The Oosterschelde, a historic ship standing 36 meters tall with an overall length of 50 meters, is an impressive sight. Known for its spacious saloon furnished with varnished wood, gleaming brass, a piano bar, and a wood-burning stove, the ship is a significant attraction. It is recognized as a monument of considerable historical and cultural importance.
Last week, Oosterschelde made its inaugural entry into the waters of Fiji as part of its mission to train 200 young environmentalists in various countries it visits. This initiative is part of the Darwin 200 project, a two-year worldwide conservation mission aboard the ship.
The expedition departed from Plymouth Harbour, UK, in August 2023, retracing the steps of Charles Darwin’s renowned maritime journey. Team leader Rolf Schreuder noted that the vessel was originally built as a freighter for the Rotterdam-based shipping firm HAAS.
Oosterschelde is self-sufficient and operates independently, traveling globally and accommodating promotional and presentation activities. It can host up to 120 visitors for day sails or receptions and undertakes adventurous voyages worldwide.
According to dutchtallship.com, since its restoration, Oosterschelde has completed two circumnavigations of the globe and visited over 50 countries across five continents. The ship has journeyed through tropical regions and embarked on several polar expeditions to locations such as Spitsbergen, Antarctica, and South Georgia.
As stated on 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 continues, “As the largest restored Dutch sailing ship, the Oosterschelde is a monument to Dutch shipbuilding and maritime navigation under sail.”