Rarotonga (CI) – Tonga (KT)
EMBARKATION DAY 26/08/2024 AT 17:00H
DISEMBARKATION DAY 08/09/2024 AT 09:00H
Sail with the OOSTERSCHELDE to the Kingdom of Tonga, cradle of an authentic and millenary culture and traditions. For over a thousand years, Tongan monarchs have ruled the archipelago, characterised by beautiful beaches, coral reefs and blue seas. Along the way you may encounter migrating humpback whales.
The Pacific Ocean is dotted with islands and islets. But it is also a vast pool of water, and on this journey we have a considerable distance to cover. So the focus is on the crossing, which is about 900 nautical miles. Before leaving, we take time to say goodbye to Rarotonga. The south-easterly trade winds are strong at this time of year, and it promises to be a beautiful sailing trip. As soon as we are ready to leave, everyone goes on watch, because the sailor’s life goes on day and night. In this climate it is no punishment to be a night watchman and steer the ship towards one of the thousands of stars. During the day we work in the rigging. One of the ship’s greatest enemies is the chafing of the rigging. Lines rubbing against each other or against a sail, or a steel cable gently sawing through a mast. That’s why we are all the time busy drawing a line, letting the other one celebrate it. A little more here, a little less there. When the wind picks up, one sail out, then another. All for the sake of a little more speed, but above all to ensure that the rig remains intact. We’re now 18,000 kilometres from the Netherlands, so it’s a long way back… With the strong trade wind coming in diagonally from behind, OOSTERSCHELDE is sailing at top speed. Speeds of 9 or 10 knots are no exception and after a week at sea we are close to our destination.
The Kingdom of Tonga consists of 177 islands, 36 of which are inhabited. The Dutchmen Schouten and Lemaire were the first westerners to “discover” this archipelago. We sail to the main island and, after the formalities, we can disembark to discover once again a special destination.
Before and after your leg of the journey
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 (after you have finished your place on the trip). 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 trips are suitable for anyone with good health and a reasonable level of fitness, with no mobility problems. On these voyages, 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 and therefore (medical) help from land is not always available.
OOSTERSCHELDE wants to be accessible to the widest possible public, 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
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!
- Date of embarkation: 26/08/2024
- Port of embarkation: Rarotonga (CI)
- Date of disembarkation: 08/09/2024
- Port of disembarkation: Tonga (KT)
- Distance: 3500 nautical miles
Availability: Only 4 places are available
Oosterschelde
The three-masted schooner “Oosterschelde” was built in 1918 as a sailing cargo ship. The ship plied European waters and was frequently seen off the coasts of Morocco and the Mediterranean. In 1930, heavier and more modern diesel engines were installed and the rigging was reduced. From 1939 onwards, the ship sailed under a foreign flag and in 1950 underwent a drastic conversion into a modern coastal vessel. In 1988, the “Oosterschelde” was returned to the Netherlands. The Rotterdam Sailing Ships Foundation took over the fundraising necessary to finance the restoration of the ship to its original condition. The “Oosterschelde” is now the only remaining representative of a large fleet of schooners that sailed under the Dutch flag at the beginning of the last century. It is registered as a monument by the Dutch Ministry of Culture. The “Oosterschelde” is autonomous and is used in domestic and foreign ports for presentation and promotion activities. domestic and foreign ports for presentation activities and by companies and other organisations. In 1998, the “Oosterschelde” completed a one and a half year voyage around the world. The ship sailed to Antarctica, the Falklands and South Georgia.
Journey details
Embarking
Disembarkation
Map of the journey
What is included
- Navigation
- Necessary basic training and workshops
- Bunk bed with sheets and towel.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner corresponding to the sailing.
What it does not include
- Transportation to and from the boat is at the expense of each person.
Book now and don't miss out on your place
Availability: Only 4 places are available