SV Florette

Since 1998, under the second-generation leadership of Ron and Nicole Haynes, she continues to sail through azure waters, embodying a spirit of exploration and discovery. Florette represents more than just sails and decks; she embodies endless possibilities, offering exclusive small group expeditions and hands-on experiences as voyage crew. Her journeys spark curiosity and inspire exploration, upholding tradition while embracing the Mediterranean's heritage. With every voyage, Florette upholds the spirit of discovery and preserves history, bridging the past and present. Together with a selection of handpicked tour operators, we design and offer special and unique experiences. Under the guardianship of the Haynes family, Florette inspires awe, providing a glimpse into a world with boundless horizons and the irresistible call of the sea. For those aboard, the Brigantine Florette offers not just a journey, but an experience—an invitation to the past, with new stories waiting just beyond the horizon.

Preserving Maritime Traditions

Preserving maritime heritage is essential for honoring the rich history of the Mediterranean, where seafaring traditions have shaped cultures for centuries. The Brigantine Florette, crafted by the renowned Picchiotti shipyard, embodies these customs with a shipbuilding legacy dating back to 1600. Today, UNESCO recognizes the importance of sail training in maintaining these traditions, highlighting Florette's role in keeping maritime customs alive. By sailing with us, you help cherish and uphold these practices, ensuring future generations can embrace and appreciate this invaluable cultural heritage.

Rigging and Design

The Florette, a celebrated Brigantine, is renowned for its speed and agility. The term "Brigantine" derives from "Brigare," meaning to fight, which made this ship popular among pirates and cargo transporters where speed was essential. A Brigantine is characterized by two masts: a fully square-rigged foremast and a mainmast with a fore-and-aft mainsail. However, the true hallmark of its design is the hull, perfected over time. As the saying goes, a ship with a broad bow and a narrow stern is a fast ship. Larger Tuscan vessels with similar designs earned the nickname "barcobestia" or "beast bark" due to their impressive size and design, gaining fame on international waters. The Florette sailed without an engine until 1936 and remained in the cargo business until 1968. The design philosophy of the Brigantine Florette is captured in the Italian saying, "Se vuoi una barca da cammino, testa grossa e culo fino, cioè la classica barca viareggina," meaning "If you want a fast ship, you need a big bow and a small stern." This reflects the traditional Viareggio design, emphasizing a broad front and a tapered rear for optimal speed and seaworthiness. These principles reveal the ingenuity of maritime engineering that has endured over time, allowing ships like the Florette to glide swiftly across vast oceans.

The Legacy of Sister Ship Ebe

The Florette's captivating history is further augmented by her retired sister ship, the Ebe, which has found a new home in the esteemed Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Milan since 1960. Within the walls of this renowned institution, the Ebe showcases the maritime heritage of the Mediterranean, reflecting the distinctive construction and design of the Florette. While the Florette continues to gracefully navigate the high seas, capturing the hearts of all who encounter her, the Ebe stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of wooden-windjammers. Visitors from across the globe flock to the museum, appreciating the historical significance and intricate craftsmanship of these magnificent vessels.

An Immersive Journey into the Past

Thus, the Florette and her sister ship, the Ebe, serve as glorious reminders of the grandeur and timeless beauty that the Mediterranean has bestowed upon the world of maritime exploration. Immerse yourself in the heart-stirring legacy of maritime exploration by setting sail aboard an authentically crafted wooden tall ship. This isn't merely a voyage; it is an immersive journey into the past, navigating the very waves once traversed by the great wooden windjammers of yesteryear. Whilst the ship reverberates with the resonance of history, rest assured, your safety and comfort are paramount. Meticulously maintained and equipped with state-of-the-art safety measures, the Florette ensures a secure and comfortable passage. Contribute to the legacy, feel the salt spray on your face, hear the wind whistling through the rigging, and relish the thrill of sailing aboard a living piece of maritime history.

Bon Voyage!