Since 1991 Star Clippers has offered sophisticated travellers the ultimate cruising vacation alternative – a tall ship “mega-yacht” experience aboard authentic re-creations of the classic sailing clipper ships that ruled the waves during the 19th century.

The brainchild of Swedish entrepreneur, Mikael Krafft, Star Clippers operates three of the largest barquentine and full-rigged sailing ships in the world. Star Clipper, Star Flyer and flagship, Royal Clipper are a triumvirate of four and five-masted sailing ships that offer the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht. With Star Clippers, Mikael Krafft has realized his lifelong dream to provide a unique sailing experience for his passengers in full harmony with the environment, the sea and often away from ports congested with tourists.

Star Flyer and Star Clipper

Launched in 1991 and 1992 in Ghent, Belgium, Star Flyer and Star Clipper were the first clipper ships since 1911 to be granted the certificate of Sailing Passenger Vessel (S.P.V.) by Lloyd’s Register of Shipping and are now classified by DNV. They are both four-masted, square-rigged barquentines, 115,5m long, with 3,365 m² of sail and carry up to 166 passengers and 74 crew members. The two ships filled a niche in the market calling for the casual yet elegant style of a private yacht sailing vacation as opposed to the bigger-is-better theory of the huge floating hotel-cruise ships. Star Clippers ships feature open-seating dining, a convivial indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar with an intimate Piano Lounge, and an Edwardian style library with an Époque fireplace. Passengers will be pleased to see antique prints and paintings of famous sailing vessels and gleaming mahogany rails with brass fittings throughout the ship.

Royal Clipper

The success of Star Clippers over the decade of the 90’s convinced Krafft that the time had come to launch a new ship. Inspired by the “Preussen,” the historic flagship of the famed Flying P Line in Germany, Star Clippers commissioned Royal Clipper, out of the Merwede shipyard in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Royal Clipper is the first five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship to be built since 1902 when her inspiration, Preussen, was launched in Hamburg. Royal Clipper joined the Star Clippers’ fleet in July of 2000 and carries the highest rating possible of S.P.V. +100 A1. The Royal Clipper and all the ships are flying the Maltese flag.

The steel-hulled vessel is 134m long, has a beam of 16m, a draft of 5,6m and is now classified by DNV. She carries 42 sails with a total area of 5,000 m². Her highest mast, at an extraordinary 54m, includes a 5,8m hinged top section that can be folded down for passing under bridges and power lines. Royal Clipper accommodates 227 passengers and 106 crew members, of whom 20 are needed to handle all sails. The remaining 86 crew members serve passenger needs or are on support duty. Well-known yacht designer Donald Starkey of London, England, who has created the decor for many of the world’s most admired mega-yachts, was commissioned to design the Royal Clipper’s interiors. The ageless Edwardian style he chooses here suits Royal Clipper perfectly with its warm, welcoming atmosphere and traditional, nautical flourishes.

Paddy Rice

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