Tall Ship Crossing: France to the Netherlands

A Classic Passage Aboard a Traditional Tall Ship

Camaret-sur-Mer, Brittany → English Channel → Hellevoetsluis, Netherlands

This Oosterschelde passage crossing begins in Camaret-sur-Mer, a small harbour town on the western edge of Brittany, setting off from beneath the Vauban Tower at the entrance to the bay. The area’s coastline is defined by cliffs, headlands and sheltered coves, and the major port of Brest lies just beyond.

Sailing out of Brittany, Oosterschelde sets course along the Breton coast before heading into the English Channel – one of the world’s busiest waterways, shared with ferries, fishing boats and commercial traffic. The channel requires attention on deck, and the crew will guide you through it every step of the way.

The English Channel to Dutch Waters

As this is a true passage crossing, much of the time will be spent at sea, settling into the steady rhythm of longer sailing days and overnight miles. The focus is on covering distance under sail as the ship moves north along the Atlantic coast and through the Channel. Time is measured by watches, changing light and the progress of the ship rather than fixed daily stops. While there may be occasional opportunities to go ashore if conditions allow, the essence of this voyage lies in continuous sailing and the sense of travelling from one coastline to another under wind and tide.

As we approach the Netherlands, the coastline flattens and the waterways become more sheltered. Sailing through the Slijkat channel to the lock at Stellendam, the last afternoon is spent on the Haringvliet river before mooring in the historic fortified harbour of Hellevoetsluis – where calm waters and old stone walls provide a quiet and fitting place to step ashore after the voyage.

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 sailed all over the world and remains one of the finest ways to experience true tall ship sailing. 

Sailing aboard Oosterschelde is a genuinely hands-on experience. As a traditional tall ship, she relies on teamwork and physical sail handling rather than modern automation, and guests quickly become part of that process. You’ll have the chance to help hoist and trim the sails, handle lines, take a turn on the helm and work together with the crew as the ship moves under wind power alone.

• 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.

You can also read more information on our Insurance guidelines page. Additional information about one of our trusted insurance providers for UK residents is attached to this email.