The historic ship Oosterschelde stands at 36 meters tall with an overall length of 50 meters, presenting an elegant sight to behold. Known for its stunning features, the vessel boasts a spacious saloon adorned with varnished wood, shining brass, a piano bar, and a wood-burning stove.
Oosterschelde is recognized as a monument of significant historical and cultural value. Last week, it made its inaugural entry into Fiji waters as part of its mission to train 200 young environmentalists in the countries it visits. This initiative is part of the Darwin 200 project, which is a two-year mission focused on planetary conservation aboard the ship.
The voyage began in Plymouth Harbour, UK, in August 2023, retracing the journey of Charles Darwin’s most notable maritime expedition. Team leader Rolf Schreuder noted that the vessel was originally constructed as a freighter for the Rotterdam-based shipping company HAAS.
Self-sufficient and financially independent, the Oosterschelde travels across the globe and serves as a venue for presentations and promotional events. It accommodates up to 120 guests for day sails or receptions, and also engages in adventurous travels worldwide.
Since its restoration, the Oosterschelde has completed two global voyages, visiting over 50 countries across five continents. The ship has navigated tropical regions as well as undertaken several polar expeditions to locations including Spitsbergen, Antarctica, and South Georgia.
According to darwin200.com, “The three-masted topsail schooner Oosterschelde is the last remaining representative of the large fleet of schooners that sailed under the Dutch flag at the beginning of the 20th century.” It further states that “As the largest restored Dutch sailing ship, the Oosterschelde is a monument to Dutch shipbuilding and maritime navigation under sail.”