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Almost two centuries after Charles Darwin boarded HMS Beagle in Plymouth to explore and document the natural world, the planetary conservation mission, DARWIN200, is following in his wake aboard the historic tall ship Oosterschelde.
On August 15th 2023 the magnificent historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde will set sail from Plymouth on a two-year, 40,000 nautical mile planetary conservation expedition called DARWIN200.
Oosterschelde is a three mast tall ship, and 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. Oosterschelde relaunched after a major refurbishment in 1996 and was recommissioned by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of The Netherlands. She is a bastion of Dutch ship building and is described by the ship's Director and Captain Gerben Nab as having had at least five lives, starting in 1917 as a cargo vessel. Over the past 30 years Oosterschelde 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!
Oosterschelde was the first Dutch commercial tall ship to sail to both the north and south poles and successfully tackle the infamous Cape Horn, a rocky headland on Hornos Island, in southern Chile known for its hazardous waters. During the pandemic when the world was locked down, a team of Dutch ship builders worked tirelessly to elevate Oosterschelde to the next level in preparation for DARWIN200. As part of the DARWIN200 voyage Oosterschelde will once again navigate Cape Horn, considered the Mount Everest of sailing.
On 11 August at 4pm, Oosterschelde will arrive at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth.
Members of the public can visit the Oosterschelde on Saturday 12 August between 2pm and 5pm (no booking required), meet the DARWIN200 crew and explore the ship.
On 15 August at 8am the general public are invited to wave goodbye from Sutton Harbour Plymouth UK as Oosterschelde begins her two year 40,000 nautical mile voyage.
