The Story of Star Clippers: Reviving the Art of Sailing in the Age of Technology
Roots in Classic Seafaring
Star Clippers was founded in 1989 by Swedish entrepreneur and visionary Mikael Krafft — a man raised on legends of the golden age of sailing ships. His passion for maritime history and desire to bring the spirit of authentic seafaring into the modern era became the foundation of the company.
At the heart of Star Clippers lies the idea of reviving 19th-century clippers — not merely as museum relics, but as active participants in the cruise market, truly sailing under wind power.
The Idea and Its Realization
In 1987, during a transatlantic journey on his private yacht Gloria, Krafft first envisioned creating passenger ships that could sail under wind in the 21st century. He studied antique blueprints, naval architecture, and 19th-century shipbuilding traditions to recreate the grand aesthetic of the clipper era.
It was an ambitious idea that challenged an industry increasingly focused on massive mega-liners. The goal was not to build a giant, but a masterpiece — romantic, eco-friendly, and functional all at once.
The First Ships of the New Century
• Star Flyer (1991) — the company’s first four-masted barquentine, launched in Belgium. It became the first vessel since 1911 to be certified as a "Sailing Passenger Vessel" by Lloyd’s Register.
• Star Clipper (1992) — a sister ship to Star Flyer, designed for 170 passengers. Together, they pioneered a new category of cruising — genuine sailing voyages with luxurious service.
The Flagship Under Sail: Royal Clipper (2000)
In 2000, Royal Clipper was launched — the world’s largest five-masted full-rigged sailing ship, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Its design was inspired by the legendary German clipper Preussen (1902), and it became a true icon of sailing cruise artistry.
The vessel accommodates up to 227 guests, is served by 106 crew members, and offers a unique blend of classical elegance, spaciousness, and comfort — a true "palace under sail."
Future Plans and Challenges: Flying Clipper (2015–2020)
In 2015, Star Clippers announced the construction of a fourth ship — Flying Clipper — a reconstruction of the historic sailing vessel France II. The new ship was intended to become the world’s largest sailing vessel, with over 6,000 m² of sail area and a capacity of up to 300 passengers.
However, legal disputes with the Croatian shipyard Brodosplit hindered the project’s completion. The vessel was renamed Golden Horizon and eventually became part of another cruise company.
Mission and Philosophy
Star Clippers’ mission is to offer travelers an experience that goes beyond a conventional cruise. This is a living journey through time, where maritime romance, historical authenticity, and environmental consciousness merge with comfort and personalized service.
The company creates the atmosphere of a private yacht, where every guest feels not just like a passenger, but part of a living legend. Star Clippers is a choice for those seeking true experiences, not mass tourism.
Heritage and Values
The company’s founder, Mikael Krafft, dreamed of reviving the spirit of classic tall ships — with their elegance, romance, and sense of freedom.
Core principles of the company:
• Authenticity — fidelity to the classic form of the sailing ship and respect for maritime heritage;
• Intimacy — a limited number of guests ensures a private atmosphere;
• Elegant informality — freedom of style with no formalities or dress codes;
• Natural harmony — sailing under wind power as a responsible way to travel;
• Service with heart — warm, friendly staff who know guests by name.
The legacy of Star Clippers is a journey where the past meets the present, and every voyage is part of a greater maritime story.