Return of the Dutch Tall Ship Oosterschelde to Plymouth

12th November 2025

After completing a two-year circumnavigation as part of the Darwin200 Global Voyage, the historic Dutch three-masted schooner ‘Oosterschelde’ will return to Plymouth – the very port where her journey began in August 2023.

Inspired by Charles Darwin’s legendary voyage onboard HMS Beagle, the Darwin200 project set out to promote global conservation and youth engagement in science. Over the course of the expedition, the ‘Oosterschelde’ sailed more than 47,000 nautical miles, visiting four continents and ports ranging from Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, and Cape Town to remote regions such as the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island, Pitcairn, and St. Helena.

At each stop, young researchers – known as Darwin Leaders – joined the voyage to conduct fieldwork with local conservationists. In total, 106 Darwin Leaders from 45 countries took part, contributing to research and raising global awareness for biodiversity protection. Please see Darwin200.com for their work.

Built in 1917 and meticulously restored between 1988 and 1992, the ‘Oosterschelde’ is one of the last remaining historic tall ships in the world. The ship is recognized as a vessel of national cultural significance. This world voyage marked the longest and most ambitious journey in her history. Captain Gerben Nab: “We’re very excited about visiting the beautiful historic port of Plymouth again, after the warm and enthusiastic welcome we’ve had upon the start of the Darwin200 Global Voyage in August 2023.”

Mark Veal Sutton Harbour Harbour Master & General Manager said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome the magnificent tall ship Oosterschelde back into the historic Barbican area of Plymouth- it’s a testament to her crew and owners to see one of the last remaining historic tall ships still sailing today. Her return to Plymouth marks a proud moment for our maritime community, as we once again host a vessel of such cultural and historical significance.

Her visit to Plymouth follows the warm and enthusiastic welcome she received here at the start of her global voyage in August 2023. The Barbican, with its rich maritime heritage, provides a fitting backdrop for this extraordinary ship and her crew. We encourage residents and visitors alike to come down and witness this living piece of history.

Plymouth remains committed to celebrating our seafaring legacy, and the return of the Oosterschelde is a testament to our enduring connection to the sea.

As Harbour Master, my team and I are honoured to see her moored once again in the heart of our Ocean City - the two intervening years since we bade them the traditional mariners fare well of ‘Fair winds and Following seas’ have flown by, and we cannot wait to see this stunning ship here again.

Kim Downer, Deputy CEO of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership said:“We were thrilled to hear again from Gerben and the “Oosterschelde” Team, wanting to return to Plymouth following their completion of the two-year circumnavigation as part of the Darwin200 Global Voyage.

This second visit also coincides with our Barbican Christmas Light Switch On, so we are doubly excited that the ‘Oosterschelde’ is expected to be berthed in the Quay, and all lit up ready to be part of our event.

Plymouth is known globally for its warm welcome to a myriad of vessels that choose to visit us, and its testament to the fantastic work that we do along with our partners in ensuring these visits are a success!”

It’s expected that the ‘Oosterschelde’ will be on the Quay, The Barbican, over the weekend and are planning public visits on Sunday 16 November from 1pm until 5pm. No registration in advance.