Oosterschelde

Oosterschelde is one of the largest and oldest Dutch tall ships still sailing today and is now registered as a Dutch Monument in the Netherlands. She has sailed all over the world and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon! From European tall ship regattas to exploring Antarctica to sailing South on the Atlantic to the islands of Cape Verde, every voyage with Oosterschelde is one of wonder and discovery.

Accommodation

Number of guest berths: 24
Number of bathrooms: 5
Cabin configuration: 6x twin cabins, 3x four berth cabins
Smoking policy: On deck only

Particulars

Port of Registration: Rotterdam
Year built: 1917
Length overall: 50m/164'
Draft: 3m
Sail Area: 891 SQM
Number of Sails: 10
Rig: Topsail Schooner
Crew: 6+

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Description

With three masts, a topsail schooner rig and measuring over 50m in length, Oosterschelde is one of the largest Dutch tall ships to be still actively sailing today. Her impressive size and scale command interest wherever she goes, and guests are always proud to have had the opportunity to sail on such a historic ship.

The professional crew welcome all ages and abilities and finds that most guests love to get actively involved with the authentic experience of sailing a tall ship. From working together to hoist the sails to taking the helm, there is even a piano aboard for those musically gifted. Whether you’re a solo traveller or an adventurous couple, sailing with Oosterschelde doesn’t require any previous experience to join her voyages.

Built in Rotterdam in 1917, she started life as a cargo ship sailing the coast of Morocco and later the Baltic Sea. In the late 80s, she was brought back home to the Netherlands, where she underwent extensive maintenance to restore her to the authentic tall ship that she remains to this day.

Below decks, her communal areas are spacious, with a generous saloon, bar and library. Complete with all the mod-cons and safety equipment, she also has underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove for sailing in colder climates. Her sleeping accommodation is located toward the bows with six two-berth and three four-berth cabins, all with washbasins and sharing five separate bathrooms

Life onboard

Over the years, Oosterschelde has become a firm favourite for sea lovers. She is perfect for those seeking an active sailing holiday while exploring bucket-list destinations aboard a beautifully historic tall ship.

Getting Involved

You really don’t need any experience to sail with Oosterschelde, just a passion for adventure. The professional crew loves to share their knowledge, and they welcome as much or as little participation as guests want. They often find that most guests enjoy some level of involvement in sailing the ship, from hoisting the sails to taking the helm.

Oosterschelde guests onboard climbing rigging on deck

Sleeping Relaxation

With a hull length of over 50m, three masts and nine cabins able to sleep 24 guests, the size and scale of Oosterschelde will be one of the first things to realise as you climb aboard for the very first time. Space is plentiful, from twin- to four-berth private cabins and five bathrooms to choose from, the sleeping quarters feel more like a floating hotel than a boat. All cabins are fitted with a washbasin with hot and cold running water.

The communal areas are furnished comfortably and supplied with all modern conveniences. In the spacious and stylishly appointed saloon, there are reading tables, seating areas, a library, a fully stocked bar and even a piano. With underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove, Oosterschelde ensures her guests are always cosy and warm, even in colder climates. The saloon is also where the captain or first mate will inform you of the voyage progress and the weather report on a daily basis.

Oosterschelde guests onboard learning sailing teaching

Dining Aboard

Life on board is enhanced by the good meals prepared by our appointed professional chef. All food will be freshly prepared onboard to the highest standard. Expect continental breakfasts, freshly baked bread, and delicious lunches and dinners that make use of the local produce on offer. All dietary requirements can be catered for, and you’ll undoubtedly be well taken care of after a day of sailing.

A typical day

A typical day will vary from voyage to voyage, but generally, after breakfast, the crew will discuss the plan for the day before preparing the ship for sailing to the next destination. Time under sail will vary depending on the location. In the Cape Verde Islands, longer sailing distances may be required to reach different islands. Generally, the boat tries to stop at least every day, if not every two days, to go ashore. On her longer ocean-going voyages, there will be consecutive days at sea.

Meet the crew of OOSTERSCHELDE

The Oosterschelde tall ship’s crew work on a rotational basis year-round to ensure standards are maintained.

Oosterschelde has a large crew so that she can sail all year round. From Captains to skippers, first mates, second mates and deckhands, all the crew are professionally trained and experienced to keep you safe on your sailing holiday.

All crew members are highly experienced in ocean-going sailing and are required to hold up-to-date certificates and qualifications to sail worldwide.

Most, if not all, have spent more than one season with Oosterschelde, and they endeavour to keep the atmosphere on board light and informal at all times. They all enjoy sailing with Oosterschelde, and it’s not long before their enthusiasm and passion for tall ship sailing rubs off on the guests!

Jan-Willem

Our full-time skipper, Jan-Willem, has been working on Oosterschelde since 2015. He started as a sailor and worked his way up to become captain this summer. He lives in the Netherlands.

There are several other captains who come on board when Jan-Willem is on holiday. The other captains have all been with Oosterschelde for many years and are always excited to come back on board.

The history

Built over 100 years ago in Rotterdam, three-masted topsail schooner Oosterschelde was originally commissioned as a sail-powered freighter.

For many years, she delivered various cargoes throughout European waters and was regularly seen off the coast of Morocco and on the Mediterranean. In 1939, she was bought by Danish owners on the island of Aerø, who renamed her Fuglen II, where she remained working as a cargo ship until being sold to Swedish owners in 1954. Extensive remodelling and updating were carried out to transform her into a modern coaster, and her name changed once again to Sylvan.

1988 marked the year that Oosterschelde was finally brought home to the Netherlands. The Rotterdam Sailing Ship Foundation took charge of the fundraising needed to restore the vessel to its authentic condition, and she was finally commissioned to take guests sailing worldwide in 1992, when Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet officially put the ship into service.

Oosterschelde has since spent her years sailing guests all over the world, including visits to Japan and Antarctica, as well as 18 months circumnavigating the globe in 1998. She now varies her sailing schedule from year to year, attending tall ship regattas across Europe and exploring the Cape Verde Islands in the winter.

She is now the only remaining representative of her original fleet, making her the oldest and largest Dutch topsail schooner to be sailing today. She is registered as a monument by the Dutch Ministry of Culture.

Reviews

FAQs

Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks)
Can you cater for dietary needs?
We can cater for vegetarians and gluten free.
Are there any added extras?
There is an onboard honesty bar for alcohol.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
6x twin cabins and 3x four-berth cabins
Is there a porthole in my cabin/berth?
Yes, there are ceiling hatches in each cabin.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
Five in total, shared with all the cabins.
Are bedding and towels included?
Yes all bedding and a wash towel is included.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
Laundry can be arranged on longer crossings.
Is there heating onboard?
Yes, Oosterschelde has underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
What language is spoken onboard?
Dutch & English
Is there WIFI?
No, but you should be able to reach 4/5G from the shore when in range. Please make sure you have the appropriate international roaming options set up.
How do I charge my phone?
There are 2 pin EU sockets throughout the boat and in each cavbin so please bring adaptors.
What is the currency on board?
Euro's
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
How do I get on and off the boat?
There is a ladder in the mid-ships.
Are Waterproofs provided?
No
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a love for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
There are some Stand-up Paddle-boards and fishing gear for guests to use.
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Is there an age limit?
Please check if you are wanting to travel with children.