Explore the English Channel sailing from Rotterdam to Plymouth onboard Oosterschelde
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Vessel
Duration
Voyage No
Fri 04-08-2023, 17:00Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Sat 12-08-2023, 09:00Plymouth, UK
Oosterschelde
8 Nights
OS050823
From Oosterschelde’s home port of Rotterdam sail down the English Channel, past the white cliffs of Dover and the Jurassic Coast, before arriving in the historic port of Plymouth, where the ship will soon set off for her round the world voyage! She will be at sea for the next two years, so the departure from Rotterdam will be a big event, with many goodbyes and a feeling of anticipation. You will be able to help Oosterschelde on her first leg away from home on this amazing adventure, and wish her well for the big ocean crossings to come.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Learn to sail a three masted topsail schooner
Potential for night sailing
Climb the rigging and take the helm
Experience the fascinating and busy shipping routes of the North Sea and English Channel
Opportunities for stopovers including Alderney and the coasts of the UK and Northern France
An excellent taster for beginners or experienced sailors alike. The style of leadership and sailing action on Dutch Tall Ships is very different from UK Sail Training Ships. Come and experience some dynamic sail setting, overnight watches in the busy Southern North Sea, and a ship that oozes charm and comfortable living spaces. Oosterschelde has three big gaff sails which are all involving to gybe or tack, as well as square sails. The ship already has a lot of fans around the world after two circumnavigations, so crews are multi national and the working language is English. Enjoy fascinating sailing in the North Sea and English Channel, perhaps trying her out before a longer trip to Cape Verde or an ocean crossing.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Be aboard for Oosterschelde’s farewell to Rotterdam ahead of her 2 year world voyage
Affordable way to try a tall ship
Gaff rigged & square sails
A piano and bar in huge saloon
Interesting and varied sailing
Sailing action on the bowsprit
FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage.
Lots of Sail Handling in Busy North Sea
This voyages starts in the ship’s home port of Rotterdam. The captain welcomes you on board and explains all about the ship, (safety) rules, watch system, etc. Departure from Rotterdam will be particularly poignant on this trip, as Oosterschelde waves goodbye, not to return for 2 years after completion of a world voyage. The North Sea is one of the busiest seas in the world. This makes a voyage like this very interesting. There are many ships around us and there is a lot of work to be done on deck. All guests will take part in the watch system and we ask everyone to participate in navigation, sail handling, lookout, etc. The watch on duty has to be on his or her spot to make a tack or jibe possible as a give-way manoeuvre.
Concentrating on the ships wheel.
Show off Oosterschelde – a warm welcome in Plymouth
Sail along the south coast of the UK, with its beautiful and varied landscapes, before arriving in Plymouth Sound to a warm welcome ahead of Oosterschelde’s world voyage. Plymouth Sound is a busy and striking stretch of water, where traditional sailing vessels, pleasure cruisers and Her Majesty’s Navy all jostle for position, and the city itself is steeped in history but with a modern cultural edge.
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WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
The South Coast of England can get pretty hot in August, although summer gales are also a distinct possibility. With the Atlantic squeezing itself through the gap of the English Channel the sea state can also be changeable. However there are lots of lovely ports and harbours in which to take shelter, and the Captain will plan your route to make the most of the weather at the time.
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
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.
For Pegasus, Johanna Lucretia and Moosk: Please meet at “the Hanger Car Park” in Plymouth Yacht Haven car park, Turnchapel. PL9 9XH (See below for directions – Parking in the marina is free.)
For Grayhound: voyages will start from Mayflower Marina, Richmond Walk. If it is any different you will be informed by the skipper before the day of arrival. She is often the only wooden masted ship in this harbour, so it will be easy to spot her three black masts. Address: Richmond Walk, Plymouth PL1 4LS. – see info below.
Mayflower Marina – for Grayhound
Mayflower Marina is to the west of the city centre, and has some long pontoons so is often used for our larger vessels. It is only about a 10 minute taxi from Plymouth Railway Station. There is secure parking within the marina for a daily parking fee.
MARINA ACCESS & ON SITE CAR PARKING
Vehicular access to the marina is restricted by a car park barrier, there is a card reader / intercom pedestal. If you do not have an access fob please follow the instructions on the intercom pedestal.
Car park charges are two hours free then £1 for 1 hour over the free period, £2 for 2 hours over the free period and then £5 for up to 22 hours after the free period. It is requested that the owners of parked cars leave their keys in the marina office in case the car has to be moved for operational reasons.
Plymouth Yacht Haven /Mountbatten Marina / Turnchapel – for Pegasus, Moosk and Johanna Lucretia
This marina has had several changes of name over the years so you may find skippers referring to it as Turnchapel / Mountbatten Marina – Allow at least 25 minutes to get from A38 Marsh Mills Roundabout Plymouth city centre exit road to Turnchapel by car. It does have FREE long term parking in the marina.
If you are travelling by public transport the most direct route is a 10 minute yellow ferry (foot passengers only) from the Barbican Pub straight to Mountbatten next to Plymouth Yacht Haven. A taxi ride all the way around the Plym estuary would be quite expensive. See Mountbatten Ferry website for ferry mobile phone or enquiries www.mountbattenferry.co.uk
The postcode for Sat Nav users is PL9 9XH /Google maps
Directions:
Turn left off A38 at Marsh Mills roundabout onto A374 signed Plymouth City Centre.
After 1 1/4 mile get into left hand lane and follow signs for Kingsbridge A379.
This takes you across Laira Bridge where you will see the first signs for Mount Batten and Turnchapel.
After crossing the Laira Bridge, at the first roundabout turn right.
At the next roundabout (mini) take the second exit, cross pedestrian lights, and continue straight on until traffic lights at crossroads.
Turn right and then go straight through a second set of lights.
Keep on this road (for approx 1 1/2 miles) until you come to a roundabout.
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
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 Mar 2018
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
What was the best bit?
A genuine feel for a bit of a longer ocean voyage with great people.
What was the worst bit?
Somewhat cramped cabins if sharing
Why do you sail?
Comraderie; understanding historical sailing voyages; seeing interesting parts of the world" Robbin C: Ocean Crossings
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.
