Five nights at sea aboard the majestic Oosterschelde. Embark from Falmouth, the historic port tied to Charles Darwin’s journey. Potential stops include Fowey, Plymouth, Dartmouth, Weymouth, or Portsmouth in England. Visit the Channel Islands, Cherbourg, Saint-Malo, or Rouen in France. Sail the English Channel, passing dramatic coastal landmarks. Navigate the bustling Dover Strait, observing maritime activity. Ride the tidal Thames past the Thames Barrier and O2 Arena. Dock in Greenwich, home to the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory. Celebrate the completion of the Darwin200 Global Voyage.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Five nights at sea aboard the majestic Oosterschelde.
Embark from Falmouth, the historic port tied to Charles Darwin’s journey.
Potential stops include Fowey, Plymouth, Dartmouth, Weymouth, or Portsmouth in England.
Visit the Channel Islands, Cherbourg, Saint-Malo, or Rouen in France.
Sail the English Channel, passing dramatic coastal landmarks.
Navigate the bustling Dover Strait, observing maritime activity.
Ride the tidal Thames past the Thames Barrier and O2 Arena.
Dock in Greenwich, home to the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory.
Celebrate the completion of the Darwin200 Global Voyage.
The Oosterschelde’s Victory Lap marks the triumphant conclusion of its two-year Darwin200 Global Voyage. Departing from Falmouth—steeped in maritime history and Charles Darwin’s legacy—this journey offers a rich blend of sailing tradition and coastal beauty. The voyage takes you through the English Channel, with potential stops in Fowey, Plymouth, Dartmouth, Weymouth, and Portsmouth in England, or the Channel Islands. Across the Channel, possible French stops include Cherbourg, Saint-Malo, and Rouen. From the striking White Cliffs of Dover to the busy Dover Strait, the journey offers stunning landscapes and maritime sights.
As the ship navigates the tidal Thames, the scenery transitions to iconic London landmarks like the Thames Barrier, O2 Arena, and Greenwich’s historic maritime district. Disembarking in Greenwich provides an opportunity to delve into Britain’s seafaring past or explore London’s vibrant culture. This five-day journey is a celebration of the Oosterschelde’s global voyage and an unforgettable maritime experience.
The Oosterschelde, a majestic three-masted schooner, has just completed the remarkable Darwin200 Global Voyage—a two-year journey around the world. This Victory Lap invites you to join the ship’s grand return from Falmouth to London, celebrating its safe homecoming.
No Itinerary as such
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. This description is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but no specific stop is guaranteed on a sailing voyage.
Falmouth for Orders
Starting in Falmouth, the historic port where Charles Darwin concluded his own voyage on HMS Beagle, you’ll embark on a sailing experience filled with history and maritime tradition. Take some time to explore Falmouth before the voyage begins. Known for its deep natural harbour, Falmouth boasts stunning views, charming streets lined with independent shops, and maritime landmarks such as the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Pendennis Castle.
As the Oosterschelde sets sail, you’ll journey through the English Channel, passing rocks, islands, and dramatic coastal scenery. Along the way, potential stops could include Fowey, a picturesque harbour town surrounded by wooded hills; Plymouth, a city rich with naval history and its vibrant Barbican district; Dartmouth, with its stunning estuary and medieval charm; and Weymouth, known for its golden beaches and Georgian seafront. Further along, Portsmouth offers a chance to explore the historic dockyard and iconic HMS Victory. The Channel Islands, such as Guernsey or Jersey, could provide a stop steeped in natural beauty and unique cultural blends.
Across the Channel, potential French ports include Cherbourg, with its impressive maritime museum and history as a key naval port; Saint-Malo, a walled city famed for its Corsair legacy and beautiful beaches; and Rouen, where the medieval cityscape and towering Gothic cathedral capture the imagination. Each port offers unique highlights, blending historic charm and natural wonders.
The iconic White Cliffs of Dover signal a transition from rocky shores to the softer, sandy beaches of south east England. The Dover Strait, bustling with maritime activity, offers a fascinating sight as you navigate one of the world’s busiest waterways. Each day aboard promises moments of peace, adventure, and camaraderie as you partake in sail handling and enjoy the rhythm of life at sea.
As the voyage nears it’s end, you’ll enter the Thames Estuary, riding the flood tide upriver into the heart of London. The tidal Thames, with its impressive seven-metre tidal range, reveals and conceals mudflats in a dramatic interplay. The approach to London is unforgettable: the ship sails past the Thames Barrier, the O2 Arena, and Greenwich, where the famous Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory stand as testaments to Britain’s maritime legacy.
Disembarking in Greenwich, you’ll find yourself at the cradle of British seafaring history. From here, take time to explore London’s cultural treasures or simply savour the memories of your extraordinary journey. This voyage offers not just a celebration of a historic achievement but also a chance to connect with the timeless allure of the sea.
End in London
the perfect combination of great sailing and slow-time explorationOosterschelde
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
Generally in the summer the westerly depressions are not that powerful and you can have weeks of stable high pressure, light winds and and sunshine, however around the French coast the tides are swift so wind against tide can make the seas a bit bumpy. The crew have more flexibility with passage planning on this trip, compared to Oosterschelde’s other voyages, as there’s not far to go to reach St Nazaire. This means that you will sail when the sailing is good, and explore ashore in between, hopefully avoiding any poor weather and enjoying a varied and interesting holiday.
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 01872 58 00 22 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Skipper & professional crew
Personal Safety Equipment
Sailing Instruction
All meals, snacks and refreshments
Port and landing fees
Linen and duvets
Third Party liability insurance
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Travel to Joining Port
Travel from end port
Alcoholic Drinks
Towels
Waterproofs
Start & End Port
Falmouth, Cornwall
We now have several vessels that use Falmouth as a joining or leaving port. As every vessel is different, and we do not have our own pontoon there, all joining instructions are slightly different. Any changes will be communicated to you before your voyage start date.
This is a list of the likely joining locations, but sometimes the ship can also be at anchor. Read the vessel’s joining instructions carefully for full details.
Port Pendennis is the small marina behind the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the nearest rail station is ‘Falmouth Town’ (3 mins walk). The Maritime Museum has a big tower like a lighthouse so aim for that and at the entrance, turn right and walk down the side of the museum. The gate to the marina is behind the museum building.
Custom House Quay is a stone quay enclosing a small wet dock in the Centre of Falmouth Town. It is used for some of the foot ferries to St Mawes in the peak summer. Only 5 minutes walk from Falmouth Town Station if you head towards the town centre. Situated at the Maritime Museum end of the high street and has its own short stay car park between Trago Mills Store and the Chain Locker Pub if you are driving and want to drop your bags first.
Falmouth Visitors Yacht Haven is about 100 yards beyond Custom House Quay but if walking from the rail station towards town it is best if you walk accross Custom House Quay short term car park and nip through the alley tunnel through the Chain Locker Pub. The yacht haven is a small marina only yards from Falmouth main shopping street (Arwenack St), tucked away down the bottom of Quay Street.
London
London and the Thames
Joining is often near the Waterfront Leisure Centre. Your ship will give you clear instructions.
For Joining Morgenster, use the ship’s tracker to help you meet the ship on the day: Where is Morgenster Now?
For Joining Oosterschelde, use the ship’s tracker to help you meet the ship on the day: Where is Oosterschelde Now?
For Joining Lord Nelson or Tenacious, Canary Wharf is the likely joining location. The ship’s office will contact you directly with exact joining notes once they are known.
For Trinovante
She often berths on the Downriver side of the Tower Bridge.
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.
