About Our Maritime Journey
Three decades of authentic seafaring adventures
Three decades of authentic seafaring adventures
Ocean Odyssey began in 1985 when Captain James Hartford, after 25 years commanding merchant vessels, purchased and restored the 'Northern Star' – a neglected but once-proud 1920s schooner. His vision was simple yet profound: to create experiences that honored the age of sail while offering modern travelers a genuine connection to maritime traditions rapidly being lost in an era of engine-powered vessels.
Those early years were characterized by passion, perseverance, and no small amount of mechanical ingenuity. With a skeleton crew of four dedicated sailors, Captain Hartford offered weekend excursions along the New England coast. Word spread about the authenticity of these voyages – no engines unless absolutely necessary, navigation by sextant when possible, and hands-on participation in all aspects of sailing.
By 1990, Ocean Odyssey had expanded to three vessels and began offering longer voyages to the Caribbean. The 1990s saw steady growth as more travelers sought authentic experiences that connected them with maritime history and traditional seafaring skills. Our fleet grew both in number and diversity, with each vessel carefully selected and restored to maintain its historical character while meeting modern safety standards.
The new millennium brought international expansion, with Mediterranean routes added in 2002, followed by our Northern Lights expeditions in 2008. Today, with twelve vessels ranging from intimate yachts to magnificent tall ships, Ocean Odyssey remains true to Captain Hartford's original vision: authentic sailing experiences that honor maritime traditions while creating unforgettable adventures for modern voyagers.
To preserve maritime traditions by creating authentic seafaring experiences that connect people to the ocean, build community through shared adventure, and inspire respect for marine ecosystems through direct engagement with the natural world.
We're committed to genuine sailing experiences that reflect centuries of maritime tradition. When possible, we sail without engines, navigate by the stars, and maintain the integrity of traditional sailing techniques. Our commitment to authenticity extends to our vessels, which are meticulously restored and maintained to preserve their historical character.
The shared experience of sailing creates unique bonds between strangers. We foster a collaborative environment where everyone participates according to their ability, transcending differences through communal effort and shared purpose. Our vessels become floating communities where lasting friendships are formed through mutual support and shared challenges.
We believe that direct experience with ocean ecosystems creates passionate advocates for marine conservation. Our voyages include educational components about ocean health, and we implement sustainable practices in all aspects of our operations. We actively partner with marine conservation organizations to support research and preservation efforts.
The passionate mariners behind Ocean Odyssey
Taking the helm after Captain Hartford's retirement in 2010, Eleanor has masterfully guided Ocean Odyssey into its fourth decade. With degrees in Maritime History and Business Administration, plus 15 years as a tall ship captain, she combines practical seafaring knowledge with strategic vision. Eleanor personally tests new routes before adding them to our offerings.
A former naval architect who found his true calling in traditional sailing, Marcus oversees the maintenance, restoration, and safety of our entire fleet. His passionate attention to detail ensures each vessel maintains its historical integrity while meeting the highest safety standards. Marcus leads our apprenticeship program, passing traditional shipbuilding skills to the next generation.
With a PhD in Marine Biology and five years with Scripps Oceanographic Institute, Sophia develops our educational programs and trains voyage naturalists. Her passion for ocean conservation is contagious, and her ability to make complex ecological concepts accessible has transformed our voyages into floating classrooms. Sophia oversees our partnership with marine research organizations.
With over four decades at sea and experience on every type of sailing vessel imaginable, Thabo is the guardian of traditional sailing knowledge at Ocean Odyssey. His patient teaching style and encyclopedic knowledge of sailing techniques make him beloved by novices and experienced sailors alike. Thabo has circumnavigated the globe three times and trains all our voyage instructors.
Key achievements from three decades of ocean adventures
Nautical miles sailed by our fleet since 1985
Passengers who have experienced authentic sailing with us
Historic vessels restored and maintained in our current fleet
Ports of call across 15 countries in our current routes
From the World Maritime Heritage Society for our vessel restoration program
Awarded annually since 2015 for our environmental practices
Direct funding to marine research and preservation projects
Training 75+ apprentices in traditional shipbuilding and sailing techniques
Experiences shared by our maritime adventurers
"As a corporate executive used to digital immersion, the Northern Lights Expedition provided exactly what my soul needed. Disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with natural rhythms changed my perspective profoundly. Learning to raise sails alongside strangers who quickly became friends, watching the aurora dance across Arctic skies, and experiencing the focused mindfulness that comes from navigating by stars – these memories have become touchstones I return to during stressful workdays."
Olivia Tanaka, Tokyo
Northern Lights Expedition, 2022
"As someone who grew up sailing modern fiberglass boats with GPS navigation, the Mediterranean Explorer voyage was a revelation. Working with wooden blocks and tackles, feeling the direct connection between sail and wind without hydraulic systems mediating the experience – it stripped sailing back to its essence. Captain Eleanor's knowledge of maritime history transformed each port visit into a journey through time. I've since sold my modern yacht and am restoring a traditional wooden ketch!"
Gabriel Martinez, Barcelona
Mediterranean Explorer, 2021
"Our Caribbean Island Odyssey was meant to be a family vacation, but it became so much more. Watching our teenagers disconnect from screens and engage with sailing challenges was transformative. They learned resilience when we encountered rough seas, teamwork while handling sails, and gained confidence that comes from mastering new skills. The educational aspects – from marine biology to navigation – gave context to their school learning. Three years later, our daughter is now studying marine engineering, directly inspired by this voyage."
The Wilson Family, Toronto
Caribbean Island Odyssey, 2019
Glimpses from our maritime adventures across the decades
Join us for an authentic maritime adventure that connects you to centuries of seafaring tradition. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of open-ocean sailing, the cultural richness of Mediterranean ports, or the majesty of the Northern Lights, we have a voyage that will transform your relationship with the sea and perhaps even yourself.
