We look forward to welcoming you aboard at Sutton Harbour, one of Plymouth’s most picturesque locations. After introductions, the captain will provide an overview of life on board and details of the upcoming voyage. The ship’s cook will prepare a delicious meal, and afterward, you might enjoy visiting a nearby pub for a sailor-style cider, just as seafarers of the past once did. The next day, as soon as the dock gates open, we set sail. Plymouth is in one of the largest natural harbors in the world, but soon we will be navigating open waters. The English Channel is vast here, and you’ll already feel the ocean’s gentle swells. We’ll stay close to the coast, waiting for the right conditions to cross the Bay of Biscay.

The Bay of Biscay has a fearsome reputation, and it’s easy to understand why. In earlier times, sailing ships could struggle against southwest winds, often ending up shipwrecked along Galicia’s Costa del Morte. Today, thanks to accurate weather forecasts and auxiliary engines, the crossing is far less perilous. Nevertheless, the journey takes around three days and requires careful planning. As we reach the open ocean, the water depth suddenly increases from 200 to over 4,000 meters, and its color changes from green to deep blue. We’ll steer southwest and begin our watch system. While on watch, the deck crew assists with hoisting and lowering sails, steering, and navigation. We also lend the chef a hand whenever needed. The aft deck becomes a hub for storytelling. Every four hours, we change watches. Between watches, there’s time to relax with a book, enjoy music, share stories, or warm up in the cozy saloon. After approximately three days, we’ll pass Cape Finisterre.

Galicia’s coastline is defined by its deep fjords, known as Rías in Spanish. If our crossing has gone smoothly, we’ll anchor in one of these stunning fjords. Then, we’ll continue southward. The temperature noticeably rises, and with some luck, we’ll benefit from the Portuguese Current and the accompanying northerly winds. Without realizing it, we’ll cross the border between Spain and Portugal and make our next stop at the mouth of the Douro River. Porto is a magnificent city steeped in history, stories, and songs. Once the world’s greatest seafaring nation, Portugal’s maritime grandeur is palpable throughout the city. We highly recommend staying in Porto for a couple of days after disembarking to soak up its rich atmosphere.

The voyage from Plymouth to Porto is the second leg of our mile-maker voyage to Cape Verde. You can also embark in Rotterdam. Or you can continue sailing with us to Tenerife and/or Sal. If you choose to join multiple legs, you get several benefits: 1) A long sailing experience, 2) 15% discount on your voyage fee, 3) You can stay on board in the days in between the sailing legs and you will have more time to explore our destinations.

We would like the ‘Oosterschelde’ to be accessible to everyone, but making a sea voyage aboard a sailing ship can be challenging and you must be sufficiently fit and healthy to do so. We divide all trips into three levels with an icon of one, two or three waves. Not every level is suitable for everyone. The shipping company may contact you to discuss your participation. In an extreme case, the shipping company may advise against going on a particular trip. Are you unsure if a particular trip is suitable for you? Then contact our shipping office to discuss it.

Level 1

Level 1 voyages are suitable for anyone with good mobility and health. Often these voyages are in sheltered areas or close to the coast. However, it is still a journey on a sailing ship, at sea and so you must weigh up for yourself whether you can cope.

Level 2

Level 2 voyages are often heavier or further from home. You must be able to cope well under sometimes challenging conditions, but in case of need, the ship can be in a port within 24 – 48 hours. There is no age limit, but you may be asked to provide additional proof of fitness or health.

Level 3

Level 3 voyages are only for the experienced and fit sea traveler. The weather can be challenging and there are no ports to call at, along the way. We are out of helicopter range and medical care  from shore is not available. These trips are open to people up to 73 years of age, and you may be asked to provide additional proof of fitness or health.