Introducing the Captain of the World’s Largest Square Rigged tall ship – Golden Horizon
New cruise line, Tradewind Voyages, has announced that experienced sea master and avid sailing enthusiast, Remi Eriksen, will be the inaugural captain of the world’s newest and largest tall ship, Golden Horizon, which will be launched next month and visit Australia this summer.
“When the sails unfurl on a large sailing ship and you’re purely under the power of wind, it’s a fantastic, magical experience – pure romance,”
– Captain Remi Eriksen, Tradewind Voyages
“I still get goosebumps when this happens and I know our guests will too,” adds Remi as he prefers to be called. “I hope guests aboard Golden Horizon just call me Remi too because I like that connection, relaxation and familiarity which will be hallmarks of life aboard Golden Horizon. Sailing is a very bonding experience after all.”
Originally from Norway but now living in the south of Spain, Remi, 44, has been a master and lover of smaller-sized ships for 16 years, including Paul Gauguin in Tahiti, Sea Dream, Wind Surf and large private yachts. Sailing is in his blood. “My grandfather and father loved sailing and now I have the privilege of being the first captain of the world’s newest and largest square-rigged sailing ship,” says Remi enthusiastically. “Golden Horizon has a massive 6300 square metres of sail – more than twice the sail area of any other ship in history. She’s fast, very stable and incredibly graceful and I’m so excited to take her around the world for lovers of sea, sail and adventure to enjoy. She’ll be quite a spectacle wherever she goes.”
Constructed in Croatia, the five-masted Golden Horizon will undergo sea trials this month before commencing cruises in June from the UK where Tradewind Voyages is based. This December the eco-friendly, 272-guest sailing ship will commence a 73-day circumnavigation of Australia, with cruise sectors now on sale via the line’s exclusive Australian partner, Cruise Traveller, which specialises in small ships.
“I hope guests aboard Golden Horizon just call me Remi too because I like that connection, relaxation and familiarity which will be hallmarks of life aboard Golden Horizon. Sailing is a very bonding experience after all.”
“I’ve been to Australia several times and I love how friendly, generous and easygoing Australians are,” says Remi. “And for me, sailing into Sydney Harbour is one of the top three sea arrivals in the world – up with New York and Rio. While in Australia, Golden Horizon will visit 36 destinations around the continent from big cities to pristine and secluded places only a small ship like ours can visit. It will be a unique and unforgettable experience for guests.”
Remi describes Golden Horizon as a ship of its time:
“People now are seeing sustainable travel, fresh air, open spaces, smaller ships and adventure and Golden Horizon will offer all that and more. She’s a perfect marriage of seafaring tradition and contemporary luxury.”
– Captain Remi Eriksen
Golden Horizon will offer modern-day seafarers one restaurant, one grill, three pools, gym, library, spa sanctuary, five bars and a marina platform. All 140 cabins will offer ocean vistas.