Many thanks to Maddie Taylor of Tradewind Voyages UK for supplying photographs.
Originally ordered by Star Clipper as the Flying Clipper, she was launched on June 10, 2017 and planned delivery was for the end of that year. This was later postponed to the first quarter of 2018, then again to the fall of 2019 and so forth. The delay was mainly due to the buyer’s delay in delivering masts, rigging and sails, as well as necessary technical documentation according to the Croatian yard, Brodosplit. Star Clippers stated missing deadlines and not meeting specifications to be the main issues. The dispute resulted in the contract being dissolved. Instead she is now chartered to Tradewind Voyages UK Ltd and when situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic permits cruising to restart, the Golden Horizon as she has been renamed will make her debut in May 2021.
Golden Horizon has been modelled after the France II, a French sailing ship built in 1913 in Bordeaux, France by Chantier et Ateliers de la Gironde. Before, Star Clippers owner Michael Krafft had his current flagship Royal Clipper built as a replica of another famous windjammer, the German Preussen, and this time again a replica would be built, but now of an even larger, more impressive vessel, France II. The original France II was employed on the route France – Australia – New Caledonia – USA. In 1922 she ran aground on Teremba reef, Northwast of Noumea (the capital of New Caledonia), loaded with chrome ore. Because of the low value of her cargo, her owner refused to pay for towage costs and she was abandoned. Years later, in 1944, she was destroyed in situ by US military aircraft who used her for target practice. France II was the largest sailing ship of her time, her cargo capacity being 7420 tons. She had 38 sails with a total surface area of 6350 square meters.
Golden Horizon is a near sister to France II, she is somewhat larger, having an extra 4 sails on her 5 masts although her rigging is an almost exact copy of that of France II. She does have auxiliary engines, diesel electric propulsion (2 diesel engines powering electric motors) so that she is able to maintain her planned cruise schedule at all times. She is expected to be sailing only using wind power for 70 per cent of the time.
The 8770 GRT Golden Harmony, 162 meters long and 18.5 meters wide, has 4 decks and carries 330 passengers max, her crew numbers 140. Cabins are to be found on all 4 decks, her grandest accommodation, 4 owners suites are situated forward on Upper deck. In all there are 150 staterooms divided into 5 main categories Suite, Balcony, Gallery, Deluxe and Marina (for singles). Balcony and Deluxe cabins have balconies, those of Deluxe cabins are only accessible when she is in port. Her staterooms are reminiscent of yesteryear’s clipper ships with their classic furniture and photographs of famous clipper ships on the wall. Polish naval architect Zygmunt Choren (who specializes in sailing ships) designed her.
Golden Horizon has been fitted with the Safe Return to Port system, which according to the yard was installed in Croatia for the first time. This system ensures that in case of any defect, fire or flooding of any part of the ship, she will be able to return safely to port from a distance of as far away of almost 2000 nautical miles being farthest point from land to sea, which is quite an achievement.
The ships main bar is the Alfresco Horizon Bar where most of the on board outside activities take place, apart from dining (and BBQ’s) it is also used for entertainment, lectures etc. Next to the swimming pool aft is the Dive Bar and for those who prefer airconditioned surroundings inside, Golden Horizon has the Piano Bar which also offers buffet lunch and Debeljak’s premium beverage bar, stocked with some of the world’s finest gins and whiskey.
Golden Horizon has 3 pools and 2 of these have a nice twist. The aft pool descends 5.5 meters through two decks. Diving classes are organized here. It is fitted with glass walls so passengers can actually observe the divers practising. One of the two remaining pools is situated on top of her atrium, and its glass bottom brings light into the Piano Bar and Dining Room. She also features a watersports marina, which is lowered when the ship is at anchor. Guests can go snorkelling, kayaking or waterskiing.
A true sailing ship, Golden Horizon allows passengers to help setting the sails, assist in navigating her and those not afraid of heights can even climb one of her masts (supervised and with safety precautions of course). Less adventurous guests can soak up some sunshine while relaxing in the nets on either side of the bowsprit.
Part of the atrium with its entrance located between the reception and the Debeljak Bar on Gallery deck is the 2-deck high dining room. With its gorgeous wood-panelling it breathes the classic atmosphere one expects on board a sailing ship modelled after one of the most famous square-rigged tall ships ever built. Here both breakfast and lunch are available buffet style while dinner is served at night.
The Croatia flagged Golden Horizon is technically managed by Brodosplit Ship Management as they provide the crew: officers, deck and engine room crew.
They have experience in this field, as they also manage the small cruise ship Monet, the coastal cruise ship Picasso and sailing vessels Katina and Klara. Tradewind themselves manage the on board hotel operations, shore excursions and organised activities like watersports.
During her first season Golden Horizon will set sail from Great-Britain. From May to August 2021 she will depart from Harwich (seven cruises) and twice from Glasgow, Scotland to Iceland, Ireland, Noway, Denmark and the Baltic States. She will then leave Europe via the Mediterranean to visit more spectacular destinations in Asia and Australia.
Sailing on board their Golden Horizon, Tradewind Voyages will offer guests an unforgettable experience: being pampered with the highest standards of dining and entertainment while enjoying stylish accommodation and the impressive grandeur of her public spaces!
