A sailing voyage from Greece to the Algarve

In autumn 2022 Spirit of Gaia, a Wharram 63ft sailing double canoe with Hanneke as captain, departed Lefkas and started a voyage to Portugal.

This voyage took her to Sicily, through the notorious strait of Messina and to the Aeolian islands, then spending the winter in a small port close to Palermo. The voyage continued the next spring, after a haul-out and coppercoat treatment, with stops in Sardinia, Mallorca and Ibiza.

After a break in Ibiza the voyage continued, this time with an all-women crew following the south coast of Spain, through the strait of Gibraltar to her destination in the lagoon near Faro.

Spirit of Gaia has been the flagship of James Wharram Designs since her construction and launch in Cornwall in 1992. She sailed round the world and then spent many years in Greece.

After the death of James Wharram, Hanneke's partner in life and in design, Hanneke decided to return Spirit of Gaia to her open ocean habitat, and with various volunteer crews made her voyage to Portugal.

This talk is illustrated with many beautiful photos and film clips and recounts some exciting sailing as well as moments of danger when Gaia was caught in a storm at anchor and surrounded by breaking surf.

Hanneke as the co-designer, draughts person, builder and lifelong sailor of Wharram catamarans will also talk about the unique construction and design features of Spirit of Gaia. She has huge knowledge of the whole development of multihull craft and will be able to answer all your questions.

Booking information

• Advance booking for this event is not required.

If you have any questions please email events@rgs.org

This event has been organised by the South West committee.