Cross Biscay Under Sail as Guest Crew on a Tall Ship.
Sail from the historic Galician port of A Coruña to the beautiful French harbour city of La Rochelle on a classic tall ship voyage along Europe’s Atlantic coast. This 10-night adventure combines offshore sailing, dramatic coastlines, traditional seamanship and the unique rhythm of life at sea.
After departing northwestern Spain, you’ll sail past the ancient Tower of Hercules lighthouse before heading along Galicia’s rugged coastline of high cliffs and deep bays. As part of the crew, you’ll help stand watch, hoist and trim sails, take the helm and assist with navigation while learning the traditions of tall ship sailing.
With time built into the schedule, there may be opportunities to stop in atmospheric ports such as Bilbao, Santander or San Sebastián before crossing the Bay of Biscay towards France. Expect long sea days, Atlantic sunsets, shared meals on deck and the camaraderie that naturally develops aboard a working sailing vessel.
Why you'll love this adventure
- Sail one of Europe’s most dramatic Atlantic coastlines on a traditional tall ship
- Hands-on sailing as part of the watch system
- Explore historic Spanish and French harbour towns.
Dates
Itinerary
This voyage follows the Atlantic coastline from northwestern Spain to western France. Weather, sea conditions and prevailing winds will shape the exact route, harbour stops and sailing plan. Traditional sailing voyages are intentionally flexible, making each passage a little different.
What's included
- Accommodation onboard
- All meals during the voyage
- Sailing instruction and participation
- Safety equipment and briefings
- Professional captain and crew
- Shared cabin accommodation
Not included
- Travel to A Coruña
- Travel from La Rochelle
- Drinks from the onboard bar
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses ashore
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
All cabins are equipped with a hot and cold tap sink, bedding and towel, European sockets, heating, and forced ventilation for a comfortable night in the tropics. Toilets and showers are communal and separate for men and women. The living area is spacious and comfortably furnished, with large tables, games, musical instruments, a projector and screen, and a library – perfect for relaxed social evenings after an active day at sea or wandering the islands.
Meals
An experienced chef prepares three well-balanced meals a day. Snacks are served between meals. Coffee, tea and milk are included, and other drinks are served at regular bar prices.
Who is this trip for?
Adventure travellers, ocean lovers, aspiring sailors, solo travellers and anyone wanting a genuine hands-on sailing experience. No previous sailing experience is required, although participants should be reasonably fit and comfortable with life at sea. Voyage difficulty level: 2.
Additional notes
- Dates: 26 August – 5 September 2026
- Duration: 10 nights
- No previous sailing experience required
- English spoken onboard
- Route and harbour stops depend on weather conditions
- Guests actively participate in sailing operations and watch systems
- Voyage Level 2
Tour operator
For over 30 years, this operator has been creating incredible tall ship voyages, enjoyed by new and experienced sailors alike. Most recently they completed a historic two-year expedition in the wake of Charles Darwin called Darwin200.
The aim of their voyages is to have a hands-on, active experience, immersing yourself into life at sea, the rhythm of sailing and the culture of the regions you travel between.
Based out of the Netherlands they have two ships and work with a third providing sailing experiences around the world.
Their Three-masted topsail schooner
The last remaining representative of the large fleet of schooners that sailed under the Dutch flag at the beginning of the 20th century.
The ship is furnished comfortably and supplied with all modern conveniences. All the cabins are fitted with a washbasin with hot and cold running water and there are separate sets of showers. In the spacious and stylishly appointed salon there are reading tables, seating areas and a piano. Life on board is made even better by delicious meals prepared by a professional chef to fuel you up for a day’s sailing.
It is one of the world’s finest, fully restored historic tall ships and the largest sailing vessel ever to be restored in the Netherlands. She is registered by the Dutch Government as a monument of great cultural and historical value. The ship is one of the oldest and most authentic ships in the international fleet of Tall Ships.
Over the past 30 years she has welcomed thousands of sailors and adventure seekers on board including royalty, politicians, presidents and pop stars, even once hosting a birthday party for Sir Tom Jones!
The first Dutch commercial tall ship to sail to both the north and south poles and successfully tackle the infamous Cape Horn.
Their Two-mast clipper-brig
Built in 1919 and thoroughly stripped and rebuilt to modern standards in 1983. The tall-boat brig style was developed by the Americas during the war of independence to evade the much heavier English Man o' War. As such, the ship combines traditional design with fast speed. Since 2008, she has operated as a sail training vessel, undertaking her regular Atlantic circuit through the Canaries, Cape Verde and the Caribbean.
Below deck there is a spacious saloon which is the heart of the ship and each cabin has a basin with hot and cold running water. Showers and toilets are separate – outside the cabin.
Enquire today
A Coruña to La Rochelle: Atlantic Tall Ship Adventure
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A most helpful, friendly and knowledgeable travel company!
Very helpful and provided lots of research material and excellent personal perspectives on the tall ship sailing trip I was interested in taking.— Martin
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