Dutch Tall Ship Oosterschelde Triumphs Over the Treacherous Waters of Cape Horn during DARWIN200 Conservation Voyage

Dutch Tall Ship Oosterschelde Triumphs Over Cape Horn During DARWIN200 Conservation Voyage

The historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde has successfully rounded Cape horn during the DARWIN200 conservation mission, marking a significant milestone in its epic voyage retracing Charles Darwin’s path.

The Cape horn rounding, achieved on February 12th, was a feat of skill and determination, requiring the vessel to navigate treacherous conditions with howling winds, massive waves, and unpredictable currents. The Oosterschelde, known for its resilience and ancient importance, lived up to its reputation by successfully completing this challenging passage.

“This legendary headland has been the graveyard of countless ships since the Age of Exploration,” said Captain Maarten De Jong, a seasoned sailor and veteran of 197 voyages with the Oosterschelde. “The extreme weather, with frequent 12-meter waves and wind speeds exceeding 100 km/h, has made it one of the most feared sailing routes on Earth. I’m proud of the ship and our crew for skilfully navigating these challenging waters to show what is absolutely possible and reinforce our mission of making seafaring and exploration accessible for adventure seekers of all ages and backgrounds.”

Oosterschelde: A Ship with a Rich History

The Oosterschelde, one of the world’s finest fully restored historic tall ships, holds a prominent place in Dutch maritime history. Launched in 1917 as a cargo vessel, the vessel has undergone multiple transformations throughout its lifespan, eventually becoming a popular platform for adventure seekers and cultural events.

This majestic vessel has sailed to both poles, conquered the treacherous waters of Cape Horn, and welcomed numerous notable figures, including royalty, politicians, and even Sir Tom Jones. Its journey has been marked by both grandeur and resilience.

DARWIN200: Conservation Through Exploration

As part of the DARWIN200 mission, the Oosterschelde embarked on a groundbreaking two-year voyage in august 2023, retracing Charles Darwin’s 19th-century journey aboard the HMS Beagle. This epic adventure aims to train and engage 200 young environmentalists from across the globe in hands-on conservation efforts in locations that hold significance for Darwin’s groundbreaking work.

The voyage,spanning over 31,500 nautical miles and lasting 545 days,features significant port stops in the Falkland Islands,cape Town,St. Helena, Ascension Island, the Azores, and Falmouth, UK. The journey concludes with a celebratory ‘victory lap’ to London and a homecoming voyage to the Oosterschelde’s port of Rotterdam.

From September 2025, exciting voyages for guest crews will be available in the UK, Portugal, Cape Verde Islands, Canary Islands, Suriname, Martinique, St. Martin, and the Bahamas.

Join the Adventure

For those eager to experience the thrill of sailing aboard a historical vessel and contribute to global conservation efforts, the Oosterschelde offers a unique possibility.

To learn more about the Oosterschelde and upcoming voyages, visit: https://www.dutchtallship.com/sailing-trips/

For data about the DARWIN200 mission, visit: https://darwin200.com/

What are the key conservation goals of the DARWIN200 mission aboard the Oosterschelde?

Interview with Captain Maarten De Jong: Oosterschelde’s Epic Voyage and Conservation Mission

Navigating Cape Horn: An Interview with Captain Maarten de Jong

Archyde: Captain de Jong,the Oosterschelde has just successfully rounded Cape Horn during the DARWIN200 mission.How does it feel to achieve this remarkable milestone?

Captain Maarten de Jong: It’s an incredible feeling, truly.Cape Horn has been a formidable challenge for sailors since time immemorial. The fact that we’ve navigated this legendary headland with a historic vessel like the Oosterschelde makes it all the more satisfying. I couldn’t be prouder of our crew.

Archyde: The conditions must have been treacherous. Could you share some details about the voyage?

Captain de Jong: Indeed, it was grueling. We faced monstrous waves, howling winds, and unpredictable currents – all part of what makes Cape Horn so infamous. But our crew rose to the challenge, working together seamlessly. The Oosterschelde, with its sturdy construction and fine maneuverability, handled these extreme conditions like a champion.

Tall Ships and Conservation: A Historic Partnership

Archyde: Captain, the Oosterschelde is both a historical vessel and a platform for environmental conservation through the DARWIN200 mission. How does this unique role resonate with you?

Captain de Jong: It’s truly inspiring.The Oosterschelde has always been a ship of exploration and adventure, but the DARWIN200 mission lends a new purpose: training and engaging young environmentalists in practical conservation efforts. Retracing Darwin’s journey allows us to reaffirm and advance the ideals of curiosity, finding, and responsibility towards our planet.

archyde: Speaking of discovery, what do you hope the Oosterschelde and its crew will achieve during the remainder of the DARWIN200 mission?

Captain de Jong: We aim to continue inspiring young minds to protect and preserve our planet’s biodiversity. from the Falkland Islands to the UK, each stop on our journey presents unique opportunities for conservation and education. By the end of our voyage, I hope we’ve trained a new generation of environmental stewards and created lasting change in the places we’ve visited.

A future at Sea: Thoughts for Aspiring Sailors and Conservationists

Archyde: For those eager to join future voyages or follow in your footsteps, what advice would you offer?

Captain de Jong: First, always respect and appreciate the power of the sea. Next, learn from every experience, both good and challenging. Lastly, never forget the importance of working together as a team.The same principles apply whether you’re sailing a historic tall ship or leading conservation efforts on land.

Archyde: Thank you, Captain de Jong, for your time and insight. We’re excited to follow the Oosterschelde’s journey and the DARWIN200 mission as they continue to make history and inspire conservation.

Captain de Jong: You’re most welcome. Safe sailing, and let’s keep fighting for our planet!