Introduction to Offshore Sailing

This is the pioneer voyage of Expedition ON around the Atlantic. We are sailing from the Netherlands to Madeira (Leg 1) and from Madeira to the Canary Islands (Leg 2) onboard Twister, a classic 36 meter schooner originally built in 1902. A hands-on +/- 2000 nautical miles voyage for life, together with a likeminded bunch of Ocean Nomads. Driven by passion and purpose for the love of the ocean, discovering ways to travel the seas sustainably and live more consciously.

If you’re curious what it’s like to sail offshore, admire the night sky, participate in ‘watch’, learn about sailing and seamanship, in most professional and safe environment as can be guaranteed, with a bunch of like minded adventure spirits of all ages, this trip is for you!

Discover what it feels like to wake up on the ocean, breathe the ocean air, have the wind in your hair, navigate by the stars, live simple and resourceful, and be eye to eye with dolphins. Day in, day out…

But without having to have a month of time which you need when crossing the ocean.

We are proud to have our Dom (Leg 1) and Paula (Leg 2) leading these expeditions. Both of them joined a trip with us last year and will now shine their light on these voyages. If your want to learn about boat ownership (and/or building), meet Dom! If you want to learn about hitching sailboat rides and being a long term global nomad, meet Paula!

Full ON Learning

Leg 1 is a great starting point to get ready for the next big adventure. From sailing the Atlantic to getting your own boat. You’ll be equipped with skills and connections contributing to your personal development and future ocean lifestyle dreams. Great emphasis will be put on learning sailing and seamanship. Our captain teaches meteorology. Is knowledgable about shipbuilding. You’ll learn about the Collision Regulations (colregs), the traffic rules at sea. Passage planning, and other elements relevant to both coastal and offshore sailing.

Destination

Few things are more exciting than leaving countries, and arriving in countries, by sail! We leave the Netherlands mid October. Just when autumn starts to kick in, we head south. It’ll be a little bit warmer every day. We may or may not touch land in the UK, France, or Spain. The weather decides. We’ll be sailing from the channel and the north sea into the Atlantic. A magical entree and change to be experienced. The destination is Madeira, a green lush island paradise where in November it’s likely we can hike and explore in the shorts. On arrival it’ll still be mango season! Leg 2 departs from Madeira and will explore islands from both Portugal and the Canary Islands. Every island is unique in its own way and rich in flora and fauna above and below the surface. Make sure to incorporate more island spending time on Madeira or the Canary Islands. So much to explore. 

Spotting Dolphins is pretty much guarenteed on both these legs.

Disconnection

Most of us spend more time indoors than outdoors. It’s easy to forget the natural world we’re coming from and living in. On the ocean, you face the wind and water elements and find that connection to nature. Imagine a scene with no traffic, no news, no pollution, no civilisation. Just wind and water – plenty of that! A scene where you can gaze for hours to the millions of stars above you; enjoy the dozens of dolphins sliding through the water at the bow of the boat; admire the pink-orange-red sunrises and sunsets, without any airplane trails changing the fluffy and cauliflower-like cloud patterns.

You’ll become very aware of the natural world around you. This inspires. And it’s eye-opening. You come to realise how disconnected from nature we are in our daily lives. In the middle of nature, far away from civilisation, you will see human impact. Usually we’re far away. It’s hard to make it tangible. It doesn’t really affect us. Or so we think. But by being out there, you literally broaden your horizon. Experience will make you think, gain fresh perspectives, and may inspire you to act to turn the tide of the ocean challenges.

The Route

This leg is offshore sailing but not a massive distance like sailing across the ocean. Leg 1 we set sail from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. We sail through the English channel, then across Biscaye, with destination Madeira, ‘the tropics of Europe’. Now and then we may see a glimpse of the UK, France, Spain, and may even head in on of these countries depending on the weather. On purpose we don’t plan this out. We want to sail and go as much with the weather as possible. That’s why we allow 3 weeks for this voyage. The actual sailing time will be less.

Leg 2 is a combination of Offshore sailing and Island Exploration. We have 350 Nautical Miles to cover which includes a night sail. The route will further be decided on the weather. There’ll be lots of time for islands exploration. If the weather allows we also make a stop in ‘Ilhas Salvajes,’ ‘wild islands’ only to be reached by sail. 

We make the best and most beautiful possible route, ruled by the weather.

Weather

Last year we left the Netherlands fully layered up, but after a few days less layers were needed. After a week or so the shorts were on and we were in summer. And we jumped into 4000 meter deep ocean water to cool down on the non windy day. This voyage we can have all sorts of weather conditions. It can get rough, it can get tough. We always sail with safety as top priority. The temperature in Madeira and Canary Islands are around 25 degrees this time of year. SV Twister has a steering hut to stay warm and dry in case of bad weather, something rare on vessels and making the voyage extra comfortable.

Safety 

Offshore sailing on SV Twister with us allows for maximum adventure but with minimum risk. Mum will be happy. SV Twister sails under the Dutch flag including professional crew with the necessary qualification and experience to undertake this voyage. On board, there’s an extensive medical kit and we take extra precautions may you have a certain allergy or challenge. The entire voyage we are in contact with our shore contact, always aware of our position. In any case of a medical emergency, actions will be coordinated with a medical team. Ocean worthy lifejackets will be provided.

At sea, we use Iridium for weather forecasts. The number you can give to your friends and family. They can reach us if there’s an emergency. Also you can give us email addresses of people you would like to keep informed. Every few days we send an email who will then forward this to your people. 

Adventure, Activity & Lifestyle on board

This is a hands-on active expedition. We have a professional captain and crew who’ll be showing us the ropes, excited to teach you, show you and support you. Everyone on board is expected to take part in the running of the ship. This includes doing ‘watch’, cooking, cleaning, setting sails, chartwork, and learning and sharing as much as possible from each other.  It’s part of the fun, experience, development and epiphany moment creation. That said, we’ll be many hands on board so there’ll be plenty of room to chill, relax and simply BE.

SV Twister allows us to connect more souls in one place, away from civilization where we disconnect from everything but each other and nature. Instead of just sailing with a few souls, you’ll have around 15 beautiful people to talk with. We also encourage everyone joining to share their superpower, skill or story. So many interesting things to learn from each other.

No wind? No worries! We just jump into 4000 meter deep ocean for a refreshment.

Ocean Nomads trip are beyond ‘the usual’ sailing holiday. It’s and adventure experience aimed at making the dream lifestyle reality, not just for the time with us but beyond all that. Incorporating the Ocean Nomads values, of community, exploration, and positive impact into the elements of the trip. Ocean Nomads trips are always hands-on, everyone helps with the running of the ship. 

Read more about the ON value and trip operations on the big Expedition ON overview page.

This is an active adventure trip. But ofcourse, you’re always welcome to chill and read a book or just do nothing, but BEing.