Barbados Boats

Here are a few pictures from the harbor/port in Barbados taken November 2013.  It's amazing these vessels all in one spot. Some technical and other information has been downloaded from various sources, I take credit for the pictures - they're originals.  Oh, our ship, the MS Noordam was also in the port.

Tug in harbor @ Bridgetown, Barbados

Star Clipper

Royal Clipper

Inspired by the tall ship Preussen (the fastest sailing ship in the world in 1902), the Royal Clipper has the proud distinction of being the largest and only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship. With her complement of 42 sails, Royal Clipper is a splendid sight to behold.

Royal Clipper boasts state-of-the-art navigation systems and every comfort and luxury one could wish for. For connoisseurs of sail cruising, the 439 foot Royal Clipper offers the ultimate sea-going experience, balancing the grandeur, adventure and tradition of sailing with the superb service, amenities and accommodations of the finest modern yacht. Royal Clipper carries just 227 guests in luxurious style. A full 19,000 square feet of open deck and three swimming pools create a wonderfully spacious and expansive outdoor environment.

Seabourn Spirit

Seabourn Spirit is the second of Seabourn’s intimate, all-suite vessels, It was launched in November, 1989.  Seabourn Spirit has 104 ocean-view suites. Complimentary service of fine wines and spirits contributes to a convivial, club-like atmosphere both here and on the open teak decks, where guests find plenty of comfortable seating both in the sun and shade, and ever-attentive service including full bar service, fresh fruit smoothies and sherbets, mineral water spritzes, frozen towels and even sun lotion and sunglass cleaning. A pair of large whirlpool spas grace the sun deck, and a third one is set all the way forward on Deck 5, perfect for watching the world go by . 

SY Fryderyck Chopin is a fully rigged brig whose two masts tower over 100 feet above the water. She spreads almost 13 thousand square feet of sail in 21 sails. Built in 1992, her home port is Szczecin, Poland.  Well-equipped with modern navigation and safety equipment she meets all applicable SOLAS, flag state, and Polish Registry of shipping standards for unrestricted worldwide trade. Designed specifically for the Class Afloat program, her design represents more than 25 years of Class Afloat's experience in leading sea education programs. The vessel is equipped with classroom facilities and accommodation well-suited to her primary purpose as a floating campus. The professional crew members operating the ship and supervising students at sea are selected on the basis of their experience with sailing vessels and projects like Class Afloat. Class Afloat students sail from the Baltic to Scandinavia, Western Europe to the Mediterranean, from Northern and Western Africa to South America, from the Caribbean to North America, forging new standards in leadership, personal development and academic excellence.

In November 2010 the ship suffered severe damage when it was caught in gale force winds. Both of the masts were destroyed and it had to be towed to a European port for repairs.   



HMS Lancaster is a 'Duke' class Type 23 frigate of the Royal Navy. She was launched by Queen Elizabeth II on 24 May 1990 and is known as "The Queen's Frigate", the Duke Of Lancaster being an honorary title of the Sovereign. 

HMS Lancaster called into Bridgetown, Barbados, for a four day visit that also marked the island’s Independence Day.

A squad of 15 sailors were sent along to participate in the 47th Independence Day celebrations; dressed in their tropical ceremonial uniforms they marched alongside the country’s police, fire brigade and defence force.

HMS Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Laughton MBE, said,

“It has been a great honour and privilege for me to bring Lancaster to Barbados, not only to help mark their 47th Independence Day but also as this marked my first port visit as the Commanding Officer of HMS Lancaster.

“Barbados and the Royal Navy have strong ties that go back centuries and I hope this visit has been able to strengthen those ties and build on new ones, ensuring they go on for many more years to come.”

Now headed home to Portsmouth, HMS Lancaster, has been on drug smuggling and law enforcement details for several months.      Edited from navaltoday.com.