Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers has announced that it has started building a fourth ship to add to its fleet of square-riggers, its first new-build since the launch of Royal Clipper in July 2000.
The new vessel, yet to be named, will be launched in the second half of 2017, carrying 300 passengers, measuring 8,770 tons and powered by more than 6,350 square meters of sails. Star Clippers says the new ship's balcony (deluxe) staterooms will be more than 322 square feet, while the four owner's suites will encompass approximately 590 square feet of space.
The new ship will be a five-masted, square-rigged barque. While the company’s flagship Royal Clipper is modeled on the German sailing ship Preussen, the new member of the fleet will be a near-replica of the France II, commissioned in 1911 and the largest square rigger ever built. The Star Clippers newbuild will replace its sister, Royal Clipper, as the largest ship of its kind afloat today.
As well as the generous deck space, the new vessel will have three pools, one that funnels sunlight through the ship’s atrium into the dining room. There will be a watersports platform in the stern for use when the ship is at anchor and a variety of cabin grades, including 34 suites with balconies and four owner’s suites. A restaurant in the atrium will accommodate all passengers for open-seating dining. The ship will also include the hallmarks of all Star Clippers vessels, such as the cozy library, the bowsprit net and the al fresco Tropical Bar, where evening entertainment takes place. While the ship will have ecologically sound engines, it will, like its sisters, rely on wind power and its sails wherever possible.
The new ship will be delivered in the second half of 2017 and will initially sail the company’s most popular itineraries in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Sales are expected to open in 2016.
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