Join Oosterschelde as she sails from Tenerife to Cape Verde, a route celebrated for its perfect trade winds and stunning wildlife. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with its lively streets and striking volcanic backdrop, offers a great starting point for your adventure. Once aboard, you’ll join the crew in sail handling, steering, and navigation while enjoying sunny skies and warm seas. Spot flying fish, sea turtles, and possibly whales as you sail south.
Arriving at Sal, you’ll anchor in Palmeira Harbour and step into Cape Verde’s relaxed charm. Sal’s golden beaches and the vibrant town of Santa Maria invite exploration. This is the final leg of a longer voyage, with opportunities to join earlier stages for a more extended experience.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Eight days of sailing from Tenerife to Cape Verde.
Sunny weather, steady trade winds, and the Canary Current for excellent conditions.
Help sail Oosterschelde through a 4-hour watch system.
Spot flying fish, sea turtles, and whales during your passage.
Anchor in Sal’s Palmeira Harbour and enjoy a festive farewell evening.
Relax on Santa Maria’s beautiful beaches and embrace Cape Verde’s “No Stress” culture.
Set sail aboard the historic tall ship Oosterschelde as you journey from the vibrant port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to the sun-soaked shores of Sal in Cape Verde.
Santa Cruz, nestled at the foot of Tenerife’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, is more than just a starting point. It’s a lively city brimming with culture, offering visitors a chance to explore bustling markets, palm-lined plazas, and the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, a stunning piece of modern architecture. Consider arriving a day or two early to savour the unique blend of Spanish and Canarian influences.
As you set sail, the crew will introduce you to life on board and the exciting passage ahead. This route is renowned for its ideal sailing conditions, with steady trade winds and the Canary Current propelling us south. The weather promises sunny skies and warm breezes, creating perfect conditions to enjoy life at sea. Large schools of flying fish often accompany the ship, their silver flashes leaping above the waves, while the sharp-eyed may spot sea turtles, sunfish, or even the occasional whale.
Your days will follow a watch system, balancing work and rest. You’ll take part in trimming sails, steering the ship, and navigation. For the adventurous, climbing the mast offers a once-in-a-lifetime view of the vast Atlantic, stretching endlessly to the horizon. By night, the ocean reveals its quieter beauty, with the ship cutting through phosphorescent waters beneath a canopy of stars.
After days of exhilarating sailing, the outline of Sal’s coastline will emerge. As we anchor in Palmeira Harbour, customs formalities mark our arrival, but the relaxed charm of Cape Verde quickly takes over. Sal, though arid and rugged, offers golden beaches, turquoise waters, and a distinctive culture. The town of Santa Maria is a particular highlight, exuding a laid-back vibe where the local motto, “No Stress,” is taken to heart. Extend your stay to soak up the rhythm of island life and explore its hidden treasures.This voyage is the concluding leg of Oosterschelde’s grand journey from Rotterdam to Cape Verde. Adventurous sailors can also join earlier stages, benefiting from extended time aboard, discounted rates, and the chance to immerse themselves in the ship’s epic odyssey. However, participation requires reasonable fitness and health, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Contact us if you’re unsure about suitability.
Start & End Port
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, offers a fantastic range of activities and attractions and it’s well worth spending some extra time here. Of particular interest is the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Museum of Nature and Man), located in the heart of the city. This fascinating museum showcases the natural and cultural history of the Canary Islands, featuring exhibits on archaeology, anthropology, and the unique flora and fauna of the archipelago.
Palmeira, Sal, Cape Verde
Palmeira, Sal, Cape Verde: A Classic Sailing Destination
Worthwhile Journeys
Palmeira is more than a starting point for your voyage; it’s a vibrant destination waiting to be explored. Take time to delve into its charm, from cultural experiences to natural beauty. The port offers a unique insight into the Cape Verdean way of life, making your journey memorable from the start.
Keeping in Touch
Once you arrive in Palmeira, the exact location of your ship will be shared via email closer to your joining date. Keep the ship’s contact number handy to ensure smooth communication on the day.
What to Do in Palmeira
Palmeira brims with opportunities for exploration, offering a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that captivate sailors.
History
Discover Palmeira’s maritime heritage through its bustling port and historical landmarks. Visit the nearby Pedra de Lume salt crater, a fascinating natural and historical site where salt was once a valuable export. Its volcanic crater offers a glimpse into the island’s history and a chance to float in its highly saline waters.
Culture
Cape Verde is known for its lively music scene, and Palmeira doesn’t disappoint. The island’s unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences is evident in local festivals, arts, and the soulful morna music. Time your visit to coincide with cultural events like Carnival or local music nights to immerse yourself in Cape Verdean traditions.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor
As you sail into Palmeira, the volcanic backdrop of Sal creates a dramatic scene. From the deck, you’ll see colourful fishing boats and a coastline dotted with rugged beauty. Explore the port’s surroundings to enjoy coastal walks, snorkelling, or diving among coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Entertainment
Palmeira offers a laid-back nightlife where sailors can relax. Enjoy live music at local bars or sip grogue, Cape Verde’s famous sugarcane rum, as you mingle with locals. Look out for spontaneous street performances, a common occurrence in this musical haven.
Eating Out
Seafood lovers will relish the dining options in Palmeira. Sample freshly caught tuna, lobster, or the local speciality, cachupa rica, a hearty stew. Enjoy these delicacies at seaside restaurants where the catch of the day is often the star of the menu.
Nature
Sal’s stark beauty lies in its contrasts. Explore the serene sandy beaches near Palmeira, perfect for unwinding after your voyage. Further afield, nature lovers can visit the natural pools of Buracona, famous for their “Blue Eye” effect, or the desert-like landscapes of Terra Boa.
Unique Features
Palmeira stands out for its raw, untouched charm. Its unspoilt beaches, welcoming locals, and blend of cultures make it an unforgettable destination. Sailors will appreciate the area’s clear waters and excellent conditions for diving and snorkelling.
Accommodation
For those extending their stay, Palmeira offers comfortable guesthouses and boutique hotels. A notable option is Hotel Odjo d’Agua in nearby Santa Maria, combining Cape Verdean charm with excellent facilities.
Weather in Palmeira
Cape Verde enjoys a mild, sunny climate year-round. Winter and spring offer pleasant temperatures of 20–25°C, while summer and autumn reach highs of 30°C. Rainfall is rare, making it ideal for sailing holidays.
Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide
Extend your sustainable adventure by exploring ways to offset the carbon impact of your journey. Look for eco-friendly travel options and consider reducing your carbon footprint where possible.
Special Interests
If you have a particular interest in Palmeira or would like to share insights from your visit, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Get There
From the UK
Direct flights to Sal are available from London Gatwick and Manchester.
From Europe
Flights operate from Lisbon, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, offering excellent connections.
From North America
Connect via Lisbon or major European hubs to reach Sal from cities like New York or Toronto.
From Australia
Travellers can fly via Dubai or Johannesburg, connecting to Lisbon before continuing to Sal.
When Is the Best Time to Book a Flight?
Plan international flights 3–6 months ahead for the best deals, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Meta Description
Discover Palmeira, Sal, Cape Verde: a vibrant port blending rich history, unique culture, and natural beauty, perfect for an enriching Classic Sailing experience.
Proximity to Airport
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.
