The World’s Largest Sailing Ship
A near-replica of the legendary 1913 France II windjammer, it was originally envisioned as Flying Clipper for Star Clippers, but a legal tussle handed it to Tradewind Voyages, who christened it with a name as bold as its silhouette. Launched into a world still reeling from COVID-19 delays, it’s a statement in steel and sail—90% of its 4,500-tonne frame sourced from Ukraine’s Metinvest, built to conquer Arctic chills or Caribbean heatwaves.
The design is a triumph of form and function. Its high-strength steel hull, forged with computer-cut precision and coated in anti-corrosive paint, supports 36 cross sails spanning 6,345 square meters—enough to blanket a football pitch. The tallest mast soars 63 meters, a 24-ton colossus, propelling the ship to a breezy 20 knots under wind power, outpacing its 16-knot engine cruise. Sustainability is the chic new black here: Golden Horizon aims to sail engine-free for 70% of its voyages, slashing fuel use with dual electric systems and a 800-cubic-meter diesel reserve for those 2,000-nautical-mile safety nets. It’s luxury with a conscience, a nod to the eco-warriors who still crave the high life.
Inside, it’s a love letter to the Golden Age of clippers, reimagined for the Instagram era. With 140 cabins across four decks—think porthole nooks to deluxe suites with balconies, fireplaces, and butler service—it sleeps 272 passengers and 159 crew in polished wood and brass elegance, accented by smart HDTVs and Wi-Fi. The two-deck dining room serves buffet breakfasts and lunches, with waiter-served dinners featuring vegan options, while the Horizon Bar offers al fresco vibes. Three pools, including a PADI-certified diving pool, a spa with a snow room and jacuzzi, and a water-sports marina for kayaking, cater to the jet-set adventurer. It’s a floating playground where relaxation meets adrenaline.
The itineraries are as curated as a fashion week runway, tracing historic trade routes from the UK’s Harwich and Glasgow to Iceland’s fjords, Jakarta’s Silk Route, and the Caribbean’s sun-kissed shores. Yet, its journey hasn’t been smooth—financial storms, a £100 million sale listing in 2022, and sanctions on a Russian-linked bank tied to Brodosplit have rocked its course. A 2021 Dover seizure over Star Clippers’ claims added drama, but its allure persists.
Sadly the Golden Horizon’s future teeters on negotiations, yet its promise endures. This isn’t just a ship—it’s a statement, blending the romance of tall ships with a sustainable edge. For the discerning traveler, it’s the ultimate voyage where luxury and legacy set sail together.