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

Oban (GB) - Oban (GB)

26 May - 05 June 2015

10 days, Oosterschelde

From € 1300,-

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Expedition

persons cabin: € 1300,-
> persons cabin: € 1500,-

Book this journey

Oosterschelde:
Oban (GB) - Oban (GB)

26 May - 05 June 2015

If you’re a Windseeker AND a lover of Nature, this sailing Journey is your chance! Join the Oosterschelde on an itinerary to uninhabited and rugged islands off the Scottish coast. Discover deep lochs and small fishing villages. The hundreds of islands in the Hebrides each have their own character, due to their isolation. This area is rich in seabirds that breed on the steep cliff walls. As the Oosterschelde is relatively small, you will be able to visit unique places that cannot be reached over land. During the crossings between you might spot whales, basking sharks and seals. Included in the programme is famous St. Kilda. There will be also time to go on land to explore the coast, culture and animal life. Open to Windseekers of all ages, minimum age 15 years.

This sailing voyage leads to practically uninhabited and rugged areas. Put your senses to a test! This Journey will be an amazing experience. Discover the Scottish waters. Learn about the animal life and explore the islands.

Programme Outline

Your Journey starts in Oban, a port on the Scottish West coast famed for its lush, dramatic coastline. From there you embark on an expedition across the waters of the Irish Sea and the Atlantic ocean, past the Hebrides to St. Kilda. Enjoy stunning vistas and visit remote islands as you harness the wind on the Tall Ship Oosterschelde. The atmosphere on board is congenial, and you and your fellow Windseekers will bond quickly over many shared experiences. Keep an eye out on the water for whales!

The exact route of your Journey will depend on weather and wind, but you're sure to visit many places of interest. Amble around quaint port towns, hike up windswept hills and observe colonies of puffins and other seabirds that make their home on the cliffy coasts. You'll also explore the mysterious Fingal’s Cave, deep in the basalt cliffs. Mingulay and Bearnaraigh are also on the itinerary. In Castle Bay you will find shops, an old church, and Kismuil Castle - a twelfth century fort on a cliff.

While on board, you will experience the perfect balance between relaxation and excitement. The Oosterschelde is well-appointed and offers comforting meals from its galley. Meanwhile, there's always something to do on deck. Help out with setting and trimming the sails, and take part in the Watch rotation. By day, you'll be astounded by the beautiful horizons this area has to offer. By night, you sail under the mesmerizing starry skies as you have the deck to yourself. Experience life at sea!

The waters west and North of Scotland are an exciting sailing area. Currents and tides, swells and sheltered bays can all be found at relatively short distances from one another, making for a varied sailing experience. Because the area is rife with small rocky islands, the sights are spectacular! While the Irish Sea is relatively sheltered, the North Atlantic will give you a taste of true ocean sailing. The area's relative isolation makes for some great nature life spotting.

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.

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.

Key points

  • Dates: 26 May 2015 - 5 June 2015
  • Embarkation: 17:00 / Disembarkation: :0
  • 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
  • "I learned a lot about both sailing and sustainability, and the social life was amazing."

    Thea (20), Denmark

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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