Isla de Pascua (CH) – Mangareva (FR)

DAY OF EMBARKATION 13/06/2024 AT 17:00H
DISEMBARKATION DAY 29/06/2024 AT 09:00H

Departing from Easter Island, the OOSTERSCHELDE sets sail across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia. Along the way, we will stop at the famous Pitcairn Island, home to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers. We will admire the famous Polynesian petroglyphs and the unique bird life here. We will then sail through the coral-rich waters of French Polynesia to Mangareva, where we will return to European territory for the first time in a year.

The wind is unpredictable in this area. So we will have a lot of work to do on deck. Hoisting sails, unfurling sails, reefing sails, trimming sheets and keeping a close eye on the course – we won’t be bored for a second during this trip! On most maps, it only looks like a small distance to cover, but that is mainly because the Pacific Ocean is immense. There are still about 1100 miles to Pitcairn. We expect to cover that distance in about 9 days or less. Pitcairn is a British Overseas Territory and is the only inhabited island in a group of four islands. The population is less than a hundred. There is no harbour and landing is not easy. Few visitors come here and if we do manage to land, we are sure to receive a warm welcome.

For the last part of this journey, some 300 miles to Mangareva, we will again enjoy the south-easterly trade winds. This steady wind means we have less and less work to do on deck. We now have more sailing work, because we are sailing through areas with countless reefs. Mangareva is the largest island in the Gambier group and this is where we drop anchor to end this very special voyage.

Before and after your leg of the trip
We strongly recommend that you book a few days’ accommodation in the port of embarkation (before you join the Oosterschelde), and a few days in the port of disembarkation (after 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 3

Level 3 trips are only suitable for experienced and physically fit travellers. Weather conditions can be difficult and, during a crossing, there is little or no option to detour to a port. We sail out of helicopter range and there is usually no medical assistance ashore.

OOSTERSCHELDE wants to be accessible to the widest possible audience, but you should be aware that you are making a voyage 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

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!