Scheveningen to Porto on the Barque EUROPA

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Coast to coast through the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay

The crew on board is international, so English is predominantly spoken.

Say farewell to our home port of Scheveningen as you set sail aboard the “Europa” and head for the English Channel. This voyage takes us from the Netherlands to the historic port of Porto in Portugal. On the way from the North Sea into the English Channel, the ship finds its rhythm as it crosses one of the busiest waterways in the world. This passage offers a unique mix of coastal and offshore sailing and lets you experience the ever-changing conditions of European waters first-hand.

From Scheveningen we head out into the busy waters of the North Sea, where strong tides and shifting winds make for an exciting start to our adventure. As we enter the English Channel, our journey continues through one of the busiest shipping routes in the world – a passage that calls for careful navigation and good teamwork. The interplay of merchant ships, fishing boats and coastal traffic gives this passage a special dynamic.
Embarkation in Scheveningen

On the edge of the North Sea, where the North Sea Canal meets the ocean, the Barque EUROPA lies at anchor in the port of Scheveningen. Her masts tower above the fishing boats, and she lies very close to the beach. The crew checks the rigging and the sails and makes sure that all supplies for the voyage ahead are on board. On the day of embarkation we say goodbye to the Netherlands, hoist the yards, haul in the sheets and set the sails. We leave the Dutch coast behind us and set course for Porto.
Disembarkation in Porto

After almost two weeks at sea – along the European coast and across the Bay of Biscay – we reach our destination via the Portuguese river Douro: Porto, a city famous for its port wine and its colourful, historic old town. Disembarkation is always a bittersweet moment; it marks the end of a great adventure at sea. After days spent together at sea sharing experiences, it is now time to say goodbye to the ship and your fellow travellers. However, this does not have to be the end of your journey – we recommend taking some time to explore this beautiful city or to visit the Douro Valley.
Route

The voyage begins in Scheveningen in the Netherlands. On the way towards the English Channel, shipping traffic increases. The lookout plays an important role here, supporting the officers of the watch in navigating safely through these waters. After the English Channel, we pass the island of Ouessant – the north-westernmost point of France. The winds and currents around this cape can be demanding and offer the perfect opportunity to put into practice what you have learned over the previous days. As we continue, we cross the Bay of Biscay, which is known for its unpredictable weather. It can be very calm here, but challenging conditions can also arise – another excellent opportunity to prove your seamanship.
What is included:

A small, personal sailing experience with a maximum of 42–46 fellow sailors
Sail training and exciting talks given by our permanent crew
Taking part in research projects on board during the longer legs
Delicious meals prepared by our experienced cook; coffee and tea are available without limit
Spend your free time in the onboard library, the lounge, the poker corner, the deckhouse or at the bar on board

Special Features

The watch system

The EUROPA is operated around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a manoeuvre can be called at any time, the crew must organise itself and sail on a watch system. This means that part of the crew is always awake and sailing the ship, while the rest of the crew is off duty. The watches change after four hours.

The Barque EUROPA is a so-called sail training ship, and as such every participant becomes part of this crew and sails as a trainee. This means that everyone on board is introduced to the safety procedures and that everyone is expected to take an active part in the watch system. Active participation in all sailing manoeuvres is what makes these voyages so special. How far you are involved in everything depends on your own interest and physical fitness.

On deck, you work closely with the permanent crew. During a watch you assist the permanent crew for four hours and then have eight hours off. The watches are named after the colours of the Dutch flag. During a watch, you have to take the helm, stand lookout and help with setting and taking in the sails.

Requirements for the voyage:

Health certificate and health and international travel insurance
A valid passport. Please ask your consulate about visa regulations for the countries to be visited, and make sure you have adequate vaccinations for these countries yourself
Personal medication
For work on deck: waterproof shoes with non-slip soles
Swimwear and sandals
Clothing for every kind of weather

For clothing, the “onion system” is recommended, in which several layers are worn on top of one another. Bear in mind that it can get cold at sea, especially at night.

Unsuitable on board

Your bunk has a duvet with cover, a pillow with pillowcase and a bed sheet.
You do not need to bring a sleeping bag.
Towels are provided.
Suitcases are unsuitable for stowing in the cabin. Please bring a holdall or a kit bag instead.
It is not permitted to bring large quantities of food or alcoholic drinks on board.
Valuables