Offshore Tall Ship Sailing from Tenerife to Cape Verde

An Ocean Passage on a Classic Tall Ship

Tenerife → Atlantic Ocean → Sal, Cape Verde

This offshore tall ship sailing voyage offers you the chance to become part of the crew as you participate in the ship’s watch system, take the helm, and sail over 700 nautical miles of open Atlantic water. As the Canary Islands fade behind you, fully immerse yourself in life on the ocean with golden horizons, deep blue water, and the vast, humbling openness of the sea.

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, about 600 kilometres off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is home to ten islands from steep terraced fields growing bananas and coffee to sandy deserts, black volcanoes and a deep blue ocean. The sailing waters are a haven for wildlife, with flying fish, tuna, sea turtles and humpback whales all regular companions on passage.

Getting Involved with Tall Ship Life

The professional crew will teach you everything you need to know. Get involved with hoisting sails, taking the helm and all aspects of handling a tall ship. Oosterschelde sails continuously on this crossing with a watch system throughout, where everyone is welcome to join, though it’s never mandatory as the ship is fully crewed. Watch duties are worked out once everyone is aboard, taking guest abilities into account.

From plotting the route on the chart to celestial navigation skills, hoisting and trimming sails, rope work and repairs – there is always something to do on watch. The rest of the time is yours: lose yourself in the inky black of the night sky, read a book or three, or play cards with fellow crew. Far from land and any man-made light pollution, the stars out here are something else entirely.

Weather on an Atlantic Crossing

Part of the beauty of an ocean-going adventure is experiencing all the elements. Wind, rain and sun. Whatever comes your way, the crew will use weather radar technology to plan the route as safely as possible, covering the most miles in the best conditions. Expect strong winds and big waves, perfect sailing to glassy seas with not a breath of wind, and everything in between.

This voyage is only suitable for an experienced and fit sea traveller. The weather could be challenging, and during a crossing, there are few, if any, options to divert to a harbour. We sail out of reach of helicopters, and medical care from shore is usually not available. This requires more of your physical ability than a daily walk. Some voyages are more challenging than others – if you are unsure whether this voyage is suitable for you, please contact us.”

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 – and a registered Dutch National Monument. 

• Sleeping: Six twin-berth and three four-berth private cabins, sleeping 24 guests
• Bathrooms: Five shared bathrooms; all cabins fitted with washbasins and hot and cold water
• 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.