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The Antigua

The three-mast sailing ship Antigua was built in 1957 in Thorne (UK) and sailed as a fishing vessel in her early years, until she was purchased in the early 1990s by Dutch tallship enthusiasts and re-fitted thoroughly as a barkentine for passenger traffic.

Since then, the Antigua has got 16 twin passenger cabins, each with individual toilet and shower and a small porthole (the two front cabins have the porthole actually in the bathroom). The Antigua is a regular sight in Spitsbergen’s fjords since 2009.

Occasionally, the crew will need your − the passengers’ − help during sailing maneouvres. Up to 32 passengers share these little duties, and as a result, you as individual will experience this as part of the adventure rather than a burden. Sailing experience is not necessary, as the crew will always be there to supervise..

Antigua at Moffen, at the north coast of Spitsbergen

Some details:

Flagg	Dutch
Home port	Franeker near Harlingen (NL)
The nautical crew	7 persons, mostly Dutch and Germans (Captain, navigators, deck/service crew).
Expedition Leader/Guide	I - Rolf Stange - will be Expedition Leader on my own departures. Additionally, there is an experienced, knowledgeable guide/lecturer.
Board language	The voyages organized by Rolf Stange and Geo-RG with SV Antigua are German speaking! All crew members speak English, most of them also Dutch and/or German.
Electricity	220 V with European standard plug.
Length (complete)	49.50 metres
Width	7.13 metres
Draft	3.10 metres
Maximum sail area	750 m²
Main engine	Cummins 400 PS
Speed	5-7 knots, depending on currents & weather
Bow thruster	Yes
Certificate number	9336ZZ
Passenger cabins	16 twin cabins, each with toilet and shower. The cabins will most likely be smaller than your home 🙂

Photo gallery Antigua

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With good wind, we can make 8 knots under sail. Then we need hands on deck. If you want to, you can also handle the steering wheel under supervision. The crew is taking care of more difficult operations.

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Climbing up to the crow's nest is an experience you shouldn't miss - afer some instructions and secured with a harness.

Climbing up to the crow's nest is an experience you shouldn't miss - afer some instructions and secured with a harness.

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We use the small boat for our landings. A piece of cake in calm conditions; otherwise it can be a bit wet. Rocky coasts are more demanding.

We use the small boat for our landings. A piece of cake in calm conditions; otherwise it can be a bit wet. Rocky coasts are more demanding.

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The Antigua is obviously not an icebreaker, but she is a tough nut and small enough to get through the smallest holes...

The Antigua is obviously not an icebreaker, but she is a tough nut and small enough to get through the smallest holes...

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The 'Flying Dutchman' - Antigua in evening light at a walrus coloney (lovely, isn't it?) - lecture inside

The 'Flying Dutchman' - Antigua in evening light at a walrus coloney (lovely, isn't it?) - lecture inside

Any questions? Interest? Please do not hesitate to get in touch: Contact.

Panoramas of the Antigua as a virtual tour / Panoramic Tour

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Below further information on the different stations:

Antigua: Salon

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The salon is the heart of the ship for the group: this is where everybody meets, here we have our meals, here we have a beer in the evening (unless it is nicer outside), this is the place for information and presentations.

Antigua: Salon

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The salon from a different perspective. Everybody can find a seat here at the same time.

Antigua: twin cabin

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One of the 16 twin cabins for guests. Every cabin has bunk beds and a little bathroom with toilet and shower. Space is limited, but enough and compared to sailing ship standards the cabins are almost spacious ☺

Antigua: another twin cabin

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Another twin cabin. From 2016, some of the cabins will be different: 8 out of 16 cabins will be a bit larger. They will then have two normal beds rather than bunk beds.

Antigua: galley

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The galley. Always amazing what they can do in there. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as a buffet. Sometimes, there is even fresh cake in the afternoon ☺ or everything we need for packed lunch in case we venture on a longer tour.

Antigua: engine room

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The engine room. Even a sailing ship needs one these days. The engine can propel Antigua ahead with 7-8 knots. But sailing is obviously nicer, and sometimes even faster.

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