Join the crew of an historic Dutch tall ship on a transatlantic to sail across the Atlantic Ocean on a hands-on crossing from Cape Town, South Africa to Montevideo, Uruguay in South America.  Start the journey a landlubber and finish a salty shellback sailor. This is the stuff that dreams are made of.

This voyage combines great sailing conditions with a unique ocean going experience. It’s a unique opportunity for sailing enthusiasts who wish to learn the ropes and fully embrace the rhythm of the sea. Guided by your experienced captain and crew, for the first time in 15 years, the tall ship will set sail on a direct crossing from Cape Town to Montevideo. Prepare to harness the prevailing south-eastern trade winds, which generally favor your westward journey

It’s the ultimate voyage for those who are ready to make the transition from pollywog to shellback, who are looking to really get off the grid for 40+ days, and who want to experience what it would have been like to cross that same ocean hundreds of years ago.

Highlights:

• Learn to sail a 100 year old traditional tall ship
• Spot whales, inquisitive dolphins, and flying fish from on deck
• Take a dip in the middle of the ocean – with 3,500m of water below you (weather permitting!)
• Take the helm or climb the rigging as you work alongside the professional crew
• Help catch dinner for your talented on board cook to prepare
• Learn celestial navigation

During this incredible adventure, you won’t simply be a guest, but an active participant in the sailing experience on board this amazing tall ship. The dedicated crew will guide you in mastering the art of sailing a tall ship, covering everything from hoisting sails to navigating the rigging. Regardless of your prior experience, this hands-on opportunity will deepen your understanding of traditional seafaring. As part of the voyage, you’ll engage in the rotating watch system, allowing you to actively participate in sailing the ship under the guidance of our experienced crew.

Because it’s a hands-on adventure and the ship sails 24 hours a day, you’ll participate in the ‘watch’ system. You’ll be divided into three watches – red, white and blue – named after the colours of the Dutch flag. During your four-hour watch, you will be working alongside our experienced sailors to keep the ship running smoothly. You and your watch members will take on different tasks to keep the ship sailing smoothly. Watch tasks include keeping course by steering the helm, hoisting the sails, climbing the rigging, keeping watch for wildlife or debrison deck or helping out with ship maintenance.

After your watch, you’ll have eight hours ‘off watch’. There is plenty of free time to rest and enjoy the scenery. Whether you wish to do some quiet reading or writing in your logbook in the library or enjoy an active role in the social life of the deckhouse: there is a place for everyone. Enjoy a good talk and a glass of wine at the bar with your fellow crewmates, play some games or attend the lectures given by the crew on various subjects, from traditional sailor skills and knowledge to science and astronomy.

No experience is needed to join this voyage, but a positive and helpful attitude is a must.

With no phone signal and only very limited email access this is the perfect opportunity to take a digital detox.  Leave your day-to-day life behind and relax into the rhythm of life at sea.

Cape Town – Montevideo – 45 days, 5,040 nautical miles
Dates: 29-09-2023 – 12-11-2023
Embarkation: Cape Town, South Africa, 17:00H
Disembarkation: Montevideo, Uruguay, 09:00 H
Fare: € 4500 – sailors of 36 years and above // € 3500 youngster fare (up to 35 years old)

Enquire for full details!

Setting off from Cape Town for a direct transatlantic crossing to Montevideo, Uruguay you’ll travel through the main weather systems of the world and across the ocean to South America.