The three Dutch Tall Ships ‘Tecla’, bark ‘Europa’ and ‘Oosterschelde’ are sailing around the world, wandering the oceans and following the old trade routes of historic times. You can be part of our adventure and sail with us on a part of this voyage. All separate legs can be joined by individual guest crew members and booked at the individual shipping companies offices.
Read more on this website about the route, the ships and about joining our voyage.
Our voyage brings us from Cape Town, South Africa to Mauritius, sailing in the area of the sardine run. We cross the Indian Ocean from Mauritius to Perht, Australia for a 12 day expedition telling the story about the ‘Batavia’, which was wrecked on Morning Reef in the Houtman Abrolhos. The shipwreck was a prelude to an extraordinary tragedy.
In Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney we will take part in various tall ship events and festivities.
On October 4th, 2013, the 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.
After this event we will do our utmost to get good results in the Tall Ships Regatta to Auckland, New Zealand. Here, we start preparations for our long journey around Cape Horn late November 2013. The Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctica, Ascension Island and Horta (Azores) are some of the destinations ‘Oosterschelde’, ‘Europa’ and ‘Tecla’ will find on their way home to the Netherlands.
Do you want to join the ‘Oosterschelde’ or ‘Europa’ or ‘Tecla’ on this unique voyage? See here the sailing schedule for details about specific dates and ports.
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’ or ‘Tecla’ on this unique voyage?
The following journeys are scheduled:
Santos – Cape Town
Cape Town – Mauritius
Mauritius – Perth
Perth – Abrolhos Islands – Perth (Batavia voyage)
Perth – Adelaide – Melbourne
Melbourne – Hobart
Hobart – Sydney
Sydney – Auckland
Auckland – Stanley (Cape Horn)
Antarctica
See here the entire sailing schedule for details about specific dates and ports.
If you want to join one or more legs of our world voyage you can contact the participating shipping companies through their own sites and email addresses as mentioned below.
Oosterschelde.nlBarkeuropa.comTecla-sailing.com
These ships sail the old trade routes around the world:
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 and navigating the ship.
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’ 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’.
| Visiting Address Leuvehaven 75 TO 3011 EA Rotterdam The Netherlands |
Postal Address P.O. Box 23429 3001 KK Rotterdam The Netherlands |
info@dutchtallships.com Tel. +31 10 436 4258 Fax +31 10 436 2100 |
