Royal Clipper: Sailing through the Mediterranean under 42 sails

Five masts, 42 sails and up to 227 guests: On its Mediterranean route from Nice via Corsica and Sardinia, the Royal Clipper combines windjammer tradition with cruise comfort.

It is already dark when the Royal Clipper casts off its lines at the Nice waterfront. As it departs, the square-rigged sailing ship is still moved gently and quietly by its engines. But as soon as the 134-meter-long vessel has moved a few meters away from the quay, the sails are slowly hoisted under the starry night sky.

First softly, then with increasing power, the film score "Conquest of Paradise" by Vangelis begins to play – a goosebump-inducing moment on the open sea. The historical film "1492 – Conquest of Paradise" depicts Christopher Columbus's discovery and conquest of America. The departure of such a spectacular sailing ship could not be more fitting.

Royal Clipper: Sailing adventures in the Mediterranean

Sailor Oscar at the sewing machine on the deck of the sailing ship. With 42 sails, repairs are needed almost daily. Photo: © DHB

With its five masts, the Royal Clipper is reminiscent of the great windjammers of the early 20th century. Now she sets sail. The route between Corsica and Sardinia promises to be an experience filled with wonderful discoveries . The Royal Clipper entered service in 2000. Swedish shipowner Mikael Krafft modeled her after the " Preußen ." However, the new design was intended to offer passengers more luxury in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Credit where credit is due: Queen Silvia of Sweden christened the ship, with its approximately 5.200 square meters of sail area, in Monaco. Since then, the Royal Clipper has been in service almost year-round in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and on transatlantic routes . Around 100 crew members attend to the well-being of the guests. The sailors are equally dedicated to maintaining the ship and its rigging. It takes 20 men alone to set the 42 sails.

You might also be interested in:

Panorama - Travel

Mekong River cruise: Explore the natural paradise of Laos

Panorama - Travel

Nantes: Artists as an economic factor

Panorama

A new world in the zoo of superlatives

Insights into seafaring with the Royal Clipper

Captain Brunon Borowka has been at the helm of the sailing ship since 1995. For him, the entire Royal Clipper is a top-notch place. Photo: © DHB

Whether mending a torn sail, carrying out maintenance and repairs, or conducting their rounds, the sailors move among the guests on deck as naturally as the captain. They are happy to share insights into their work. Captain Brunon Borowka admits with a smile that there are genuine sailing experts on board every voyage. One of their most frequent questions is whether the ship actually sails or if setting the sails is more for show. But Borowka takes it in stride: "Ultimately, it's the enthusiasm for the ship – and that's precisely what a voyage on the Royal Clipper is all about."

Spending time on the ship's deck offers a daily dose of fascination with its equipment and technology. Photo: © DHB

In 1995, Brunon Borowka sailed for the first time on a Star Clippers ship. The captain and crew spend an average of three to four months at a time on board. When asked where the best place on the ship is, Brunon Borowka promptly replies: "The whole ship is a 'best place'." Star Clippers allows guests, after a briefing, to access the net of the bowsprit and climb safely up to the "crow's nest." At a height of approximately 20 meters, guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and the sails after this briefing and while wearing a safety harness.

One of the most beautiful moments of the day is sunset . When the Royal Clipper sails towards the setting sun under full sail, one can imagine the sight that early seafarers once witnessed. The difference: Today's passengers on the Royal Clipper sail relaxed towards the setting sun with an aperitif in hand , fully enjoying the advantages of modern sailing.

Routes, dates and technical dataRoute "Corsica & French Riviera"
The route led from Nice to Portofino in Italy. The next stops were Propriano, Corsica; Alghero in Sardinia; Calvi, Corsica; Cannes; and Saint-Tropez in France. The trip ended back in Nice after eight days.

Appointment
The Royal Clipper cruise is also on the schedule for 2027:
"Royal Clipper" Corsica and French Riviera, April 24 to May 1, 2027
From/to Nice with Portofino – Propriano/Corsica – Alghero/Sardinia – Calvi/Corsica – Sanary-sur-Mer and Saint-Tropez. 
Ab 2.945 euros per person based on double occupancyPrices as of August 2026. Prices are subject to change.
Toll-free telephone number: (00800) 782 72 547 (Mon.–Fri. from 09.00 to 18.00)
Email: info@star-clippers.de
Website: star-clippers.de

Space wonder Royal Clipper
From the outside, the Royal Clipper resembles a historic windjammer. Inside, the sailing ship surprises with comfortably furnished cabins, a light-filled, three-story atrium, and a two-level restaurant. Outside and inside cabins, deluxe suites, and a spacious owner's suite are available. Depending on the category, the cabins feature either a whirlpool bathtub or a private balcony.

A unique feature is the Captain Nemo Lounge with underwater windows. During a spa treatment or workout, guests can glimpse the underwater world through the portholes.

Participation is encouraged on the Royal Clipper. Besides a safe climb into the rigging, guests can learn how to tie nautical knots, discover interesting facts about navigation, or launch from the marina platform at the stern for various water sports activities. The facilities and activities on the Star Clippers sailing ships depend on the specific vessel, as well as the weather and route.

Technical information
Length: 134 meters
Width: 16 meters
Draft: approx. 5,6–6 meters
Masts: five, up to 54 meters high; the tallest mast has a foldable tip approximately six meters long.
Sails: 42
Sail area: approximately 5.200 m² 
Engine power: 2 × 2.500 hp diesel
Cruising speed: approximately 12,5 knots 
Sailing speed: up to 18 knots
Passengers: up to 227
Crew: 106

This media trip was supported by the shipping company Star Clippers and the tour operator Star Clippers Cruises.

DHB now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!