Header trainee

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

Rotterdam (NL) - Lisbon (PT)

02 January - 19 January 2025

17 days, Twister

From € 1980,-

Book this journey

Sail Training

p.p. in 4-person cabin: € 1980,-
p.p. in 2-person cabin: € 2475,-

Book this journey

Twister:
Rotterdam (NL) - Lisbon (PT)

02 January - 19 January 2025

Across the North Sea, Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean. Sailing on the North Sea and the Bay of Biscay in winter is challenging, which is why this trip is suitable for you if you want to push your limits in conditions that can be exceptionally beautiful, but also pretty tough. Leave Rotterdam and raise the sails to navigate over the North Sea, before continuing to the Bay of Biscay and finally the Atlantic Ocean, making a few stops along the way before you reach your final destination in Lisbon. The crew of the Twister has made this trip before, and your own sailing experience at sea and a good physical condition will be useful during this leg.
Open to all Windseekers, trainees younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult (please note that this is not a youth voyage and we expect a big variety of ages on board). Meals on board are vegetarian, but you can indicate if you would like to have the occasional fish or meat dish on the menu.

Ports

Rotterdam is the largest port of Europe, and a modern, bustling town. Much of the historic city centre was destroyed during World War II, but extensive rebuilding resulted in a modern, multicultural city with many architectural highlights. Rotterdam has excellent cultural facilities and a diverse nightlife; during the summer the city hosts a large number of events. Discover the city by bicycle and go for a coffee in Hotel New York, the former headquarters of the Holland America Line.

Lisbon has a long and varied history as a major trading hub, much of which is still visible in the old city centre. Discover Alfama, the old quarters with its many old alleys, steps and the Lisbon Cathedral. The famous tram line 28 will get you there – an experience in and of itself. And be sure to check out a fado concert if you want to learn about saudade – loss, yearning and comfort, all rolled into one. Emotions that all seafarers will get to know one way or the other…

  • Rotterdam (NL)

  • Lisbon (PT)

Key points

  • Dates: 2 January 2025 - 19 January 2025
  • For Windseekers of all ages. Trainees younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • 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
  • This booking is covered by VZR Garant (instead of Windseeker's usual STO Garant).
  • Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
  • "It is an adventure you don’t want to miss! Being a sailor only takes passion and motivation."

    Axel (23), France

You sail on the Twister

Shipping type: Two-masted schooner
Homeport: Harlingen
Date built: 1902
Trainees: 12
Length: 35 m
Height of mast: 27,5 m
Sail: 350 m2

The Twister was built in 1902 and renovated in 2012 in order to provide all the new safety features and modern comfort. These days she is a very fast and reliable sailing vessel. The modern rigging system and  gracefully designed …

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Windseeker logs

  • Sailing back to Ushuaia

    Anne-Margeretha

    Antartica – Ushuaia

    – by Sally

    We had a great sail to Ushuaia, tacking all the way, Anne-Margaretha, well-heeled over and really showing off. Around the halfway point Heinz called the crew up and down came the fok and up went the storm fok. This added …

    Read log
  • Fun day out with friends

    Wadden Sea, October 2020

    All photos courtesy of BTOWU

    – by Nienke

    Besides providing us with super awesome, smart, science people to ensure the high quality of the sustainability side of our Exchange programs, By the Ocean we Unite also organize their own things. Like ‘citizen science’ day trips, during which folks …

    Read log

Photos

  • Trainee
  • Sørlandet
  • Sørlandet

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This Journey is not covered by the STO Garant guarantee.