SailTies vetted operator
Seb and his Swan 51, Eira, have been part of the charter racing scene since 2009. On board you’ll find the right balance of competitive racing and a friendly, welcoming crew. Between regattas, Eira runs some excellent sailing itineraries as she moves between race venues.
12 trips to choose from, with berths from £1,275.
Spain & St. Lucia · Europe
Next: 29 November - 18 December 2026
1 date in November
£6,110
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Where you'll sail
See where each trip goes and when it next sails, then pick the one that fits your dates.
We are proud to present yet another Atlantic Rally for Cruiser project on board Eira. Places are few, to ensure your ticket, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Celebrate Christmas in the Caribbean aboard Swan 51 Eira. Join us for a week of sailing, swimming and island life, with warm waters, good company and time to unwind.
Ten days. Five islands. One exceptional yacht. From Rodney Bay to the Tobago Cays and back under the stars—this is Caribbean sailing as it was meant to be experienced.
Windward–Leeward Cruise – St Lucia to Antigua There are few better ways to experience the Caribbean than sailing north through the islands with the trade winds behind you.
we once again line up for one of offshore racing’s true classics: the RORC Caribbean 600. Over the past decade this race has earned its place alongside the likes of the Fastnet…
Step into one of the world’s most iconic sailing events: the Heineken Regatta in Sint Maarten.
Caribbean Hang Out – Sint Maarten to Antigua Not every sailing trip needs a stopwatch. After the intensity of the Caribbean racing season, this is our chance to slow Eira down and…
How about some relaxed blue water racing? Antigua Sailing Week makes a return to its traditional point-to-point courses, as each day’s sailing will conclude at a different scenic…
Sint Maarten via Horta, Azores to Brest, France This is the trip of your life. The southern trade wind routes have very little to do with the northern route back to Europe and you…
Can you imagine a place with hundreds if not thousands of islands? A place still unspoilt and unexploited by tourism? A place with a fantastic and completely unique nature?
In the summer 2027 we offer four trips. You can join us for a week or take a few in a row it you want a longer experience.
Take part in one of the world’s most famous offshore races aboard Swan 51 “Eira”. The Rolex Fastnet Race is a true classic and one of the highlights of the international sailing…
About the operator
Southern Ocean Company
Southern Ocean Company has been taking people sailing, racing and across oceans since 2009. Our idea has always been simple: offer genuine sailing experiences on proper yachts, with small crews, active participation and the freedom to enjoy sailing for what it really is.
We are not a conventional charter company or sailing school. Our programme ranges from offshore races and international regattas to ocean crossings and relaxed cruising in some of Europe's most beautiful sailing areas. Depending on the adventure, we sail aboard our Swan 51 Eira or our Bavaria 50, choosing the yacht that best suits the character of the trip.
Your home at sea
Where you'll sleep, eat and learn the ropes. Which one you sail on depends on the dates you pick.
Swan 51
Southern Ocean Company was founded in the first years of the new century but basically restarted in 2009 when shares got redivided among a new set of owners. The mission was to purchase a yacht capable of doing long transatlantic voyages, housing large crews and put it out “on the trade". After considering a number of options the decision fell in favour of a proven design, the Swan 51, and the optimal version, the alternative one layout with its additional crew space. The search started immediately. After viewing several potential boats one stuck out, the hull 009 for sale in Sweden. She had previously done several seasons in the Caribbean and was already equipped for long hauls. Her general condition was also good, or as the surveyor from Nautor loosely put it – “she’s pretty much the same boat that rolled out of the factory in 1981”. Southern Ocean Company and Swan 51 “Eira" Southern Ocean Company was founded in the first years of the new century but basically restarted in 2009 when shares got redivided among a new set of owners. The mission was to purchase a yacht capable of doing long transatlantic voyages, housing large crews and put it out “on the trade". After considering a number of options the decision fell in favour of a proven design, the Swan 51, and the optimal version, the alternative one layout with its additional crew space. The search started immediately. After viewing several potential boats one stuck out, the hull 009 for sale in Sweden. She had previously done several seasons in the Caribbean and was already equipped for long hauls. Her general condition was also good, or as the surveyor from Nautor loosely put it – “she’s pretty much the same boat that rolled out of the factory in 1981”. In 2010 she was delivered to, what was to become her new homeport, the island of Blekholmen in the middle of Helsinki. She also got a new name “Eira”. The name relates to the goddess of healing in the Nordic mythology. Later someone told us that it meant snow in Welsh, both very suiting names for this boat. The following years she did extensive cruising, sail training and racing around the North Atlantic Basin, Mediterranean, Caribbean and North European waters. She logged an impressive 50 000 NM in just three and a half years, being in constant use with only brief stops for necessary overhauls and upgrades. When she finally came back in 2014 she had proven the reputation of the 51:ones as durable workhorses for blue water purposes. It is impressive how many of this particular design is out there in most demanding conditions taking out sail trainees, racing crews and guests ranging from complete beginners to more seasoned yachties. Today her main operating area is the Northern Baltic but she’ll still do the occasional longer cruise, as one planned to the Caribbean in the winter 2023-2024. The preparations are already in full swing with a sailing itinerary shaping up for the ARC, lots of European cruising, Caribbean racing venues as well as good old laid back holiday sailing for individuals.
Layout
Bavaria Cruiser 50
Bavaria 50 Cruiser 5 cabin version. She takes up to 10 guests.
Layout
Meet the crew
The people behind Southern Ocean Company, with every mile they've logged on SailTies to back them up.
@sebastian_gylling_652
Founder · Finland
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Yes, and most people do. Trips are sold by the berth, so you join a crew rather than needing to bring one. Cabins are shared with someone of the same sex unless you book a whole cabin.
It depends on the trip, and every listing says which level it is written for. Beginner trips assume you have never sailed; advanced trips assume you can stand a night watch without supervision.
The berth, the skipper and crew, and the running of the boat. Flights, insurance and most meals ashore are not. Every trip page lists what is and is not included before you pay.
The operator's cancellation terms are published on the trip page before you pay a deposit, so you can read them before you commit. They vary by operator and by how close to departure you cancel.
The skipper decides the route, and changing it is normal seamanship rather than a problem. Trips are very rarely cancelled outright; when they are, the operator's terms say what happens.
Independent charter businesses and skippers we either know personally or have been recommended by past customers. Their registered business details are available upon request. All trips are checked before they go live.
Pick your trip, or ask a question first. We'll get you an answer before you book.
Next: 19 - 26 December 2026
1 date in December
€1,520€1,900
20% off
Next: 15 - 24 January 2027
1 date in 2027
€1,940
Next: 31 January - 7 February 2027
1 date in 2027
€1,680
Next: 17 - 26 February 2027
1 date in 2027
£2,380
Next: 3 - 8 March 2027
1 date in 2027
£1,680
Next: 19 - 26 March 2027
1 date in 2027
€1,900
Next: 19 - 25 April 2027
1 date in 2027
£1,960
Next: 1 May - 3 June 2027
1 date in 2027
€4,350
Next: 12 - 18 July 2027
4 dates in 2027
£1,900
Next: 12 - 18 July 2027
4 dates in 2027
€2,250
Next: 22 - 29 July 2027
1 date in 2027
€3,300
Taken by the people who were there, attached to the reviews they left.
