Join the crew of this historic tall ship for the voyage back to Europe.
This adventure combines four consecutive voyage legs that can be joined individually or booked together as one remarkable Atlantic return expedition.
Beginning in Cape Verde, the route follows the classic northbound sailing track towards Europe. The first leg crosses open ocean from Sal to the Azores, delivering a true offshore sailing experience under changing Atlantic skies. From there, the second leg explores the Azores before crossing to the French coast and the historic harbour city of La Rochelle. The final two legs continue through the beautiful waters of western France before returning to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Join a single voyage, combine two or three, or experience the full 55-night journey from Cape Verde to northern Europe. Together, these four legs create an extraordinary sailing adventure that combines ocean crossings, island exploration, coastal cruising and traditional seamanship.
Throughout the expedition you’ll become part of the crew, helping sail the ship, standing watch, steering, navigating and learning traditional sailing skills. Along the way you’ll experience everything from trade winds and open-ocean passages to the green volcanic landscapes of the Azores, the Bay of Biscay, Brittany’s rugged coastline and the waterways of the Netherlands.
Why you'll love this adventure
- Hands-on sailing experience that's perfect for experienced and beginner sailors alike
- Sail from Cape Verde's trade winds to northern Europe.
- Experience both ocean crossings and coastal cruising.
Dates
Itinerary
This page showcases four consecutive voyage legs which may be booked individually or combined into a longer expedition. Many sailors join a single leg, while others combine multiple voyages to create a substantial Atlantic sailing adventure from Cape Verde back to northern Europe. Make an enquiry for full details!
What's included
- Accommodation onboard
- All meals onboard
- Professional captain and crew
- Sailing instruction and participation
- Shared cabin accommodation
- Safety equipment and briefings
- Participation in watch systems and sailing operations
Not included
- Flights to and from the tall ship
- Travel insurance
- Excursions ashore
- Alcoholic drinks from the onboard bar
- Personal expenses ashore
Trip notes
Price
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, aspiring ocean sailors, solo travellers, gap year travellers and anyone looking for a substantial offshore sailing experience. No previous sailing experience is required, although the ocean-crossing legs are rated Level 3 and are best suited to fit and active travellers comfortable spending extended periods at sea.
Additional notes
- Voyage legs may be booked individually or combined
- Sal to Horta: 25 March – 8 April 2027
- Horta to La Rochelle: 10–25 April 2027
- La Rochelle to Vannes: 27 April – 2 May 2027
- Vannes to Rotterdam: 10–19 May 2027
- Combined sailing duration: 43 nights
- Overall expedition period: 25 March – 19 May 2027
- Ocean crossing sections are rated Level 3
- Coastal sections are less demanding
- No sailing experience required
- Guests actively participate in sailing operations throughout
FAQs
Is there an age limit?
No, provided you’re in good health and fitness. The crew welcome sailors of all ages on these voyages.
Can I explore the islands on my own?
Of course! All activities are optional; you can freely explore or choose to relax in the sun.
Can I book as a solo traveller?
Yes absolutely! Solo travellers are welcome and you’ll find many people onboard who join solo. There’s no single supplement for the shared same sex cabins. Both 4 and 2 person berths are available that suit solo, couple and group bookings.
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
Sal to Horta to La Rochelle to Vannes to Rotterdam: Atlantic Return Expedition
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