Oosterschelde – Azores to Rotterdam

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Oosterschelde

Guest berths: 24 Rig: Topsail Schooner

Oosterschelde is one of the largest and oldest Dutch tall ships to still be sailing today and is now registered as a Dutch Monument in the Netherlands.

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

With three masts, a topsail schooner rig and measuring over 50m in length, Oosterschelde is the largest boat in our fleet to date. 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.

Below decks, her communal areas are spacious, with a generous saloon, bar, library and even piano to entertain. 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 6 two-berth and 3 four-berth cabins all with washbasins and communally sharing 5 separate bathrooms.

Sailing this beautiful ship is an experience you’ll never forget. The professional crew welcome all ages and abilities and find that most guests love to get actively involved with the authentic experience of sailing a tall ship.

Oosterschelde 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.

Deck plan

More about Oosterschelde

Sailing with Oosterschelde is a trip of a lifetime and you don’t need any experience to join – just a lust for adventure! The crew are on hand to show you the ropes and they actively encourage gusts to get involved. This voyage is perfect for this looking for that next adventure and wanting to immerse themselves in the sailing of a traditional tall ship. Become part of the crew as you learn the rhythms of open water sailing, taking the helm and setting the sails. Enjoy private cabins and an onboard chef to cook up hearty home-cooked meals after a day in the salty air. This voyage may also involve a fair and relaxed watch system to include overnight sailing under the stars.

She sleeps 24 guests in a combination of private twin and four berth cabins. The communal areas are furnished comfortably with under-floor heating, a wood-burning stove, library and even a piano. An on board chef ensures all meals are freshly prepared aboard making use of local produce wherever possible.

Read more about life on board here.

Your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks. Soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased from the onboard bar. Any food purchased ashore is at your own cost. (The currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo or CV ESC which can only be obtained in the islands. You can take Sterling or Euros to exchange, some islands accept Euro’s as currency as well as Escudo’s.)

All towels and bedding are included in the price although Oosterschelde does ask guests to bring an extra swimming towel. 

What’s included

• All inclusive meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Use of onboard piano and library

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Waterproofs
• Towels
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

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.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for Vegetarians only.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  Dutch & English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  6x twin cabins and 3x four-berth cabins

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  5

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes, please bring european adaptors

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Horta, Azores

To: Rotterdam, Netherlands

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.