From Cape Verde to Uruguay aboard the barque EUROPA

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Cross the Atlantic from Mindelo to Piriápolis

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

Embark on an unforgettable transatlantic adventure: the barque EUROPA leaves Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands and sets a course deep into the South Atlantic. We will cross the equator, pass through the famous doldrums and finally reach the steady south-east trade wind. Experience everyday life at sea, learn new sailing skills and become part of our crew!

As the days go by, the vast ocean becomes our world. Time slows down and life at sea takes its course. The rhythm of the watches, sail handling, celestial navigation and research projects become an integral part of the voyage. As the Southern Cross rises on the horizon, we cross the threshold into the southern hemisphere.

Embarkation in Cape Verde

Your voyage begins in Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, which belongs to the northern Barlavento Islands and lies on the sprawling natural harbour of Porto Grande Bay. In the 19th century the town developed into a coaling station for steamships on the long ocean routes; today it is best known for its music, as the home town of the singer Cesária Évora. On the day of embarkation, our crew will welcome you on board and help you with your first steps on the ship. After the safety briefing (usually on the following day), we cast off and leave Mindelo behind us. The open ocean awaits: time for a new adventure! If you would like to explore São Vicente or the other Cape Verde islands, we recommend planning a few extra days before embarkation for your own activities.

Disembarkation in Piriápolis

After weeks crossing the Atlantic, your voyage ends in Piriápolis. As we approach Piriápolis, green hills rise above the coastline and the town, with its palm-lined promenade, gradually comes into view – a sign that our Atlantic crossing is coming to an end. Piriápolis has a character all its own, shaped by sandy beaches and green hills overlooking the bay. Cerro San Antonio offers a magnificent view of the coast. Once the ship has been made fast, it is time to say goodbye to the barque EUROPA and your fellow travellers. After unforgettable moments at sea, you step ashore with new skills, new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Route

From Cape Verde, we hope to pick up the easterly trade winds, which will carry us onwards with a steady following wind until we reach the doldrums near the equator – an area where the winds become light and unpredictable. This is the ideal opportunity to devote more time to research projects and talks, or simply to enjoy life on deck! Once we have left the equator behind us, the south-easterly trade winds take over and push the ship further south along the Brazilian coast. The Brazil Current helps us along until we approach the Río de la Plata – the last stretch of our route to Piriápolis.
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
Take part in research projects on board
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