Sailing voyage Azores – La Rochelle

Fifteen nights sailing from Horta in the Azores to La Rochelle in France. First island hopping past Pico and Terceira, then a week of ocean and the Bay of Biscay, on board the historic schooner Oosterschelde.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Horta (Faial) – Pico – Terceira – Atlantic Ocean – Bay of Biscay – La Rochelle
Departure: Saturday 10 April 2027, 17:00, Horta, Faial (Azores)
Arrival: Sunday 25 April 2027, 09:00, La Rochelle, France
Duration: 15 nights
Ship: Oosterschelde, three-masted topsail schooner
Level: 3 of 3

Prices per person

Four-berth cabin: € 2,925
Two-berth cabin: € 3,225

Lowest price from € 2,925 per person in a four-berth cabin. Any excursions in the Azores are shared among participants and not included.

FROM THE SAILORS' ISLAND TO THE FRENCH COAST

This voyage combines the best of two worlds. For the first few days you explore the Azores, with their green hills, steep cliffs and small harbour villages. Then the ship heads north-east for a real crossing to mainland Europe.

After about a week on the ocean you reach the Bay of Biscay, notorious for its weather but in reality often surprisingly mild. You end in La Rochelle, whose medieval towers at the harbour entrance make it one of the finest arrivals on the French west coast.

THE ROUTE

Horta, Faial

Horta is world-famous among ocean sailors, and the legendary sailors' café by the harbour is part of every visit. The ship is moored a few hundred metres away and the crew welcomes you on board.

Pico and Terceira

First the ship sails to Pico, the island with the highest mountain in Portugal. Then comes Terceira, with the historic town of Angra do Heroísmo. The captain can arrange optional excursions here.

The crossing

From the Azores you sail north-east across the ocean. You stand watch, take the helm and help with the sails. The days settle into a rhythm of watches, meals and rest.

Bay of Biscay and La Rochelle

After about a week the ship reaches the Bay of Biscay and then the French coast. In La Rochelle 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. During the crossing you take part in the watch system, and at night the starry sky over the ocean is impressive.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For those who want to see the Azores and then truly head out to sea, and for those who like to return to Europe without flying. 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

• Optional excursions in the Azores are discussed with participants beforehand; the costs are shared.
• From La Rochelle you can take the train to Paris in a few hours and on to Belgium or the Netherlands.
• 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 voyage. You need to be fit and willing to take part in the watches.

How do I get to Horta?

You fly via Lisbon or Ponta Delgada to Horta on Faial. Flights are not included.

Is the route fixed?

No, the route is a guideline. The captain may change ports or their order if the weather requires it.

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.