Timeline Photos

Happy Campers! Oops no I mean Happy Sailors on Santo Antão during the first Cape Verde trip. What a view! Photo: Daniel House

Three-masted schooner Oosterschelde's cover photo

Newsletter December Oosterschelde

Newsletter December Oosterschelde

Timeline Photos

The leg from Santiago to Sao Vicente is about 140 nautical miles. The forecast predicted strong winds so we before departure we reefed the sails. The wind causes high waves and the sun makes them light up fiercely. The strong wind was there for the whole ride so it was a fast crossing with an average of 8 to 10 knots. We arrived early in Mindelo so the people who did not like the high waves can recover at bit. The wind has increased even more, so we are now anchored with two anchors.

Timeline Photos

With an easy 4 Bft wind in our back we started with the first leg from Sal to Santiago. Because the stable weather the past few days the ocean was not too choppy which is nice to start off with. A big group of pilot whales passed us during the afternoon and organized some entertainment for us. And last night, with the full moon it was magical at sea. Around 5AM we dropped anchor in the bay of Tarrafal. The wind has increased, so the ship is pulling on the anchor chain but the anchor is not going anywhere. Most guests are exploring the island and on board we are busy with maintenance and with a huge tuna we just bought from local fishermen. Photo: Miriam Biezeno

Timeline Photos

Crew Change After the first trip in Cape Verde it was time for a big part of the crew to be releaved. Captain Maarten, first mate Elskarin, cook Richard and sailors Jenny and Magnus are celebrating Christmas and New Year’s at home. We, the new crew, has the advantage to celebrate Christmas and New year’s in the Cape Verdean sun and not in cold and dark Holland. We sailed the ship from Santa Maria to Palmeira and welcomed part of our guests on board. Not everyone, because a few people stranded in Lisbon. Due to foggy conditions their flight was delayed so they arrived late at night. In the morning we set sail for Tarrafal on the island Santiago. A fantastic day of sailing and we even spotted pilot whales along the way!

Cape Verde Adventure by Tall Ship Oosterschelde in 1080 HD

Off the beaten track Cape Verde is becoming more and more popular as a holiday destination with cheap flights and all inclusive resorts to enjoy the sun. But with the Oosterschelde we go off the beaten track and visit the islands and places no one else does. Want to get a taste of our voyages? Check this video from Matthew Payne who was guest crew on board one of our voyages in 2015 and get inspired.

Timeline Photos

Today we started our first Cape Verde voyage. Come and join us in the sun! http://www.oosterschelde.nl/en/sailingschedule/

Three-masted schooner Oosterschelde's cover photo

Timeline Photos

Update 2016/11/28: Yesterday was the day of fishing. It began when the sun came up and turned dar there were a few flying fish landed on deck. Soon we saw live specimens, in large numbers, fly above the waves. And after days with two lines behind the boat was waiting for bite. That did today! The dorado chasing the flying fish, also liked the pieces of fish we had done on the hooks. Today we will arrive at Sal and put our catch on the bbq as part of our last evening this trip.

Photos from Three-masted schooner Oosterschelde's post

Update 9-11: We sailed south around Cabo de São Vicente to Portimão, 130 NM of sailing. The ‘Oosterschelde’ was here before, in June 1932 (see photograph). These days the view is rather different. We will depart soon (was at 12:15 GMT) and continue our way south, to Tenerife. If there is enough time, we might make a stop on some island. We have heard that it is cold and wet in the Netherlands so we have no complaints: the sun is shining here!