In October 2012 the three-masted topsailschooner ‘Oosterschelde’ will depart from her homeport Rotterdam. Following the ancient trade route past the Cape Verde Islands and Brazil, she will sail to Cape Town (South Africa). At that time the three-masted bark ‘Europa’ is sailing East after completing an expedition to Terra Australis (Antarctica). In Cape Town both ships will meet. From there on, the Tall Ships will be sailing together across the Indian Ocean. In the wake of Dutch explorers such as Cornelis de Houtman, Abel Tasman and Van Diemen, these two well-known Dutch Tall Ships relive ancient times again.
a historic journey
route
This voyage brings both ships to Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Fremantle and on to Jakarta. Then, course will be set for Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart. In Hobart a race is organized, ending in Sydney.
On October 4th, 2013, both ships will represent the Netherlands during the International Fleet Review of the Australian Navy, commemorating the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy into Sydney. A Tall Ships Race is next on the program from Sydney to Auckland.
After completing this race, the two Dutch ships start preparations for their long journey around Cape Horn late November 2013, the Falkland Islands and on to Antarctica. After this expedition, ‘Oosterschelde’ will sail North, back home to the Netherlands and ‘Europa’ continues on more Antarctic expeditions.
Click to enlarge.
joining
You are invited to participate on these traditional sailing ships during one or more legs of this historic global circumnavigation. No sailing experience is required. You will be taught by the permanent crew about navigation, sail handling, square rig sailing, etc. All nationalities and ages can participate.
Everybody can experience crossing the oceans on a traditional sailing ship. Do you want to join the ‘Oosterschelde’ or ‘Europa’ on this unique voyage? Details about specific dates and ports will be reported soon on this site. Both shipping companies can also be contacted through their own sites and email addresses as mentioned below.
news
In-port events
During stop-overs in each port, the ships are available for corporate events, day trips, receptions, etc. For those interested, please contact us.
A third ship
Recently another Dutch sailing ship, the two mast herring drifter ‘Tecla’ expressed a keen interest in participating on this world trip, see also this vessel’s details below. More ships are welcome to join the voyage to Australia.
Tall Ships Meeting
During Sail Training International’s Annual Meeting in Toulon, France (November 18-19, 2011) the shipping companies of ‘Oosterschelde’ and ‘Europa’ have launched their plans. The reactions were promising. Two more ships will seriously investigate the possibilities to join.
newsletter
ships
These are the ships planning to sail the old trade routes to Indonesia and Australia:
Oosterschelde
The three-masted topsail schooner ‘Oosterschelde’ is the largest restored Dutch sailing ship, and is a monument for Dutch shipbuilding and maritime navigation under sail.
‘Oosterschelde’ made several impressive journeys since her restoration in 1992. For example, she sailed an earlier journey around the world (finished in 1998), made several expeditions to Spitsbergen and sails to Cape Verde in wintertime. But the ship is also in use in domestic and foreign ports for presentation and promotion activities.
Sailing on board ‘Oosterschelde’ is a special experience. No one is a passenger, but is part of the guest crew. We will learn you all about sailing, steering an navigating the ship.
Europa
Since 1994 the Dutch three-masted bark ‘Europa’ (1911) travels the oceans following the Trade Winds and developed a reputation as a ship which “really sails”. The ‘Europa’ is powered by canvas and co-operation, with a professional crew of 14 and a maximum compliment of 48 voyage crew-members of all ages and nationalities. Tall ship lovers, also without seafairing experience, can help the permanent crew by taking the helm, assisting with navigation, hoisting and furling squaresails on the yards. Towering above the deck are the three lofty masts carrying 12 yards.
The atmosphere on board is relaxed and friendly, and the classic interior has many authentic details, reflecting maritime history. The comfortable cabins for two, four or six persons each have their own bathroom.
Tecla
‘Tecla’ was built in 1915 in Vlaardingen, to plunder the rich North Sea fishing zones of herring. Under the name Graaf van Limburg Stirum, she fished as one of the last true commercial sailing vessels for 10 years before being forced into early retirement in Katwijk Harbour, Holland. In 1935 she was sold to Denmark and sailed the coastal waters of the Denmark transporting heavy grain, stone and turf between the Danish islands. ‘Tecla’ returned to Holland in the 1979 to be re-fitted as a charter sailing vessel. In 1989 she started sailing and has explored Irish, French and British waters and after sailing a Tall Ships Regatta in 2007 the owners got addicted to sailing the Tall Ships Races.
Together the family of Jan, Jannette, Gijs and Jet, muster 65 years of traditional charter sailing experience and invite everybody to join them aboard to be a part of the history of ‘Tecla’.