Sail to the Most Relevant Climate Conference in Years…
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Embark
Disembark
Vessel
Duration
Voyage No
Mon 15-09-2025, 17:00Amsterdam
Fri 07-11-2025, 10:00Belém, Brazil
Twister
53 Nights
TW150925COP
In September 2025, the two-masted sailing ship Twister will set sail from Europe to Belém, Brazil. Belém will host the COP30 climate conference from the 10th to the 21st November.
This trip is for adventurers who are eager to visit COP30, but it’s not just about the destination. This trip is also about sustainable and conscious travel. On board, you will have time to prepare for COP30, but also to get to know the rhythm of life at sea well, learn how to navigate and cooperate with your fellow travellers and, of course, experience the magic of the Atlantic Ocean!
Various European pick-up points are available, and accommodation on board ship for the duration of the conference can also be added on.
You can join this voyage from Amsterdam (NL), Fowey (UK), A Coruna (ES) or Lisbon (PT).
When joining the ship you’ll receive a full safety induction and familiarisation from the crew, and very soon you’ll have gotten to know everyone and be feeling a real part of the team.
Once out at sea, the ship will start to come to life and find her rhythm. You can help the crew sail and navigate. While not compulsory, getting stuck in with the practicalities of sailing Twister is how you’ll get the most out of your voyage. The crew will gladly show you the ropes, explain the ins and outs of the ship’s workings, teach you to steer the ship or climb up the bowsprit netting if conditions allow.
Everyone is assigned a navigational watch, and you will learn the joys of watching a sunrise at sea, and experiencing clear night skies full of more stars than you can ever see from land.
Along the Way
First landfall after departing Lisbon will likely be Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Take the opportunity to explore this volcanic island’s stunning bays, dramatic landscapes, and lush inland jungle. The waters surrounding Tenerife are home to various species of whales and dolphins, providing a chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close. The lively nightlife in the towns ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the stopover.
Continuing the voyage, brisk trade winds propel Twister towards the Cape Verde Island of Sao Vicente, and the vibrant capital, Mindelo. After days at sea, the bustle and cultural richness of city life are a welcome change. Alternatively, guests can embark on a ferry to the pristine paradise of Santo Antao, a hidden gem free from large-scale tourism. Make the most of a good leg stretch before your Atlantic crossing.
Days sailing out of sight of land offer time for lively conversations, reading, or simply relishing the surge of the waves as Twister makes steady progress towards South America. Swimming in the deep ocean, with miles of water beneath and no land in sight, is a truly unforgettable experience. There’ll also be plenty to help out with on deck, constantly checking the sail trim to ensure Twister is making the most of the wind available.
Arriving in Bélem
On arrival in Brazil, Twister will anchor on the river in Belém. You can choose to part company with Twister on arrival, or the ship can be your base camp during COP30, with the crew bringing you back and forth between the shore and the ship by dinghy.
Depending on your joining port you may have some changeable Autumnal conditions for the European coastal legs of this voyage. Once en route South towards the Canaries, the trade winds usually cooperate, but this is a serious ocean voyage, and you should be prepared for the possibility of potentially rough conditions. Swells can be big even when the winds are fair, and your sea-legs will be sure to get a work out!
A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at short notice.
HANDS ON HOLIDAYS
Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.
SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD
We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.
Start & End Port
Amsterdam
The exact location may not be known until closer to the time, make sure you have a note of the ship’s phone number found in your confirmation in case of any problems on the day. The map below shows the likely joining place.
Belém, Brazil
Just south of the Amazon river, Brazil’s Belém is the host city for the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30)
Kit List
What to pack for a sailing adventure aboard Twister
What is Included:
All meals and soft drinks aboard
All safety equipment, including lifejackets and harnesses.
Alcohol- drinks are available to purchase on board- consumption is always at the discretion of the Skipper, and is never permitted whilst the ship is underway.
Waterproofs - sets are available to hire: make sure to discuss this with the ship's team before you arrive.
What to Bring
YOUR PASSPORT! Along with any other required travel documentation. Please read the joining instructions you receive from the Ship carefully to ensure you have everything you need.
Please, no valuable jewellery or other valuables, unless you have got specific travel insurance to cover it.
Waterproofs - see above.
Hats for sun and cold weather.
At least two sets of warm clothes - layers e.g. tracksuit bottoms, shirts, fleece jacket, wool jumpers, thick socks, and neck scarf. It can get cold at sea even in mid summer.
Swim suit and suntan lotion.
Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies are also helpful.
All terrain type Sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read, a musical instrument, pack of cards, magic tricks...
Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets or pressure-point wrist bands (talk to your pharmacist)
Your own logbook if you'd like to keep track of your sea miles.
Tech chargers (along with adaptors for European sockets) and waterproof cases for any electronics. A rechargeable battery pack for your phone / camera can be really helpful.
N.B. BOATS HAVE LIMITED STORAGE SPACE SO PLEASE PACK AS LIGHTLY AS POSSIBLE. Don't use a rigid suitcase or a bag with a rigid frame. Soft bags are much easier to fold up and stow.
