Plymouth (UK) – Tenerife (ES)

EMBARKATION DAY 14/08 AT 17:00H
DISEMBARKATION DAY 26/08 AT 09:00H

From Plymouth (Great Britain), where Charles Darwin embarked on the HMS Beagle, we sail to Tenerife (Canary Islands). Plymouth is close to the confluence of the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay. Shortly after leaving the continental shelf, the water depth increases to 5 kilometres. This is an area of rich water and numerous seabirds mark this area. When the green coastal waters turn blue, we have reached the ocean!

The Bay of Biscay has a bad reputation, but it can be a fantastic area to sail, especially at this time of year. We always relieve ourselves at the helm and, of course, during the first part of this trip, sails will need to be hoisted or lowered regularly. When there are no sails to hoist, there is plenty to see for the people on watch, as these are the busiest waters in the world. All around you will see boats of all shapes and sizes. Many seabirds and other fish can also be seen. Dolphins, of course, but there is also a good chance of spotting a sunfish and, if we are lucky, a minke whale, a pilot whale or even sperm whales. A little further south, we may see the first flying fish.

Perhaps we will call at one of the Rías off the Spanish coast, just above Portugal. At the end of the summer, the “Portuguese north” is often found off the Portuguese coast. The wind and current are very favourable, and we sail close to the Portuguese coast, further south. Past Cabo São Vincente, the Portuguese North turns into the Canary Current, which gives us an extra “push” in the right direction. Here we can also expect good weather and favourable winds for the last 500 nautical miles to the Canary Islands.

We strongly recommend that you book a few days’ accommodation in the port of embarkation (before joining the Oosterschelde), and a few days in the port of disembarkation (once your place on the voyage has been taken). This will allow you to recuperate before and after your adventure and give you the opportunity to explore places at your departure and arrival points.

Level 2

Level 2 treks are suitable for anyone with good health and a reasonable level of fitness, with no mobility problems. On these crossings, you can expect days with strong winds or high waves, but most of the time conditions will be good. There is not always a harbour nearby, so (medical) help from land is not always available.

OOSTERSCHELDE wants to be accessible to the widest possible audience, but you should be aware that you are making a trip on board a sailing yacht. This demands more of your physical abilities than a daily walk. One trip is more demanding than another. With the different levels we provide an indication of what kind of trip it is. If you are unsure whether a trip is suitable for you, it is important that you contact Tall Ship Experience for advice.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• A small backpack that does not take up too much space in the cabin.
• On deck we recommend shoes with slightly rough and preferably soft soles.
• On land we recommend firm, waterproof hiking boots.
• Valid passport
• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Binoculars for spotting all kinds of water creatures.
• Waterproof clothing
• Camera and video camera to remember your trip forever!