Star Clippers Blog » Nautical Stuff

Port of the Week: Zeebruge (Bruges), Belgium

Nicole — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:34:57 +0000

The flower carpet at the Grand Place in Bruges, Belgium.

For centuries, Bruges slept like Sleeping Beauty, her path to the North Sea silted up forever by the meandering River Zwin. And that perhaps saved her from the depredations of modern development. Now connected to the sea by the canal to Zeebruge, Bruges opens her lovely eyes to visitors, and what sights travelers see! Bruges’ symbol is the swan, a fittingly beautiful icon for “The Venice of the North.” Laced by canals and the famous Minnewater reflecting gabled guild houses, arched bridges and iv draped walls, Bruges reveals her history, dating from the time of the Vikings, one perfect scene after another.

While in Bruges, guests can visit the Market Square for one of the best views of the city. The market features rows of 17th-century gabled houses, Gothic buildings and a marvelous 14th-century Belfry Tower. Visitors can climb to the top of this 270-foot tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Every two years in August, a large “flower carpet”, spanning 19,000 square ft., is set up in the Grand Place for a few days. The first flower carpet was made in 1971, and has since grown into a tradition that attracts thousands of tourists.

Don’t miss The Fries Museum or Frietmuseum, the first and only museum dedicated to Belgian Fries. At the end of your tour, of course, you can try some tasty fries in the basement.

Star Flyer heads to the Baltic in summer 2012 and will sail a variety of itineraries ranging from three-night samplers to 11-night explorations. To view a complete list of Star Flyer’s 2012 Northern Europe/ Baltic itineraries, click here. Bookings are now open!

Captain’s Story Time

Julie — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:24:18 +0000

Our captains enjoy giving lectures on deck. Whether speaking about celestial navigation or tall ships of the past, it’s always a guest favorite.

The Spirit of Star Clippers

Julie — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:08:12 +0000

One of our guests sent in this photo that truly captures the spirit of Star Clippers. Climbing the mast is one of the unique experiences we offer on board.

A View From Above

Julie — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:33:24 +0000

Star Clippers guest Ruth sent in her photo of the bowsprit net taken from the mast. What a view!

Relaxing on the Bowsprit Net

Julie — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:15:35 +0000

Dan and Lois sent this photo of the bowsprit net. Looks like someone is relaxing and having a peaceful time…

Caught Up in the Net

Julie — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:53:25 +0000

Here are pictures of my wife Hayley Newlands and me, Derek Henderson, in the net…

Marie is Getting a Facelift

Mariano — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:57:28 +0000

Nery, the on-board carpenter, is trying to save as much as possible of Marie, the sculpture that proceeds the ship wherever it goes … At the moment it is on the deck waiting for new pine wood in order to restore it. The deck guys work hard to remove it from the bow and put it on the sun deck.

Captain Bruno and Chief Mate Julian help how they can. Piedade, the Bosun, is in white. After almost 11 years, this is the first restoration … not bad for a lady of her size.

Star Flyer in St. Tropez for Classic Yacht Regatta

Nicole — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:33:28 +0000

This September guests sailing on board Star Flyer will have the chance to watch the internationally-renowned Les Voiles de St.Tropez yacht regatta from the heart of the action on the ship’s deck while sailing through the bay of St. Tropez, France, Sept. 30. This year the regatta runs from Sept. 27 to Oct. 2. After the race, Star Flyer will call at the port of St. Tropez, allowing guests the opportunity to enjoy the lively post-race festivities and explore the town’s famous beaches, bistros and bars.

Star Flyers’ Voiles de St Tropez sailing departs Cannes, France, Sept. 24 and will call at various yachting ports in the Med including L’Ile Rousse and Bastia in Corsica; Portoferraio, Elba; Portofino, Italy, and Iles d’Hyères and Sanary-sur-Mer, France.

Star Flyer.

iPhone iBlog: Television Crew Climbs the Mast, Part II

Mariano — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:01:52 +0000

Here are more photos from the Japanese TV crews’ special mission of climbing Royal Clippers’ mast. Enjoy!

iPhone iBlog: Television Crew Climbs the Mast, Part I

Mariano — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:28:56 +0000

Earlier this month, a Japanese television crew were on board filming and decided to climb the mast. The crew placed a wide-angled camera on Sandra’s head and Oscar the rigger escorted us until we reached the top of the middle mast. We were 48-meters away from the water and it was a little scary for the crew. Everyone climbed slowly and even though it took 30 minutes to reach the top, the view was priceless. Enjoy the photos!