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Join a sailing adventure on a Tall Ship and set course for new horizons!

Papeete, Tahiti (PF) - Austral Islands (PF) - Papeete, Tahiti (PF)

27 July - 11 August 2026

15 days, Tecla

From € 3744,-

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Expedition

15-25 years: € 3744,-
26+: € 4160,-

Book this journey

Tecla:
Papeete, Tahiti (PF) - Austral Islands (PF) - Papeete, Tahiti (PF)

27 July - 11 August 2026

Austral Islands: Journey into Polynesia’s Best-Kept Secret. Far off the well-trodden paths of the South Pacific lies a forgotten chain of volcanic jewels—the Austral Islands, or Tuhaa Pae, as the ancient Polynesians once called them. Your journey begins in Tahiti, during the vibrant Heiva Festival in July—a celebration of culture, dance, and storytelling. From here, you will set sail for Raivavae, and later Tubuai, Rurutu, and Rimatara. Sailing on the Tecla will allow you to access remote anchorages, snorkel crystal-clear reefs, and follow the rhythm of the ocean – just like the humpbacks. Each crossing under the starry sky offers a chance to learn celestial navigation, Polynesian wayfinding legends, and hands-on sailing. This is a true blue-water voyage through uncharted Polynesia. Join Tecla for an unforgettable 15-day expedition where culture, wildlife, and adventure converge.
Open for all Windseekers, minimum age 15 years.

Itinerary

This itinerary is like a chart drawn in sand — guided by the stars, but shaped by the sea. Wind, weather, and tide are the true captains, and they often have plans of their own. So while the crew set course with care, each voyage follows its own rhythm. This schedule is a compass, not a contract — trust the journey to unfold like any good sailing tale: with a little mystery, and a lot of wonder.

Day 1: Embarkation in Tahiti, among the festive atmosphere of Heiva. Welcome aboard and final preparations.
Days 2–4: Ocean crossing to Raivavae (approx. 380 nautical miles). Trade wind sailing under starlit skies.
Day 5: Explore Raivavae – visit ancient Marae, hike the lush hills, and enjoy the peaceful lagoon.
Day 6: Set sail to Tubuai, the largest of the Australs. Navigate through the narrow pass in the northern reef.

Day 7: Snorkeling and a picnic on the motus inside Tubuai’s barrier reef. Optional visit to the village.
Day 8: Sailing to Rurutu.
Day 9: Go ashore on Rurutu to explore dramatic coastal hikes, traditional weaving demonstrations, and visit the grave of Polynesian sailor Eric de Bisschop. If you’re lucky, witness humpback whales calving close to shore.

Day 10: Sail to Rimatara.
Day 11: Wander through Rimatara’s lush forests and spot rare native birds—an island largely untouched by tourism.
Days 12–14: Return passage to Tahiti, enjoying open-ocean sailing, storytelling, and celestial navigation practice. Optional stop at Mo’orea, time permitting.
Day 15: Arrival in Tahiti, marking the end of a spectacular Polynesian voyage.

Ports

Papeete is a capital of Tahiti – the biggest island, as well as the cultural and political centre of French Polynesia. Enjoy the tropical vibes by spending a lovely day on a beach (white- or black-sanded!) Admire pearls and learn about their cultural history in the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. Take a stroll through the Papeete Municipal Market for a taste of local life and have a picnic in Paofai Gardens waterfront park.

Austral Islands (Tuhaa Pae) form one of the remote archipelagos of French Polynesia, offering a unique glimpse into preserved Polynesian traditions and a way of life largely untouched by mass tourism, due to a rather isolated location. Each island offers a new world of discovery: archaeological wonders, lush forests, traditional weaving, and intimate encounters with humpback whales who migrate here from Antarctic waters in July.

Key points

  • Dates: 27 July 2026 - 11 August 2026
  • Embarkation: 18:00 / Disembarkation: 10:00
  • For Windseekers of all ages, minimum age 15 years
  • Windseekers joining: maximum 16
  • No sailing experience required!
  • Official language on board: English
  • Price includes: accommodation and meals, excludes drinks at the bar
  • Price excludes transportation costs to-and from the ports. Our travel counsellor can advise you and book your transfers
  • This booking is covered by EOC Verzekeringsadvies BV (instead of Windseeker's usual STO Garant).
  • Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
  • All bedding and towels are provided on board

  • "Working in a team is a skill I really improved on board during the watches."

    Phillip (24), France

You sail on the Tecla

Tecla
Shipping type: Ketch
Homeport: Winkel (NL)
Date built: 1915
Trainees: 16
Length: 38
Height of mast: 23
Sail: 380m2

One of the most splendid traditional sailing ships. This solid, authentic-rigged ship is not only one of the most beautiful herring loggers, but also a very good sailor. Tecla has won several prizes during the Tall Ships Races and Regattas. …

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Windseeker logs

  • You are here and now

    Morgenster, July 2018

    Esbjerg-Sunderland-Esbjerg

    – by Elin Giese, Sweden, 2nd time Trainee

    Being a trainee on board a tall ship is an experience you can’t compare with everyday life. This is my short article about how it is to sail with the Morgenster before and during the Tall Ships Races.    

    Read log

  • Meaning something is caring about people

    Statsraad Lehmkuhl

    Antwerp-Lisbon

    – by Trainee Aurélie (16), Belgium

    I wrote this before my 'after-breakfast-nap' on the last day of sailing: "It's the last day of sailing at the Statsraad Lehmkuhl, The Tall Ships Races. We are coming closer to the finishing line and I am finally writing something. I'm …

    Read log

Photos

  • Trainees
  • Trainee

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This Journey is not covered by the STO Garant guarantee.