MAINTENANCE After two previous restorations of a part of the hull, we decided to tackle the third part as well. The fact that we will be leaving for a global voyage in 2023 made us decide to carry out these works this year. And as if this one major job isn’t enough, the entire rigging of the OOSTERSCHELDE has also been taken off the ship. From the sails and booms to the gaffs and yards. Even the masts and topmasts have been placed on the quay. It is a bewildering view to see the number of spars, steel cables, lines, and blocks. All spars will be scraped, sanded, and checked. Where necessary, repairs are made, and we will revarnish every part. The standing rigging (all steel cables) and the running rigging (all blocks and ropes) are also checked. The maintenance work is in full swing now, and we will share updates on our website. We will be sailing again from December forward. Will you be joining us?

ROTTERDAM-TENERIFE While most countries in Europe are cold and chilly, we are leaving for a sunny and pleasantly warm destination: Tenerife. We will only make a few stops along the voyage, so this is one for the more seasoned sailors. You will be part of the crew and participate in the watch system. Three weeks on board, celebrating Christmas on a historic tall ship; this is a voyage that has a lot to offer. You will be sailing across the North Sea to the English Channel, before crossing the Bay of Biscay. In this first part of the voyage, we may have to deal with adverse and colder weather, but gradually, we’ll sail to warmer areas. Once we reach Cabo São Vicente, the first shorts and t-shirts will appear on deck. From now on, we can expect good weather and favourable winds for the last 500 nautical miles to the Canary Islands.