Ocean crossing Cape Verde – Azores

Two weeks of ocean sailing from Sal in Cape Verde to Horta in the Azores. On board the schooner Oosterschelde you learn to navigate, stand watch under the stars and sail from the warm trade winds to the green, legendary sailors' island of Faial.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Sal (Cape Verde) – Atlantic Ocean – Horta (Azores)
Departure: Thursday 25 March 2027, 17:00, Palmeira, Sal (Cape Verde)
Arrival: Thursday 8 April 2027, 09:00, Horta, Faial (Azores)
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Oosterschelde, three-masted topsail schooner
Level: 3 of 3

Prices per person

Four-berth cabin: € 2,030
Two-berth cabin: € 2,450

Lowest price from € 2,030 per person in a four-berth cabin.

FROM THE TROPICS TO THE AZORES

This crossing takes you in fourteen nights from the warm Cape Verde Islands to the Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The ship sails close-hauled and starts in the trade wind belt, with a strong and steady north-easterly.

The further north you go, the cooler and more changeable the weather becomes, so on a single voyage you get to know very different sides of the ocean. You end in Horta, for generations a meeting place for sailors from all over the world.

THE ROUTE

Palmeira, Sal

The Oosterschelde lies at anchor in the bay and the tender brings you on board. You meet the crew and receive an introduction on life on board, safety and sailing a three-master.

Through the trade winds

For the first days the ship sails north-west through the trade wind belt. There is often a strong breeze and the ship heels well over: proper sailing.

Navigating the ocean

Along the way you learn to read charts, calculate positions, plot a course and read the weather. The night watches, steering by the compass light under a sky full of stars, stay with many guests the longest.

Horta, Faial

Around the Azores there is a good chance of seeing whales. In Horta the ship moors in the famous marina, full of paintings left by the sailors who came before you. After breakfast you disembark.

EXTRA INFORMATION

LIFE ON BOARD

The Oosterschelde is a three-masted topsail schooner from 1918, originally built as a cargo ship and carefully restored to her original state. A permanent crew sails the ship, but you are not a passenger: you help hoist, trim and steer, and you stand watch alongside the crew. There are cabins for two and for four people. A ship's cook prepares the meals, and life centres on deck and in the cosy shared saloon. You take part in a fixed watch system that runs day and night, with time to rest between watches.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For those who want to make a real ocean crossing and learn the art of navigation along the way. Level 3 of 3: a true ocean voyage for fit, experienced sea travellers. During the passage the ship cannot divert to a port, is beyond the range of a rescue helicopter and has no medical support from shore. The maximum age is 73; older guests are welcome on level 1 and 2 voyages or can contact us to discuss the options.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Bring clothing for tropical heat as well as for the cooler, damp weather near the Azores.
• This voyage connects with the Horta – La Rochelle passage.
• Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is required; cancellation insurance is recommended.
• Travel to the port of departure and home from the port of arrival is not included.
• Ideally arrive a day before departure: the ship cannot wait for late arrivals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need sailing experience?

Experience is not required, but this is a level 3 ocean voyage. You need to be fit and able to handle strong weather.

How do I get home from the Azores?

From Horta you fly back to Belgium or the Netherlands via Ponta Delgada or Lisbon. Flights are not included.

Will I see wildlife?

Very likely: seabirds, dolphins, flying fish and, around the Azores, often whales too.

How do I book this trip?

Send us a request through the booking form on this page. Together we will check availability, your choice of cabin and the next steps.

The trip description and route are indicative. The programme depends on weather, wind and sea conditions; the captain has the final say on the route and ports.

All services that make up your trip are provided by independent suppliers. When you book, you enter into a contract directly with the supplier, the ship, under the booking conditions of that ship. As an agent, our service consists of promoting the trips offered by the supplier and acting as a facilitator in obtaining a booking agreement between the customer and the supplier. In doing so, we are always at your disposal with our experience and service.

Sailing along on a tall ship is a special experience. The Oosterschelde sailing ship has been sailing the 7 seas since 1917. Today you can sail on a sailing cruise in modern comfort. The sailingship is 50m long and offers a multi-day sailing holiday with 24 guests. With 3 masts and many sails we try to provide sustainable island hopping and ocean crossing. The huge salon and the cozy cabins will put you in a holiday mood. She prefers to sail to the Azores and sail in Cape Verde.