Cape Town (SA) – Isla Santa Helena (AF)
EMBARKATION DAY 28/04/2025 AT 17:00H
DISEMBARKATION DAY 10/05/2025 AT 09:00H
From South Africa we sail back home. We pass through different weather systems before concluding our circumnavigation in England. The curve of this route has everything to do with weather systems, ocean currents and wind, and has been used by sailing ships for centuries. The first part of our return voyage takes us to the island of St Helena. We are now in the so-called Horse Latitudes, an area with little and variable wind. Fortunately, we have an engine to help us in the absence of wind and soon we hope to resume the south-easterly trade winds. This steady wind also augurs well for a prosperous trip to St. Helena.
In addition to its unique plant and animal life, the island is also known for its special history. The Republic of the Seven United Netherlands and the British disputed ownership of the island. From 1673 onwards, the island remained British. The French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to this exceptionally remote place in 1815. He also died here, some say of arsenic poisoning.
Until 2015, St Helena was only accessible by boat due to the lack of an airport and, although there are now weekly flights to and from South Africa, it remains one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. Stewart McPherson has already visited the British Overseas Territories, which also include St Helena, several times. We recommend that you stay on the island for a few days after your arrival and join him on the island tour he will be organising.
Before and after your leg of the journey
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 trip 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 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: 28/04/2025
- Port of embarkation: Cape Town (SA)
- Date of disembarkation: 10/05/2025
- Port of disembarkation: Isla Santa Helena (AF)
- Distance: 1950 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