Good sea passage on the way to the remote Island of St Helena. Saint Helena has been described as a ‘living museum’ for its rich history. Home to hundreds of unique animals and plants, as well as Longwood House, where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled and died here. Regular flights depart Saint Helena for onward travel. A land based guided tour of the fascinating historic sites and wildlife hotspots of Saint Helena is planned for 11/05/2025 -17/05/2025. Stay on Saint Helena after this voyage leg to join this tour.
Please Note: DARWIN200 voyages have proved to be very popular – we endeavour to keep our availability up to date however voyages listed as “Limited Availability’ or ‘Last Place!’ may already by fully booked. In this case, we will offer to add you to the waiting list for your chosen leg and we will contact you should a place become available.
You can join this amazing adventure..
Become part of DARWIN200, a planetary conservation initiative that will empower the next generation’s elite environmental leaders and engage millions of students worldwide in conservation projects.
Over 2023-2025, the beautiful tall ship Oosterschelde will re-sail the route of Charles Darwin’s voyage aboard HMS Beagle.
During this global voyage, the DARWIN200 team will:
Train elite young conservationists, one from each of two hundred countries and states around the world. These ‘DARWIN LEADERS’ will become tomorrow’s top environmental leaders.
Create the World’s Most Exciting Classroom by beaming activities, research projects, experiments, lectures, essay competitions and weekly ‘nature hour’ events to schools across the globe to engage millions of students, teachers and member of the general public.
Undertake citizen science research projects by partnering with key conservation organisations to engage global audiences in tackling many of the world’s most critical environmental problems.
The dates presented in our Voyage Itinerary are our firm intention but may be subject to change.
Sailing a tall ship around the world and planning logistics multiple years in advance inevitably involved unknown variables.
Significant buffer time is built into the following itinerary, so even if delay arises during one or more voyage legs, the overall schedule should remain. However, all participants joining the DARWIN200 Global Voyage must understand the highly complex nature of organising this global adventure.
All dates will be re-confirmed during January, 2023
All participants will be kept closely informed of any date adjustments.
By taking part in the Global Voyage, you will be helping to make the DARWIN200 project a reality.
During your time aboard Oosterschelde, you will be welcome to take part in DARWIN200 research activities, and you will be invited to key DARWIN200 public events in ports. As part of your adventure on Oosterschelde, you will receive the following exclusive benefits:
1. A full colour, 300-page, hardback book with text and photos of each voyage leg as a memento of your adventure on board (printed after completion of the voyage). 2. A short video which will be filmed during each voyage leg, which you can keep as a souvenir of your adventure! 3. An invitation to the Start of Voyage Party in Plymouth on 13/08/2023. 4. An invitation to the End of Voyage Party in Falmouth on 20/07/2025. 5. An invitation to the DARWIN200 Concluding Award Ceremony in London in summer, 2025. 6. Acknowledgement and thanks by name on all DARWIN200 output films throughout the global voyage (although anonymity will be respected, if requested). 7. Free DARWIN200 Global Voyage branded T-shirt!
Arthur op Zee
Introduction
SAILING AT SEA
Sailing aboard Oosterschelde is a very special experience.
The crew will be happy to explain the function of all the ropes, halyards and sheets to you. You will be assigned watches with the crew to sail, steer and navigate the ship.
TRIPS ASHORE
While the Oosterschelde is anchored, a sloop and a dinghy are available for making trips ashore. One of the crew members will take you to shore and pick you up again safely.
EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY
Oosterschelde is equipped to sail worldwide. For this purpose the vessel holds all the safety certificates required by Dutch law (as the vessel is registered in the Netherlands).
The qualified and experienced crew of at least 7 persons also contributes to ensuring safe passage. Each sailing area requires special preparations because there are no facilities along the way to repair something or to procure parts.
We are able to produce drinking water from seawater using a filter system. Food is stored aboard immediately prior to departure.
There are two rubber dinghies onboard with outboard motor and a wooden sloop for transport to the shore. In the interests of safety there are safety vests and life rafts, fire detection and fire extinction installations, a very extensive medicine cabinet, Epirb, radar transponder, etc.
For navigation and communications purposes the ‘Oosterschelde’ is equipped with a radar set, two compasses, satellite navigation system, an echo sounder, a sextant, an SSB radio, an Inmarsat-C-fax terminal, 4 marine telephones, etc.
“Oosterschelde on the bow sprit”
Voyage Itinerary
The Global Voyage consists of 32 Voyage Legs which follow Charles Darwin’s route on HMS Beagle. We will make landfall at key locations where Darwin stepped ashore.
Disembarkation Puerto Madryn: 12 December 2023 at 9AM
Price: €1450 p.p.
Description
During this leg of the DARWIN200 Global Voyage, the ‘Oosterschelde’ sails south along the pristine Argentinian coast to discover the impressive pampas of Argentina. We stay close to the coast to be less affected by the strong northward Falkland Current. The disadvantage of this is that we have to watch out for the Pampero, a strong southwest wind that comes up very suddenly and can blow with great force from the high plateau of Patagonia. Spot During this leg of the DARWIN200 Global Voyage, the ‘Oosterschelde’ sails south along the pristine Argentinian coast to discover the impressive pampas of Argentina. We stay close to the coast to be less affected by the strong northward Falkland Current. The disadvantage of this is that we have to watch out for the Pampero, a strong southwest wind that comes up very suddenly and can blow with great force from the high plateau of Patagonia.
Spot Caracaras in the sky: Caracara is a genus in the family Falconidae and the subfamily Polyborinae, and Tachyeres on the water The steamer ducks are a genus of ducks in the family Anatidae. All of the four species occur at the southern cone of South America in Chile and Argentina, and all except the flying steamer duck are flightless; even this one species capable of flight rarely takes to the air.)
The waters around Puerto Madryn are famous for spectacular wildlife and we are certain to see many interesting creatures. Whales give birth here from June to December and are present in large numbers, there are also large colonies of sea lions, elephant seals and penguins.
Puerto Madryn – Puerto Santa Cruz (Leg 8) Embarkation Puerto Madryn: 20 December 2023 at 5PM
Disembarkation Puerto Santa Cruz: 27 December 2023 at 9AM
Price €1450 p.p.
From the spectacular waters around Puerto Madryn we sail even further south. We also stay close to the coast because of the Falkland Current.
Spot Caracaras in the sky: Caracara is a genus in the family Falconidae and the subfamily Polyborinae, and Tachyeres on the water The steamer ducks are a genus of ducks in the family Anatidae. All of the four species occur at the southern cone of South America in Chile and Argentina, and all except the flying steamer duck are flightless; even this one species capable of flight rarely takes to the air.)
Have you ever enjoyed a Christmas dinner on the high seas before? Oosterschelde being a Dutch ship you will have a very special Christmas Eve and then more traditional Christmas Day celebrations to enjoy.
The Patagonian coast is seldom visited by most tourists, but home to breath-taking landscapes and wildlife. We will make landfall along the coast as weather and circumstances allow.
When in port
During each of these landfall stops, our ship will host groups of DARWIN LEADERS to undertake research projects in exactly the same locations visited by Charles Darwin two centuries ago. For logistical reasons, we have simplified the route of HMS Beagle.
We have also added a few locations that Charles Darwin did not visit. These enhance the global voyage and enable sailing during periods of optimal weather. These additional stops also allow essential repair and maintenance, refueling, reprovisioning and planned publicity events.
Crucially, unlike HMS Beagle (which sailed crossed the Indian Ocean), we are returning from Australia via Cape Horne to enable visits to South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha!
With the exception of Cocos (Keeling) and Mauritius, we will make landfall at every major location Charles Darwin visited during his voyage aboard HMS Beagle!
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
On any of the Darwin200 voyages it could be windy creating rough weather. Thr tropical voyages are likly to see mild weather but the Southern Ocean voayges could be very rough.
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 +44 1326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
“Oosterschelde”
Start & End Port
Cape Town, South Africa
For vessels using Cape Town, it is likely you will be joining your ship in the Victoria and Albert docks area.
Any changes will be communicated to you before your voyage start date. Make sure you make a note of the ship’s number found in your confirmation email in case of any problems on the day.
Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a victualling station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, as such Cape Town is a very historic port of call for a ship such as Europa. Cape Town has continued to be a classic stopping point for many ocean wanderers, from tall ships to modern race boats and commercial shipping. It is now the Provincial Capital of the Western Cape and the second most populous city in South Africa. Legal tender is the Rand and most major credit cards are accepted throughout.
St Helena
Although tiny in size, St. Helena played an important role in world’s history. It has been of vital strategic importance to ships sailing to Europe from the Far East. The island Saint Helena was discovered by the Portuguese navigator Joao da Nova, on his voyage from India in 1502. He named the discovered island St. Helena after the mother of the Emperor Constantine the Great, Helena. The island was strategically important during the British Empire, until the opening of the Suez Canal and the advent of steamships.
In 1633, the Dutch formally claimed the Island but abandoned it again in 1651, in favor of their other colony at Cape the Good Hope. The English East Indian Company (EIC) was given a Royal Charter to fortify and colonize the island in 1659. In the following years, more settlers and slaves arrived at the island, but when slaves started to outnumber the civilian population, it was ordered that no more slaves could be brought to the island. A request was sent to China to ask for laborers, who came to the island from 1810 until 1834. A racial melting pot was created on St. Helena.
Another well-known role of the remote island was as a place of exile, most notably for Napoleon Bonaparte. He was brought to the island in October 1815 and died there in May 1821. His body returned to France in 1840.
In 1834 St. Helena became a British Crown colony. The EIC withdrew and their privileges disappeared. It was followed by emigration and poverty. In the 19th century the island also played a largely unrecognized role during the abolition of slavery. Thousands of captives were set free and a huge influx of liberated African slaves sought refuge on the island.
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.
