The Oosterschelde’s journey from London to Rotterdam celebrates its triumphant return after two years and 40,000 nautical miles. Starting in Maritime Greenwich, explore landmarks such as the Queen’s House, Royal Naval College, and the Royal Observatory before boarding. Sail past the Thames Barrier into the estuary’s vast mudbanks, then cross the North Sea with favourable westerly winds. As Rotterdam’s skyline comes into view, the Oosterschelde is welcomed home to its vibrant port, concluding an extraordinary voyage. This historic journey combines maritime tradition, scenic sailing, and cultural exploration.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Three nights at sea aboard the historic Oosterschelde
Board in Greenwich, rich with British maritime history
Sail past the Isle of Dogs, O2 Arena, and Thames Barrier
Experience the vast Thames Estuary and its wildlife
Enjoy a sea crossing with prevailing westerly winds
Arrive in Rotterdam, the ship’s home port, after 40,000 miles
Celebrate the ship’s global voyage in a vibrant Dutch city
Three nights at sea aboard the historic Oosterschelde. Board in Greenwich, rich with British maritime history. Sail past the Isle of Dogs, O2 Arena, and Thames Barrier. Experience the vast Thames Estuary and its wildlife. Enjoy a sea crossing with prevailing westerly winds. Arrive in Rotterdam, the ship’s home port, after 40,000 miles. Celebrate the ship’s global voyage in a vibrant Dutch city.
Sail from London to Rotterdam aboard the Oosterschelde. Explore Greenwich, enjoy a North Sea crossing, and celebrate the ship’s grand return home.
No Itinerary as such
After two years and over 40,000 nautical miles, the Oosterschelde makes its triumphant return to Rotterdam, and you’re invited to be part of this historic final leg. Starting in the heart of Maritime Greenwich, London, the voyage begins amidst the rich tapestry of British naval history. Before boarding, explore the fascinating sites of Greenwich, including the Queen’s House, the Royal Naval College, and the Royal Observatory. Witness the iconic red time ball drop at precisely 1:00 PM and stroll through Greenwich Park for stunning views of the Thames.
Embark aboard the Oosterschelde and set sail with the ebbing tide, passing iconic landmarks such as the Isle of Dogs, the O2 Arena, and the Thames Barrier. The ship’s journey down the Thames is a captivating blend of urban vistas and natural beauty. At Gravesend, the pilot departs, and the river opens into the vast Thames Estuary, with its sweeping mudbanks and rich wildlife.
The open waters of the North Sea offer the excitement of a sea crossing, where prevailing westerly winds set the stage for a smooth sail. Marvel at the interplay of wind and waves as the Oosterschelde cuts through the water, offering both relaxation and the thrill of the open sea. Approaching Rotterdam, the anticipation builds as you glimpse the familiar skyline of this vibrant port city.
Rotterdam’s bustling harbour welcomes the Oosterschelde home, marking the end of its extraordinary global voyage. Take time to explore Rotterdam’s modern architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and maritime heritage. This short but memorable voyage is not just a return to port but a celebration of a ship’s remarkable journey and the community it has inspired.
the perfect combination of great sailing and slow-time explorationOosterschelde
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
Generally in the summer the westerly depressions are not that powerful and you can have weeks of stable high pressure, light winds and and sunshine, however around the French coast the tides are swift so wind against tide can make the seas a bit bumpy. The crew have more flexibility with passage planning on this trip, compared to Oosterschelde’s other voyages, as there’s not far to go to reach St Nazaire. This means that you will sail when the sailing is good, and explore ashore in between, hopefully avoiding any poor weather and enjoying a varied and interesting holiday.
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.
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.
AGILITY & FITNESS
Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01872 58 00 22 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Skipper & professional crew
Personal Safety Equipment
Sailing Instruction
All meals, snacks and refreshments
Port and landing fees
Linen and duvets
Third Party liability insurance
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Travel to Joining Port
Travel from end port
Alcoholic Drinks
Towels
Waterproofs
Start & End Port
London
London and the Thames
Joining is often near the Waterfront Leisure Centre. Your ship will give you clear instructions.
For Joining Morgenster, use the ship’s tracker to help you meet the ship on the day: Where is Morgenster Now?
For Joining Oosterschelde, use the ship’s tracker to help you meet the ship on the day: Where is Oosterschelde Now?
For Joining Lord Nelson or Tenacious, Canary Wharf is the likely joining location. The ship’s office will contact you directly with exact joining notes once they are known.
For Trinovante
She often berths on the Downriver side of the Tower Bridge.
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Rotterdam – With Oosterschelde
There are a few places in Rotterdam where you could potentially be meeting your vessel. Make sure you have made a note of the ship’s phone number found in your final confirmation email in case of any problems on the day.
Rotterdam is easy to get by high speed train.
Kit List
What to pack for a sailing holiday on Oosterschelde
Included
Sailing Instruction
Safety Equipment (life jackets and harnesses)
All meals to including refreshments throughout the day
Duvet, pillow and sheets
Hand towels
What is not Included
Waterproof jackets and trousers
Alcoholic drinks but there is a bar on board
What to Bring
Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.
Oosterschelde does not supply waterproof jackets and salopette type trousers. Please bring your own waterproof clothing.
A mix of warm and wind proof clothing.
Lots of thin layers is better than one thick layer in cold destinations.
In tropical countries - long sleeves and long trousers to protect you from the sun
Footwear on board needs a good grip and soft soles- the decks are wood or steel.
Ashore stout, waterproof walking boots are best if you are in remote places.
Oosterschelde has European 2 pin sockets 240 V
Cameras, chargers and video recorders
Binoculars are handy for bird watching etc.
Suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses
Dont forget any regular medication, persciption glasses and spare
Euros for bar bill
Passport, travel insurance, tickets etc
To get ashore is usually by dinghy so be prepared to get wet feet. Rubber boots or quick drying sandals - depending on the location.
Review
Hobart to Christchurch New Zealand
Oosterschelde OS121224 Voyage Feedback
Hi Adam
On the plus, the crew including Captain and cook were excellent. I saw orca whales, dolphins and various birds. Grant, the ornithologist researcher gave a couple of talks which I thoroughly enjoyed. There was a Christmas meal onboard (see photo below) which was nice. There was a mix of weather from strong winds and rain to days when the wind was absent so the ship had to motor.
As a relative novice sailor compared to the more experienced sailors, I found one or two days when the night watches coincided with these rough conditions challenging to maintain a footing.
I found the break when the ship docked for 2 days at Bluff a welcome relief from sailing and a chance to explore ashore at Invercargill.
I am glad I went on the voyage as I knew it would be a challenge. This would suit the more experienced sailor. However I would still give it 5 out of 5 even though I was not completely suited to it.
Frank
Great trip on a wonderful ship. Crew were very friendly, helpful and professional. The passengers were also very friendly and a real mix of interesting people. I had a great first time on a big sailing ship.
At the Helm
Steve H - July 2023
Cape Verde & Caribbean Crew
Together with my husband Bert we were on the trip around the Cape Verde on the Oosterschelde and had a great time. The crew was fantastic and very friendly. They showed us what has to be done to sail a beautiful ship like this. Made some new friends among the passengers and it was a trip I will not forget for a long while. And who knows when we will meet again. Thanks" Jenny H E. from NL
I've just completed my fourth voyage in four years and it was like a big family holiday! Familiar faces welcomed us aboard, we met up with guests and friends from previous voyages and the islands that we visited in the French West Indies were beautiful. The best part of the voyage was our last sailing day when the "lunatics took over the asylum". Maarten let the guest crew sail the Oosterschelde from St Lucia to Martinique (while keeping an eye on us to make sure that neither we or the ship were in danger) It was hard work but safe to say that I learned a lot more on that day, having to think about what I was doing, rather than just being told what to do. We are just about to book our next voyage" Richard D. British Columbia
What was the best bit? Variety of sailing and the islands visited.
What was the worst bit? One rough passage.
Why do you sail? We enjoy the technicalities of sailing a large vessel and the passage planning involved. We generally enjoy off-shore sailing.
Any other comments The skipper and crew were very friendly, helpful and informative. Accommodation and food was very good.- Phillip B - Cape Verde
Ocean Passages
Credit to Robbin Conner - Oosterschelde Ocean Crossing from Cape Verde to Rotterdam
Canada Tall Ships Race Participants
So happy to have sailed from Miramichi to Quebec! So good to be on this beautiful grand old lady with only nice and funny people. Miss you all! And for this moment especially Richards' breakfast. Thank you so much Jenny Edward Richard Jan-Willem Jurriaan and Maarten, and all the other guests for this wonderful and amazing time. Love and hugs xxx Ernst and Ellen V.
The dream come true! What a georgous trip I had between Québec and Halifax! A part of me will be onboard forever... Il will be back to you, most beautiful ship of the world! I will be back, Oosterschelde! What a crew! What a captain! Marteen, I could write a novel with you as the major character! You are an amazing guy, a good, a great man! Your team is fantastic! I am now back ashore but... "I must go down to sea again... "
" C'est pas l'homme qui prend la mer
C'est la mer qui prend l'homme "
Pierre-Luc. Canada
Now is the hour that I must say goodbye, soon you'll be sailing far across the sea. We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when. Maybe in the south pacific or around Cape Horn. Captain Arian, I would sail anywhere in the world with you, your crew and Oosterschelde. Warren C. New Zealand
The Word from European Voyages
Just sailed on the Oosterschelde across the North Sea to the Netherlands! Great taste of sailing would recommend to anyone who is thinking of dipping their toe in. Loved every second of it, hauling ropes out in the elements (mainly with the Sun on my back) rolling around in the middle of the North Sea on the deck of an authentic lovely Dutch schooner brilliant! A life changing experience of the open sea, next stop RYA competent crew! Many thanks to Adam and Classic Sailing for all the arrangements at such short notice and thanks too to all the crew for looking after me and feeding me so well. Be warned though life ashore afterwards can seem very hum-drum." Rex aka Steve W
I want to thank the crew for the three magnificent days passed on board, between "Golfe du Morbihan" and "Le Havre". I sailed on numerous occasions on about ten different ships, and this sailing on Oosterschelde is the best experience I ever had. I was impressed by the good performances of the ship, and by the way the crew adjusts sails permanently so that the ship always gives the best ; it was an immense pleasure to participate of my best in all these operations. I regret that our different languages did not allow us to communicate more, because all the crew members were really very nice and very thoughtful with us. I have now only an envy: to embark again on Oosterschelde, to be on the deck to participate in the laborers of sails, to climb on the mast to help the crew, and to share again these excellent moments given by sailing on Oosterschelde !!! " Excuse my bad English, Gilbert P. Vernon, France
Vessel Gallery
Three Masted Topsail Schooner Oosterschelde in action and images. Photos from Classic Sailing customers, ships crew and professional photographers. We hope it gives a flavour of her sailing, life on board, the people that come, her beautiful sailing grounds and what it is like to live below decks.
