The Expedition
From preparation to arrival in the Caribbean — and possibly back again. A detailed planning of the Ocean Challenge 2027-2028 project.
Preparation
Laying the foundation for a safe and well-organised expedition. In this phase, everything is prepared — from the ship to the crew.
- Develop project plan and organise finances
- Assemble Founding Crew and introductions
- Maintenance and technical inspection of the ship
- Sailing training, safety courses and trial sails
Netherlands to Southern Europe
In legs along the Atlantic coast heading south. A combination of offshore legs, coastal navigation and port visits.
- Departure from the Netherlands
- Legs along the Atlantic coast (France, Spain, Portugal)
- Alternating between offshore sailing and coastal navigation
- Getting to know the ship and crew in practice
Canary Islands
Preparation for the big crossing. Time for technical checks, crew changes and waiting for the right weather window.
- Technical inspection and final maintenance
- Provisioning for the crossing
- Crew changes and ocean training
- Studying weather windows and determining departure time
Atlantic Crossing
The highlight: the crossing from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. Approximately 2,700 nautical miles, 18-25 days entirely at sea.
- Approximately 2,700 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean
- Watch keeping: four hours on, eight hours off
- Navigation on the trade wind route
- A life-changing experience on the open ocean
Caribbean Programme
After arrival in the Caribbean, a varied programme of island hopping, local culture, and further offshore legs follows.
- Island hopping and experiencing local culture
- Further sailing and training opportunities
- Joint activities with the crew
- Programme determined in consultation with Founding Crew
Decision point
In the spring of 2028, a decision is made about what comes next. There are three possible scenarios.
Return to Europe
Via the Azores back to the Netherlands — an adventurous return voyage of approximately 4,000 nautical miles.
Extension in the Caribbean
The ship stays in the Caribbean for an extended season with new crew and programme.
Year programme
A continuous expedition programme with rotating crews and routes in the Caribbean and beyond.
Possible Return Voyage
If the return scenario is chosen, a voyage from the Caribbean via the Azores back to Europe follows. An adventurous route of approximately 4,000 nautical miles through the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Caribbean → Azores (~2,500 nautical miles)
- Azores → Europe (~1,500 nautical miles)
- Total return: approximately 4,000 nautical miles
Project in concept phase
This project is in the concept phase. The planning, route and content are still being developed further. Sign up as Founding Crew and contribute to the planning.
Ready to sail along?
Choose your leg and become part of this unique ocean expedition.
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