During this leg of DARWIN200 Global Voyage, we cross the Tasman Sea again. This time to New Zealand. An adventurous crossing in which we will frequently encounter whales and albatrosses. We are here in the ‘Westerlies’. We can count on the wind, which is favorable to us, almost all year round. However, sailing at this latitude is also something for the seasoned sailor and anyone who likes a challenge in the summer. The water is relatively cold, and the wind can be strong. So, enough work on deck! When it’s very cold we relieve each other at the helm a little more often, where we enjoy the ocean waves, which roll under us at a steady rhythm. Typical seabirds of these waters, such as the various albatrosses or storm petrels, sometimes float next to us for a while without apparently moving a single feather. They seem to wonder why we must put in so much effort.

We arrive in Lyttleton, a coastal city next to Christchurch. Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city and is a vibrant city. The many neo-Gothic buildings, parks and parks give the city an almost European feel. This is a nice place for the crew to prepare the OOSTERSCHELDE for the long voyage around Cape Horn, which is on the program next. For all others on board, it is a unique opportunity to discover New Zealand’s rugged South Island.

Before and after your voyage leg
We strongly recommend you book a few days accommodation in the port of your embarkation (prior to your joining Oosterschelde), and a few days in the port you disembark (after your place on the voyage ends). This will allow you to recover before and after your adventure and will give you the opportunity to explore locations at your start and end points.

More than an Adventure!
By taking part in the Global Voyage, you support the DARWIN200 project. As part of your adventure, you will receive the following exclusive benefits:

1. A full color, 300-page, hardback book as a momento of your adventure on board.
2. A short video which will be filmed during each voyage leg.
3. An invitation to the Start of Voyage Party in Plymouth on 13/08/2023.
4. An invitation to the End of Voyage Party in Falmouth on 20/07/2025.
5. An invitation to the DARWIN200 Concluding Award Ceremony in London in summer, 2025. Meet environmental celebrities, the young conservationists (‘DARWIN LEADERS’) and take part in a prize-giving ceremony.
6. Acknowledgement and thanks by name on all DARWIN200 output films throughout the global voyage (although anonymity will be respected, if requested).
7. Free DARWIN200 Global Voyage branded T-shirt!

DARWIN200
Become part of DARWIN200, a planetary conservation initiative that will empower the next generation’s elite environmental leaders and engage millions of students worldwide in conservation projects. By taking part in the Global Voyage, you will be helping to make the DARWIN200 project a reality. For more information visit: www.darwin200.com.

Q & A sessions
Interested in joining? Join our live information session about the 2023-25 Global Voyage. Each Information Session is beamed via Zoom and includes an overview of the global voyage, information about each of the 32 voyage legs, a live walk around Oosterschelde (when her schedule allows) and a Questions and Answers exchange.

Join the next info session via www.darwin200.com/info.

Level 3

Level 3-voyages are only suitable for the experienced and fit (sea)traveler. The weather could be challenging and during a crossing, there a few if not any options to divert to a harbor. We sail out of reach of helicopters and medical care from shore is usually not available.

The shipping company would like the OOSTERSCHELDE to be accessible to the widest possible audience, but you must realize that you are making a voyage aboard a seagoing tall ship. This requires more of your physical ability than a daily walk. Some voyages are more challenging than others. With the different levels, we give an indication of how heavy the voyage can be. If you are unsure whether a voyage is suitable for you, it is important to contact shipping company OOSTERSCHELDE for advice.