Oosterschelde Saint Martin to Nassau Bahamas

Step aboard the majestic tall ship Oosterschelde in the serene bay near Marigot, on the French side of Saint-Martin. Marigot boasts charming colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and delightful cafés. Arrive early to soak up the island’s unique blend of French and Caribbean cultures before embarking on your sailing adventure.

Day 1: Board the ship anchored in Marigot Bay, meet the crew and your fellow sailors, and enjoy a light dinner as the captain explains the journey ahead.
Day 2: Begin your voyage with a refreshing morning swim before hoisting sails and catching the trade winds en route to Anguilla.
Day 3: Explore Anguilla’s world-famous white sand beaches and clear waters, perfect for snorkelling or diving. Dive into the island’s fascinating history, from its Arawak roots to colonial tales.
Days 4–7: Spend several thrilling days at sea. Learn to sail, take the helm, and navigate under the crew’s guidance while soaking in endless ocean views.
Days 8–11: Arrive at South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Discover vibrant coral reefs, bird-filled mangroves, and the island’s peaceful atmosphere. Sail onwards to Providenciales, known as “Provo,” where Grace Bay Beach, one of the world’s finest, awaits.
Days 12–15: Depart from the Turks and Caicos Islands for a final leg of open-sea sailing. Arrive in Nassau, Bahamas, where the ship anchors in the bay, offering one last opportunity for a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Day 16: After breakfast aboard the Oosterschelde, disembark in Nassau, a lively destination with a fascinating blend of colonial history and Caribbean culture. With its international airport, Nassau provides excellent onward travel connections.

This 16-day voyage is the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery, offering stunning destinations and the thrill of traditional sailing.

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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