| NoeHill: Wind Surf or Star Clipper? |
Star Clipper Near Portoferraio on the Island of Elba
23 September 2001
(Click Photo to Zoom)
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Each ship provides a wonderful experience, much more intimate than the large cruise ships. But which
one to chose? Well, that depends on what kind of sailing you want.
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The Wind Surf is two to three times as large as the Star Clipper: longer, wider, twice as many
passenger decks. It has elevators, casinos, massage, whirlpools, steam rooms, and a fitness
center. And it carries twice as many passengers and crew. Cabins are equipped with CD players
and satellite televisions that can give you up-to-the minute CNN news. The staff is always
friendly, attentive and helpful. The five masts and seven sails are computer-controlled from the
bridge; no human hands touch the sails. And a hydraulics system stabilizes the ship during rough
weather to virtually eliminate movement that can cause sea sickness. The ship moves comfortably
at all times. This is boutique sailing at its best.
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Windsurf in Venice
3 June 2002
(Click Photo to Zoom)
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As nice as the Wind Surf is, I prefer the intimacy of the Star Clipper. Why sail, if one
doesn’t want to experience the sea. And often, the sea is not smooth. When it’s rough, the
ship pitches and heels. On the lower decks, your porthole is often under water. And at night,
you may think you’re going to roll right out of your bunk. The weak of stomach may get seasick.
When walking on stairs, through passageways, or on deck, one often grabs at a rail to keep from
toppling over. You quickly learn to walk with knees slightly bent. You may be drenched with
salt water as the ship pitches forward against the waves. You learn to watch your wine glass
to keep it from sliding off the table. This is sailing, as it has been for centuries. The
sails on the Star Clipper are handled by men, not computers. Sailors climb the masts, furl
and trim the sails, drop anchor…and talk to the passengers. The crew is more than willing to
discuss or explain any aspect of sailing. The captain and first mate are accessible at almost
any time. It is smaller than the Wind Surf with fewer amenities but, for me, the Star Clipper is the true sailing ship.
Finally, there is no experience in the world as exhilarating as lying in “the net”. Suspended from the Star Clipper’s bowsprit, a few feet above the sea, with no sound or sight other than that of the sea and the Mediterranean sun. Glorious solitude. Just Neptune, Apollo and you.
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