic-style dining and authentic wooden interiors.
Sea Cloud Spirit didn’t have a pool but the team let slip that a fourth boat is currently in development and will, most likely, include one in an attempt to appeal to a broader, and perhaps younger, demographic of traveller.
Shore Expeditions and Community
When guests are not relaxing under sails, they can embark on shore expeditions – our trip included options such as nature hikes in Manual Antonio National Park, bird watching near Playa del Coco, kayaking in the mangroves in Golfito, and dolphin watching. Before each stop, guests are given newspaper-style print-outs detailing information about the upcoming destination, and experts deliver talks on the history, nature and culture of the area.
Back onboard, travellers eagerly swap stories from their trips. Within a couple of days, the boat had become like a community, with groups and couples mingling and friendships being formed. Many guests were avid sailors while others told me they chose Sea Cloud Spirit to avoid the crowds found on cruise ships. A fair point.
A Renewed Passion for Sailing
A traditional sailing cruise may not be every traveller’s bucket list, but if you love the ocean, it’s an excellent way to travel authentically and experience the simple luxury of being at sea.
I left the boat with a renewed passion for sailing. And while watching the deckhands climb the 170-foot masts for the last time, while guiltily sipping my frozen strawberry daiquiri, I realised I had a newfound respect for the crew, too.
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News Source : Rachel Ingram
Source Link :Discover An Authentic Way To Cruise In Luxury With Sea Cloud/