Atlantic Crossing Canada to Spain | Tall Ship Oosterschelde

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Tue 04-08-2026, 17:00Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada	Tue 25-08-2026, 09:00A Coruña, Spain	Oosterschelde	21 Nights	OS040826

Voyage Description

Crossing an ocean under sail remains a defining experience. This voyage takes you from Nova Scotia to Galicia aboard a proven square rigged ship with a strong record of ocean passages. Days fall into a steady rhythm of watches, sail handling, meals and shared work. Meanwhile, the Atlantic provides space, weather, wildlife and time to settle into life at sea.

Setting Sail from Lunenburg

You join the ship alongside in Lunenburg, a working port with deep maritime roots. The old town, now a UNESCO listed site, is compact and easy to explore if you arrive a day early. It is worth allowing time to walk the waterfront, visit the fisheries museum, or simply watch the harbour traffic before joining the ship.

Once aboard, you meet the crew and fellow sailors, stow your gear, and take part in safety briefings and familiarisation. On departure day the ship sails out through Mahone Bay, giving time to settle into the routine before the open ocean begins.

Along the Way

After clearing the coast, the ship settles into an offshore watch system. You will be assigned to a watch and take turns on deck, day and night. Sail handling, trimming, helming, lookout duties, and navigation are shared across the crew. No prior tall ship experience is required, but a willingness to take part matters.

The planned route aims for a northerly great circle track, shortening the distance and increasing the chances of favourable following winds. This part of the North Atlantic is rich in wildlife, and sightings of whales, dolphins, and ocean going seabirds are common during summer crossings.

Between watches there is time to read, rest, or simply watch the sea. Long ocean passages create a strong onboard rhythm, and much of what people take away comes from that steady, shared experience rather than any single event.

What others have said…

Great adventure very much hands on and an experience not to be forgotten as a complete novice and landlubber I have to say ill always remember it fondly and particularly the excellent food. – Steve

Arriving in A Coruña

After weeks at sea, the outline of the Spanish coast comes into view. The Roman built Torre de Hércules marks the approach to A Coruña, one of Europe’s historic Atlantic ports.

If you stay an extra day, the old town, waterfront promenades and seafood markets are all within easy reach. It is also time to pause and take stock. You have crossed an ocean under sail, shared responsibility for a working ship, and gained experience that only comes from time at sea.

Sail on Oosterschelde with Classic Sailing

Life Aboard Oosterschelde

Oosterschelde, built in 1918, brings over a century of sea-going experience to this passage. Originally constructed as a cargo schooner, her steel hull has proven itself across Atlantic crossings, Arctic voyages, and ocean passages worldwide. At 50 meters (164 feet) length, she’s substantial enough to handle ocean conditions comfortably while maintaining traditional working vessel character.

Accommodation is in shared cabins with proper berths—real beds with mattresses, not hammocks. Cabins typically sleep 2-4 people, with same-gender arrangements in conventional sleeping areas. All cabins have ventilation, reading lights, and storage for personal gear. Bathroom facilities are shared, with proper marine toilets, sinks, and hot water showers.

Meals are prepared fresh daily by the ship’s cook. Expect tasty, well-prepared food providing the energy needed for active sailing. Breakfast includes hot coffee, fresh bread, eggs, and fruit. Lunch is often simpler, allowing the cook to prepare properly for dinner—roasted meats, fish, vegetables, varied international cuisine. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Shared meals in the beautiful saloon create community, with everyone gathered around tables discussing the day’s sailing.

Is that a Piano?!

An unusual feature for a tall ship is the upright piano in the saloon, I have spent wonderful evening’s at the end of voyage singing along to sea shanties and other songs accompanied by the piano.

The saloon serves as the social centre when weather drives people below, with long tables, bench seating, bookshelves of maritime literature, and portholes providing natural light. The vessel maintains a well-stocked bar with reasonable prices—purchases are recorded and settled at voyage end. On deck, protected areas allow comfortable sitting even during inclement weather, though most prefer being on deck whenever conditions allow.

Solo travellers are common on these voyages—approximately 75% of Classic Sailing guests travel independently. The small crew size, typically 24-30 guests plus professional crew, creates naturally social atmosphere. Friendships develope quickly during shared watches and meals.

The Professional Crew

Oosterschelde’s professional crew bring decades of combined experience sailing Oosterschelde across oceans. The crew typically numbers 6-8 people: first mate managing deck operations, engineer maintaining systems, cook preparing meals, and able seamen handling watches and guest instruction. They’re skilled teachers who understand that guest crew ranges from complete beginners to experienced sailors.

You’re encouraged to participate as much or as little as you choose, though most find themselves increasingly involved as confidence builds. The physical demands are moderate—you don’t need exceptional fitness, but should be comfortable moving around a vessel that heels and pitches. Tasks are matched to various capability levels.

Wind, Waves & Weather

August is a well established month for west to east Atlantic crossings. The intention is to sail a northerly great circle route where possible, shortening the distance and aiming for favourable prevailing winds.

A higher latitude route can bring stronger winds and larger swells, even in summer. Conditions can range from calm days with long rolling seas to periods of brisk sailing with sustained wind. The ship is built for this work, and the crew plan the route conservatively, adjusting course and sail plan to suit the conditions.

This voyage is physically and mentally demanding. It is best suited to those comfortable with motion at sea, night watches and the shared routines of a long offshore passage.

Practical Information

Experience Requirements

No previous sailing experience is required, as the professional crew will teach you everything from basic rope handling to navigation skills at a pace that suits you. However, it might be sensible to know you enjoy being at sea before setting off on this long voyage. If you’ve never sailed overnight before, consider a shorter voyage first to confirm you’re comfortable with the motion and lifestyle.

You should be reasonably fit and able to move around a vessel that heels and pitches in ocean conditions. Most tasks don’t require great strength—technique and teamwork matter more than individual power.

What’s Included

The voyage price includes all meals and accommodation aboard, safety equipment, instruction and guidance from the professional crew, and participation in sailing the vessel. Not included: flights, accommodation before joining or after leaving the vessel, travel insurance (required and must cover maritime activities), personal bar bills, and shore excursions.

Solo Traveler Information

Solo travellers are very welcome. Shared cabins offer both economy and security, with same-gender arrangements. The small crew size and watch system naturally create social connections—you’ll get to know fellow crew members during shared watches, meals, and deck work. Many previous guests specifically mention the friendships formed during passages as voyage highlights.

Booking Considerations

We expect this voyage to be popular. If you’re interested, enquire early about availability. Classic Sailing has connected guests with traditional sailing experiences for 30 years and can answer questions about what to expect, what to pack, and how to prepare – email us at Skippers@Classic-Sailing.com

Physical Considerations

Ocean voyages involve sustained motion as the vessel responds to swells. Some people experience seasickness initially, though most adapt within 24-48 hours. Medication is available, and the crew have extensive experience helping guests adjust. Once adapted, many find the constant motion soothing. You can find out more about seasickness and how to deal with it in our “Will I Get Seasick?” article

The watch system means interrupted sleep patterns, but most people adapt within a couple of days, learning to sleep when opportunity permits. The physical activity and fresh air mean you’re genuinely tired when off-watch.

“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, rolling around in the middle of the open sea on the deck of an authentic lovely Dutch schooner brilliant! A life changing experience of the open sea.” – Rex, UK

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Start & End Port

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada

You are likely to spend time in the ports where your voyage begins or ends. These places are more than transit points. They offer context, history, and a chance to settle into the rhythm of the coast before or after sailing.

Lunenburg sits on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, south west of Halifax, and remains one of the best preserved examples of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Founded in 1753, the town developed around fishing, shipbuilding, and transatlantic trade. Today it is a working harbour with deep maritime roots, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the survival of its original street layout, waterfront buildings, and strong seafaring culture.

Keeping in Touch

The exact berth of your vessel may not be confirmed until closer to your joining date. You will be informed by email once the location is finalised. Please keep the ship’s mobile or cell phone number with you in case of delays or changes to your travel plans.

What to Do in Lunenburg

Old Town and Waterfront

Lunenburg’s waterfront is compact and immediately engaging. Colourful wooden buildings line the harbour, many of them former fish processing sheds and chandlers now used by boatyards, galleries, cafés, and maritime businesses. The town is small enough to explore on foot, with steep streets leading up from the harbour to viewpoints over Lunenburg Bay.

Bluenose Heritage

Lunenburg was the home port of the original Bluenose, the famous Canadian racing and fishing schooner. The Bluenose II, her modern replica, frequently visits or sails from the town, and her story is central to local identity. Even when she is not present, the legacy of schooner sailing and competitive seamanship runs through the town.

Walking the Town and Harbour Views

A walk through Old Town reveals the original grid street plan laid out in the 18th century. Churches, merchants’ houses, and former sail lofts tell the story of a prosperous maritime community shaped by the Atlantic. The hills above the harbour provide wide views across the bay and out to sea, giving a sense of how exposed and important this coastline has always been.

Boatbuilding and Working Waterfront

Lunenburg remains a place where wooden boatbuilding and repair are visible and active. Local yards and workshops continue traditional skills alongside modern practice. This is not a waterfront preserved purely for visitors; it is still a place where boats are worked on, maintained, and prepared for sea.

Food and Everyday Life

Seafood is a natural focus, with lobster, scallops, and fish forming the backbone of local menus. Alongside this are small bakeries, casual cafés, and a handful of restaurants that reflect the town’s year round community rather than a purely seasonal resort atmosphere.

What Makes Lunenburg Stand Out

Lunenburg is not a reconstruction or a museum town. It is a living port where history remains visible in daily life, from the working waterfront to the wooden houses and steep streets shaped by wind and weather. For sailors, it offers a rare combination of authenticity, continuity, and direct connection to Atlantic maritime tradition.

Official Tourist Website

https://www.explorelunenburg.ca

A Coruña, Spain

A Coruna, Spain

Introduction

Adam here. You were looking at A Coruna and I thought I might be able to help. This port is more than a simple embarkation point, it can enrich your sailing holiday in real terms. Staying a day here transforms your journey into something broader. Expect a working harbour, lively town, and Atlantic coastline offering genuine salt-air character. If you can visit the lighthouse Faro Vilan on the headland, the view is amazing.

Why A Coruna matters for a Classic Sailing Holiday

A Coruna lies on Spain’s north-west Atlantic coast in Galicia. For sailors switching from modern yachts to traditionally rigged boats, it offers a sense of maritime lineage. The approach by sea shows headlands, the working port basin, and a long seafront promenade lined with distinctive glass-balconied buildings. You’ll feel the transition from sea to land with authenticity.

What to Do in A Coruna

History
Explore the Tower of Hercules, a Roman-built lighthouse still in use today, perched on the headland. Visit the 12th-century Church of Santiago in the old town. The port area has long been an Atlantic trading gateway.

Culture
Galician language and traditions are alive in A Coruna. The glass-windowed “galerías” along the northern promenade reflect the local climate and style. The annual Fiestas de Maria Pita in August brings live music, processions and street life.

Sites of Interest to a Sailor
From the deck approach you’ll pass the bay with white-balcony buildings and marina. The headland with the Tower of Hercules marks the entrance. The promenade gives excellent vantage for tide, sea and ship movement. Head north along the walkway to spot the coastline and islands.

Entertainment
When you step ashore you’ll find bars and taverns around the old town and marina. In the evenings live music occurs in smaller venues and cultural centres. The city offers a comfortable night after a day at sea without being over commercialised.

Eating Out
Seafood dominates. Think goose barnacles, spider crab, hake dish “a la Gallega”. Pair with Galician wines. View the waterfront terraces and sample local prawns or monkfish. Dining here reflects the Atlantic more than the Mediterranean.

Nature
The Atlantic coast brings rugged seascapes, wide bays and nearby beaches such as Praia de Orzán and Praia de Riazor. For a sailor, these shore excursions offer a contrasting pace to ship life. Hills and coastal trails lie within easy reach for a half-day off-ship.

Unique Features
What sets A Coruna apart is its genuinely Atlantic character plus its working port combined with city amenities. The glass-balconied façades, enduring Roman lighthouse, and peninsula form give it a distinctive flavour among coastal destinations.

Accommodation

If you stay on land before or after your voyage look for hotels in the city centre with port or seafront views. Choose something comfortable for rest ahead of sailing. Some spa options exist in the region if you wish a slower start or finish.

Official Tourist Website

https://www.coruna.gal/tourism/en Concello da Coruña

Weather in A Coruna

Winter – Coastal temperatures hover around 10-16 °C. Atlantic storms possible.
Spring – Cooler start, then moderate; good sailing conditions with lighter crowds.
Summer – Warm but rarely hot: highs around 20-25 °C; comfortable for sailors and sightseers.
Autumn – Mild, similar to spring; increased chance of Atlantic systems but good for slower travel and fewer tourists.

Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide

As you participate in a traditional sailing voyage choose transport and lodging with sustainability in mind. Use rail or bus rather than private car where possible. If you fly to reach A Coruna, look into carbon-offsetting schemes and plan transport from the airport efficiently.

Special Interests

If you have a particular interest—marine archaeology, lighthouse architecture, surf conditions, Galician folk music—let us know. We can highlight tailored experiences in A Coruna to match your special interest.

How to Get There

From the UK: There are direct flights from London to A Coruna seasonally. Alternatively fly to Santiago de Compostela and transfer by train or coach to A Coruna. Ferry options across the Bay of Biscay are limited, so air or rail is most practical.
From Europe: A Coruna is well connected by flights to major Spanish cities and some European hubs. Train or coach from nearby Galician cities is reliable.
From North America: You will need a connection usually in Madrid or Barcelona, or possibly Lisbon, then onward to A Coruna. Ensure adequate lay-over time.
From Australia: The route typically involves a Middle-East or Asian hub, then into Madrid or Barcelona, followed by connection to A Coruna. Allow generous transit time and schedule flexibility.

When Is the Best Time to Book a Flight?

For international travel plan to book 3-6 months ahead. For spring, summer or autumn voyages begin monitoring 4-6 months before departure. For high-demand periods start early.

Extra Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

Travel mid-week or outside peak times. Consider airports near A Coruna for cheaper arrival options. Check airline websites for direct offers. Use incognito mode when browsing. Use flight trackers, sign up for deal alerts.

Tools to Help You Save

Use tools like Skyscanner’s Savings Generator to analyse booking windows. Combine date flexibility with advanced monitoring to find value.

Meta description (150 characters):
Explore Shoreham, West Sussex—historic harbour town near Brighton. Ideal for sailors, with culture, nature, and easy rail links to London.

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.