Santa Cruz de Tenerife is our final European port of call. Here, we’ll stock up on provisions, particularly items that are scarce or unavailable in Cape Verde. After everyone has boarded and been introduced, the captain will share details about life on board and the upcoming journey. This will be a positive briefing, as conditions in this region are almost always ideal. The winds around the Canary Islands are predominantly from the north or east and transition to the northeast trade winds as we head further south. The Canary Current, driven by these winds, gives us an extra push, ensuring great sailing conditions, excellent speed, and beautiful weather. Around us, large schools of flying fish leap from the water, startled by our bow wave or predators beneath them. With time, our eyes become trained to spot the heads of sea turtles or the dorsal fins of sunfish. There’s even a chance of seeing whales, as these waters are teeming with life.

Our watch system follows a 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off schedule. On deck, we help with trimming the sails, steering, and navigation. Those who wish may climb the mast (with safety equipment and guidance) to experience the breathtaking view of the ocean like a true sailor. Before we know it, the coastline of Sal will appear on the horizon. We’ll anchor in Palmeira Harbour, clear customs, and celebrate our final night with a festive meal and music. Sal is a rather barren island, but there’s plenty to explore. We recommend staying a few days to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Santa Maria and the relaxed vibe of the Cape Verde Islands, where the motto is “No Stress.”

The voyage from Tenerife to Sal is the final leg of our mile-maker voyage to Cape Verde. You can also embark in Rotterdam, Plymouth, or Porto. 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.

Level 2

Level 2-voyages are suitable for anyone in good health and a reasonable level of fitness, without mobility issues. On these voyages, you can expect days with strong winds or high waves, but most of the time the conditions will be good. A harbor is not always nearby and (medical) help from shore is therefore not always available.

We would like the ‘Oosterschelde’ to be accessible to as broad and diverse an audience as possible, but you must realize that you are embarking on a sea voyage aboard a sailing ship. This requires more from you than a daily walk. Moreover, some voyages are more challenging than others. With different levels (the waves), we provide an indication of how demanding the trip might be. If you’re unsure whether a particular voyage is suitable for you, please contact our shipping office to discuss it.