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Join a sailing adventure on a Tall Ship and set course for new horizons!

Oban (GB) - Aberdeen (GB)

05 June - 14 June 2015

9 days, Oosterschelde

From € 1200,-

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Expedition

persons cabin: € 1200,-
> persons cabin: € 1350,-

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Oosterschelde:
Oban (GB) - Aberdeen (GB)

05 June - 14 June 2015

Discover the untamed coasts and islands off of Scotland with the Oosterschelde – a Windseeker Journey for wildlife enthousiasts and explorers. The Scottish coast offers deep lochs and small fishing villages. The hundreds of islands in the Hebrides each have their own character, are very isolated and therefore quite self-reliant. This area is rich in seabirds, which usally breed on the steep cliff walls. With the Oosterschelde, a relatively small ship, you will visit unique places that cannot be reached over land. During the crossings between the different islands the chances are big that you will spot whales, basking sharks and seals. Inlcluded in the programm is famous St. Kilda. During the voyage the vessel will sail as much as possible. Land excursions to explore the coast, culture and animal life are also on the itinerary. Open to all ages, minimum age 15 years.

Programme Outline

Your Journey starts in Oban, where you can take time to saunter along the cozy town. The next day you'll set course through the Sound of Mull and the Sound of Eig towards Rhum Island. From there you will sail throughout the night towards the next destination: the Shiant-islands in the North Minch. There you'll drop anchor and go ashore using the ship dinghy. The island Sule Skerry is next on the itinerary IF we manage to go ashore, as the seas there can be quite rough.

Next stop is Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. Kirkwall earns her respect mostly to the prosperity of the 16th and 17th century, but in the historical centre you can still feel an even older, typical Norwegian atmosphere. From there you'll sail to the island Hoy, where you can see the 137-meter high rock Old Man of Hoy and the 367 meter high St. Johns Head. At high tide you sail out of the Pentland Firth, with strong currents of up to 10 knots. Finally you'll sail up the coast to Aberdeen

This Journey across the waters West of Scotland is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. At the island of Rhum you're likely to see red deer, sea eagles, a big colony of manx shearwaters and maybe even golden eagles and peregrine falcons. Also the Shiant-islands with their rich wildlife of grey seals, gannets, shags and puffins are part of the program. Off the bow of the ship you might spot several cetaceans such as sperm whales, orcas, minke whales and pilot whales.

Feel free to lend a hand with setting and trimming the sails while you're on board. You can also join the watch rotation, which will have you witnessing dramatic vistas by day, and sailing under the stars at night. When the wind catches the sails and the ship starts to heel, you'll feel on top of the world. But you'll also have time you can spend with your shipmates, or curl up with a good book. For more than a week, the Oosterschelde will be your home away from home, so be welcome!

Ports

Oban (meaning ‘little bay’ in Gaelic) is a small harbor town on the west coast of Scotland, famous for its whiskey distillery. The town occupies a beautiful setting in the Firth of Lorn, and is a perfect place to find shelter from the Atlantic. Walking around town is a pleasure, and close by you’ll find mountains, castles, dramatic coastal scenery, and McCaig’s tower that resembles the Colosseum. In the first week of August, the town plays host to West Highland week, a yearly sailing regatta.

Aberdeen, the silver city with the golden sands, lies on the Scottish east coast. The city has been settled for over 8000 years, so you’ll find plenty of historic landmarks as you amble across town. Aberdeen is also famous for its many parks and gardens. The city hosts several festivals year round, so check out the cultural agenda while you’re there. And take some time to spend in one of the many wonderful pubs, where you can strike up a conversation with the locals. But don’t peek under kilts!

Key points

  • Dates: 5 June 2015 - 14 June 2015
  • Embarkation: 17:00 / Disembarkation: 9:00
  • For Windseekers of all ages, minimum age 15 years
  • Windseekers joining: maximum of 24
  • No sailing experience required!
  • Official language on board: English
  • Price includes: accommodation and meals, excludes drinks at the bar
  • Price excludes transportation costs to-and from the ports. Our travel counsellor can advise you and book your transfers
  • One-off registration fee €25
  • Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
  • Contact your fellow-Windseekers via Windseeker facebook
  • "Take chances. If you don't try, you'll never know."

    Myriam (20), Belgium

You sail on the Oosterschelde

Oosterschelde
Shipping type: Three-masted topsail schooner
Homeport: Rotterdam (NL)
Date built: 1917
Trainees: 24
Length: 50 m
Height of mast: 36 m
Sail: 891 m2

An adventurous classic; stepping on board this monumental beauty is like stepping into another world. The atmosphere on board the Oosterschelde is one filled with history and adventure. The classical interior and brass polished details make you feel right at …

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Photos

  • Trainee
  • Sørlandet
  • Sørlandet

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