Islas Ascensión (GB) – Horta (PT)

EMBARKATION DAY 02/06/2025 AT 17:00H
DISEMBARKATION DAY 30/06/2025 AT 09:00H

During this trip, the OOSTERSCHELDE will cross the equator again after almost two years. During the long journey north, we will encounter whales and dolphins. Ascension Island is about 10 degrees south latitude, very close to the equator. We will lose the trade wind we have always had here. We are entering the trough.

Around the equator there is an area of low pressure, the intertropical convergence zone. The southeast trade winds in the southern hemisphere and the northeast trade winds push the air towards the equator. The air is very warm here because the sun is literally above us, and the ocean water is also very warm. The warm air rises, creating a relatively low pressure zone at the surface. The rising air contains a lot of water vapour that cools and condenses in the upper air layers. The atmosphere is therefore very unstable. In addition to areas with little or no wind, heavy showers occur here, often with thunderstorms. Sometimes these showers gather and move over water. The high water temperature gives the rising air extra energy. The coreolis force (the centrifugal force of the Earth) causes the system to rotate, creating tropical storms at this latitude that can become hurricanes.

However, there are no hurricanes in the area itself. What we are most concerned about are the storm clouds which, in addition to lightning, can cause very sudden gusts and changes in wind direction. While the boats used to float for weeks in this windless area, luckily we have an engine to help us, but sailing through the Doldrums is still impressive.

When we are in the northern hemisphere, we quickly reach the area where the north-easterly trade winds blow. A direct course to the Azores is no longer possible. We sail “full sail” as close to the wind as possible without losing speed. The course is to the west of our destination. Like the sailboats that preceded us, we rely on the known weather patterns. Only at the top of the Azores can we expect westerly winds. And in fact, even if you hardly believe in it anymore, the weather will change anyway. Suddenly, the air is noticeably cooler, and the long trousers have come out of the wardrobe again. The little fair weather clouds have disappeared and what is this, drizzle? We have reached the westerly winds.

The Azores are our destination. This archipelago, with several volcanic craters and a subtropical climate, is characterised by its very diverse nature. The ocean means that it is never too cold here, but never too hot either, and everything grows and flourishes. The weather is very changeable, and sometimes we have, as they say, four seasons in one day. Not many people live here and the villages and towns are quiet and simple. But for us, after many weeks on the ocean, Horta seems like Paris.

Before and after your travel stage
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 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 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