Sailing voyage Brittany – Rotterdam

Nine nights sailing from the Golfe du Morbihan in Brittany to Rotterdam. Past the lighthouses of the Breton coast, around Ushant, through the Channel and across the North Sea, on board the historic schooner Oosterschelde.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Vannes – Golfe du Morbihan – Breton coast – Ushant – English Channel – North Sea – Rotterdam
Departure: Monday 10 May 2027, 17:00, Vannes, Golfe du Morbihan
Arrival: Wednesday 19 May 2027, 09:00, Rotterdam
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Oosterschelde, three-masted topsail schooner
Level: 2 of 3

Prices per person

Four-berth cabin: € 1,620
Two-berth cabin: € 1,800

Lowest price from € 1,620 per person in a four-berth cabin. Come home without flying: the voyage ends in Rotterdam.

SAILING HOME

After the winter in the south, the Oosterschelde sails back to her home port of Rotterdam, and you can join her. The voyage starts in the sheltered Golfe du Morbihan, one of the finest sailing areas in France, and follows the rugged Breton coast to the Channel and the North Sea.

It is a varied passage: first manoeuvring between islands with tides and currents, then open sea, and finally the busy shipping lanes of the Channel and the North Sea. The last miles along the Nieuwe Waterweg to the centre of Rotterdam make a special arrival.

THE ROUTE

Vannes and the Golfe du Morbihan

You board at Vannes and meet the crew. Over dinner the captain explains the plans. The ship first threads carefully between the islands of the gulf, with tides and currents precisely calculated.

Along the Breton coast

Once outside the gulf, the rocky coast with its many lighthouses lies to port. The crew explains how they take wind and tide into account and when the sail plan is changed.

Around Ushant and through the Channel

The ship rounds the island of Ushant, at the western tip of France, and sails into the busy Channel. You take the helm and join the watch system.

North Sea and Rotterdam

Through the Strait of Dover you reach the North Sea, with its busy shipping and new wind farms. Along the Nieuwe Waterweg the ship sails to Rotterdam, where you disembark after breakfast.

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 help with the sails, take the helm and stand watch; in between there is time to relax on deck and watch the coast slide by.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For those who want a varied sea voyage with an arrival close to home, without flying. Level 2 of 3: a more demanding sea voyage. You need to be fit and healthy and able to cope with sometimes challenging conditions. If needed, the ship can reach a port within 24 to 48 hours.

GOOD TO KNOW

• You can reach Vannes by train via Paris; from Rotterdam you are home in no time.
• Bring warm and waterproof clothing: in May it can still be chilly at sea.
• 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?

No. The crew teaches you everything you need. You do need to be fit enough for a level 2 voyage.

Do we stop at any ports?

No stops are planned. The weather and tides determine the exact route.

How do I get to Vannes?

By TGV via Paris it takes about five hours from Brussels to Vannes.

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.