Sail the Atlantic from the Azores to Mainland Europe

Setting Sail from Horta

You join the ship in Horta on the island of Faial. The volcanic cone of Pico rises across the channel, Portugal’s highest peak at 2,351 metres. Horta harbour, famous throughout the sailing world, welcomes ocean crossers with painted murals covering every available wall, each one telling the story of a passage completed. Have a look for Oosterschelde’s mark, but watch out for wet paint the crew may well have updated it on arrival!

Peter Café Sport, the unofficial headquarters for trans-Atlantic sailors, sits across from the marina where tales of passages are exchanged over cold beer and strong coffee. The Azores themselves deserve exploration before you get on board. Take a few days (or weeks!) here if you can, and make the most of your flights. Nine volcanic islands scattered across the North Atlantic, each with distinctive character. Faial offers whale watching in waters that host over twenty cetacean species, hiking up Capelinhos volcano where the landscape still shows scars from the 1957 eruption, and swimming in natural ocean pools carved from volcanic rock.

Once aboard, you’ll get to know your fellow sailors and settle into your cabin. While the ship’s cook gets busy in the galley with your first dinner on board, you’ll receive a comprehensive safety briefing on deck. In the evening, the captain will share the latest plans and up to date forecasts for your sailing voyage.

Along the Way

You’ll begin this trip by exploring the Azores. After departing Horta, Oosterschelde sails to Pico, where the imposing volcano dominates the island. After Pico, you will also visit Terceira. The first days of the trip thus offer a nice balance between active sailing and time to explore the islands. Green hills, steep cliffs, and small harbor towns give these first days a relaxed feel before your serious ocean passage.

After Terceira, Oosterschelde leave the Azores and sets a course for the northeast. A rhythm develops naturally on board. You help set and trim the sails, take the helm, and participate in the watch system. Watches alternate, meals are eaten together, and at night the starry sky stretches out above the deck. This is real ocean sailing!

Work is always underway on deck; sails are set and trimmed, and turns taken at the helm. Under the guidance of the crew, you will learn to navigate, determine course, and read the weather. Charts are studied, positions are calculated, and you will soon develop a feel for the ship and its movements.

After a week, the ship reaches the Bay of Biscay, an area known for bad weather. In reality, weather conditions vary greatly, and by now we have become accustomed to the dynamics at sea—dynamics on deck, which require cooperation and attention while sailing.

Finally, the towers of La Rochelle appear, which have been welcoming ships for centuries. Bienvenue en France!

Arriving in La Rochelle

After around 1200 nautical miles and a long stretch out of the sight of land, the final approach to Bordeaux feels pretty special. A pilot joins the ship for the passage up the Gironde River, navigating tidal waters deep into the city. The ship berths centrally, within walking distance of Bordeaux’s historic streets, quays, and wine bars. Arrival is marked with a relaxed evening on deck, reflecting on the voyage and sharing a glass of local wine. Disembarkation takes place the following morning after breakfast, with time to explore Bordeaux further before travelling home if you wish.

Wind, Waves & Weather

Spring is arriving in the North Atlantic but hasn’t quite settled in, which means the weather can be lively and changeable. For much of the passage you’ll find south-westerly to westerly winds in the Force 3–5 range — enough to keep you moving well under sail. The Atlantic swell is long and rolling, with waves typically between one and a half and three metres. When a weather front passes through, winds can freshen to Force 6 or occasionally 7, and seas may build further, but these periods are usually followed by lighter, more settled conditions. Leaving the Azores you’ll have daytime temperatures in the mid-to-upper teens Celsius, cooling gradually to the low-to-mid teens as you approach the French coast.

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 very 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. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’

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 Oosterschelde’s Vessel Page.

Oosterschelde’s Sailing Levels

Oosterschelde aims to be as accessible as possible, but these are proper voyages on a proper sailing ship, and it is important for everyone’s safety that any trip you join is suitable for you. The team at Oosterschelde use different levels to indicate how strenuous their trips might be. If you’re unsure about whether a trip is going to be suitable for you, please get in touch and we’d be happy to discuss it with you. You’ll answer a series of health, mobility and safety questions when you apply to book, and if necessary the crew will be in touch to talk through any concerns.

Level 1

Level 1 trips are suitable for anyone who is able to walk well, climb a short vertical ladder and is healthy. These trips often take place in sheltered areas or close to the coast.

Level 2

Level 2 voyages are often more strenuous or further from home. You must be able to manage under sometimes challenging conditions, but if necessary, the ship can reach a port within 24–48 hours.

Level 3: THIS VOYAGE IS LEVEL 3

Level 3 voyages are only suitable for experienced and fit sea travelers. The weather could be challenging, and during voyages of this level, there are no options to divert to a port. Oosterschelde sails out of reach of helicopters, and shore-based medical care is not available. The ship imposes an age limit of 73 on these voyages.

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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.

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.

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

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
 

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.

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