Circumnavigation: Sailing In the wake of Darwin
The Oosterschelde, a traditional three-masted Dutch schooner, set sail from Plymouth, England on August 14, 2023, to retrace the route taken by another historic ship almost two centuries ago.
Published 9 months ago
In Plymouth UK, on Boxing Day 1831, a young man named Charles Darwin boarded HMS Beagle and the following day set out on a voyage that would change our world.
Not that the 22-year-old Charles Darwin suspected the vast significance the voyage would later have. He was suffering a little of what would later be known as impostor syndrome, wondering if he deserved the opportunity given. Fortunately for us, however, he had the necessary determination and enthusiasm.
Yesterday, on Monday 14 August, the traditional three-masted Dutch schooner the Oosterschelde, manoeuvred through the lock of Plymouth’s historic Sutton harbour and pointed herself south-west towards the Canary Islands for what is the start of a two-year voyage around the world to honour Darwin’s discoveries.
The Oosterschelde will visit 32 ports and involve thousands of people in a ground-breaking geographical project, Darwin200, which aims (among other things), to inspire the environmental leaders and scientists of the future.
And that is what Darwin200 founder Stewart McPherson hopes will be the legacy of this project. “We are identifying 200 young naturalists from 200 countries who will become the leaders of the future – young people who can drive change.” En route, the Oosterschelde will touch places as far apart as Cape Verde, Rio, Auckland and Tasmania – all spots Darwin reached.
The Oosterschelde sails with a crew of 24, which is another way enthusiasts can get involved. “We still need crew for some legs of the voyage,” says Gerban Nab, the ship’s Dutch captain. “No previous experience required, just an ability to work as a team.”
Read the full story at In Darwin’s Footsteps: sailing ship to retrace round-the-world voyage of the Beagle
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Related to following destinations: Auckland, Australia, Brazil, Cape Verdes, New Zealand, North Island (New Zealand), Rio de Janeiro, Tasmania
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Circumnavigation, Citizen Science, Crewing Services, Cruising with Children, Environment, General, Global Yachting Services
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