Bay of Biscay Sailing: Azores to France
Sail the open Atlantic from the Azores to France with island exploration, ocean passages and the infamous Bay of Biscay.
Sail the open Atlantic on a Bay of Biscay adventure aboard tall ship Oosterschelde, from the wild, green islands of the Azores to the historic harbour of La Rochelle on the French Atlantic coast. Begin among volcanic peaks and quiet island harbours before setting course northeast across the open ocean as you join the watch system, take the helm and find your sea legs on a true offshore passage.
This voyage is perfect for those seeking a genuine mix of island exploration, open water tall ship sailing and an authentic hands-on experience.
- Island hopping through the Azores
- Hands-on tall ship sailing
- Cross the infamous Bay of Biscay
- Private cabins, full board included
- Some sailing experience is recommended
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
From the Azores to France on a Classic Tall Ship
Horta, Faial → Pico → Terceira → Bay of Biscay → La Rochelle, France
Your Bay of Biscay sailing adventure begins in Horta, on the island of Faial, its harbour walls lined with the paintings of renowned ocean voyagers who have passed through over the decades. Oosterschelde lies moored just a short distance away, and the crew is ready to welcome you aboard.
From Horta, sail first to Pico, dominated by its impressive volcanic peak, and on to Terceira. These first days offer a rhythm of sailing and time ashore exploring green hills, steep cliffs and small harbours.
Life on the Open Ocean
After leaving the Azores behind, we set course northeast. Life aboard quickly finds its rhythm as you help with sails, take the helm and stand watch with the crew. Nights at sea reveal a vast, star-filled sky, far from any light pollution.
After about a week at sea, we reach the Bay of Biscay, which is one of the North Atlantic’s most storied stretches of water, known for its unpredictable and often lively conditions. By this point, the crew is well attuned to the sea’s dynamics, and teamwork and attention on deck make all the difference. Take the helm on open ocean passages
- Join the watch system at your own pace
- Stargaze far from any light pollution
- Learn to hoist, trim and handle sails
- Experience the Bay of Biscay first-hand
Arriving in La Rochelle
Eventually, the towers of La Rochelle appear on the horizon. A harbour welcoming ships for centuries, and one of the most beautiful ports on the French Atlantic coast – it is a fitting end to an ocean passage.
Whether you spend your final hours exploring the old town, raising a glass at a quayside café or simply sitting on deck watching the world go by, La Rochelle brings the voyage to a close in style.
Tall Ship Oosterschelde
With three masts, a topsail schooner rig and over 50 metres in length, Oosterschelde is one of the largest Dutch tall ships still actively sailing today. Built in Rotterdam in 1917, she has since sailed all over the world, from European tall ship regattas to Antarctica, and shows no signs of slowing down.
- Sleeping: Six twin-berth and three four-berth private cabins, sleeping 24 guests
- Bathrooms: Five shared bathrooms; all cabins fitted with washbasins
- Saloon: Spacious communal saloon with library, bar, reading tables and piano
- Dining: Full board; freshly prepared meals by a professional chef, using local produce
- Experience: Hands-on sailing on a traditionally rigged tall ship
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore time
Night watches?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.
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.
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.
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.
Sample menu
Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
BREAKFAST (Continental)
- Yoghurt, fresh fruit, cereal, bread, cheese, meats, jam
- Eggs (cooked, baked or scrambled) or pancakes, muffins or French toast
LUNCH
- Quiche, soup, lasagna, pasta and salad, breads, cheeses, meats
DINNER
- Lasagne
- Risotto
- Asian dishes
- Baked potatoes and either fish or meat, all accompanied by vegetables and a salad
DESSERT
- Fresh fruits, mousse, ice cream, cheesecake
More holidays in Azores or France
Atlantic Sailing Mile Builder to the Azores
Eco Sailing Holiday in the Azores
Sailing around the Central Azores
Tall Ship Sailing from Spain to France
More holidays on Oosterschelde
Tall Ship Sailing & Island Hopping in Cape Verde
Tall Ship Crossing: France to the Netherlands
French Coastal Sailing: The Gulf of Morbihan
Tall Ship Sailing & Island Hopping in Cape Verde
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
