Sail the Atlantic Ocean on a Classic Schooner

Travel By Sail from Portugal to Suriname

- January 21 to February 24, 2025 (34 Days)

- An opportunity to sail a Classic Schooner and learn from the best

- Stop in Canary Islands & Cape Verde

- Offshore Sailing Adventure

- Mile Builder | 3800 Nautical Miles

- Support Low Carbon Travel

Are the waves really as high as in the movies? What would it feel like to see land after weeks on the water? Are the tropics really like you imagine it to be? There is only one way to find out: to go for it! 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…

This is THE classic bucketlist adventure and we are so excited to team up with SV Twister again.

If you have been dreaming about sailing across the Atlantic, love a classic Schooner, and have a high standard for safety, and a schedule all set up for you, this trip is IT! 

The ocean is the real destination of this trip. But let’s be honest, reaching the tropics is quite special too! Imagine arriving in the tropics after a long time at sea, and zipping that longed for coconut. 

Twister sets sail from Lisbon, Portugal which is easy to reach by land.

The plan is to make a stop in the Canary Islands as well as Cape Verde (weather depending).

Be aware that the weather could always change the route.

Lisbon - Canary Islands (750 Nautical Miles)

Canary Islands - Cape Verder (850 Nautical Miles)

Cape Verde - Suriname (2200 Nautical Miles)

As sailors, we’re after wind. South of the Azores High the clockwise system have a favourable wind direction bringing boats from Europe to the Caribbean. Trade winds are the prevailing pattern in lower latitudes of 20 degrees north of the Equator (when the butter melts). The trade winds cover a broad belt from West Africa to the Caribbean. They are called ‘trade winds’ because back in the days, these winds made it possible to bring goods to other places for trading.

Since the wind generally comes from the north-east and boats head direction south west, the wind comes mostly straight from behind. It makes the journey a down winder.

During a typical crossing, the trade winds are 3 to 5 Beaufort. There can be days with light wind, days with no wind and periods where the wind speed reaches up to 6 or even 7 Beaufort. 

Roughly every three degrees’ latitude you move south, you can add up one degree Celsius to the mean air temperature. Whereas in the Canary Islands the average air temperature is 19 degrees Celsius, in Cape Verde you already have brought yourself to 23 degrees Celsius. From mainland Europe to about midway between the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, the water temperatures are relatively cold, and so is the air temperature. 

From where the trade winds kick in, you’ll start to sail over warm waters. Warmer sea water comes with warmer air temperatures. Every day it’ll get a little warmer as you approach Surinam. If the conditions allow, you make a stop and jump in for a refreshment.

Sailing Vessel Twister is a ship of +100 years that still sails the oceans, safely! Isn’t that amazing in itself? No plastic push buttons or winches on this vessel.

She’s beautiful. She’s solid. She’s big. She’s spacious. She’s super comfortable. She’s got soul. She lasts. She has proven her worth and seaworthiness. 

Sailing ship Twister is a schooner built in 1902, with an impressive story to tell. Originally a fishing boat built out of wood, fifty-five years later, her wooden hull was replaced for a steel one so she could continue to fish. She now features all safety equipment, modern comforts, and all licences and certificates to take you safely offshore. She sails under the highly regarded Dutch flag.

Her current owners are driven to sail her far, and with purpose. The aim is to facilitate memorable expeditions that people will treasure for life, and contribute towards a better planet.

Last year, we sailed with her around the Atlantic, conditions ranging between champagne sailing and 9 Beaufort. The only thing we broke were two plates. Given the success of the last expedition, we can now surely recommend her for your ocean crossing.

The size of the ship allows to bring more people together in a place. Through Twister you can experience offshore sailing as safely as possible. Twister focuses on safety and seamanship competence. Many certificates are obtained and complied with to pass the safety checks and requirements. This comes with a cost but the rewards are priceless. Teaming up with Twister allows us to combine professionalism, safety, and adventure, impact and community facilitation. 

Home port : Harlingen, Holland

Year built : 1902

Displacement : 88 tonnes

Length overall : 36m/118′

Draft : 2.8m/9’2″ Beam : 6.2m/20’3″ Rig : Schooner

Sail area : 332.5m/1090’8″

Number of sails : 6

Engine : Mercedes Benz 300 PK

Total number of berths : 22

Bathrooms : 2

A tour of SV Twister

Professional Crew & Instruction

Twister is managed by a professional crew including a captain, first mate and one or two deckhands. This is required by law on a vessel this size. You’ll be in safe, qualified and experienced hands. This doesn’t mean you only sit back and relax (thought on this trip you can if you want). Generally voyages are hands-on voyage involving everyone in sailing and operation of our little floating village. 

Your captain will be Jacob, who we have sailed with in the Caribbean. A highly capable and pleasant person to do this voyage. 

There will also be a chef on board who will lead the food department.

This trip is operated by SV Twister.

Ocean Nomads supports bringing cool people to the voyage but won't be present on board this time for the on board programme.

- Max 14 Passengers

- You don't need prior sailing experience. You'll be taught the ropes.

- Everyone on board will be in a watch team. Participation is encouraged and rewarding but not mandatory. 

- If you’re looking to bring extra sports gear (like surfboards / kitesurf gear / diving gear / bicycles) Twister can facilitate to a certain extent. There is limited space so please ask permission in advance. Music instruments are always welcome.

- You're booking is auto-accepted but will still be reviewed by SV Twister & Fair Ferry to align expectations.

Feel free to contact us with any questions sending an email to ahoy@oceannomads.co

How Ocean Nomads Supports:

Ocean Nomads helps you to be well prepared for this voyage.

When you book before July 30, 2024, you'll also get:

- Access to the Ocean Nomads Crew Course helps you to be prepared, pack, be safe, and be ready for offshore sailing (Valued 297 euro)

- Ocean Nomads Community Membership for more personal support, adventure friends and meeting those who sailed the atlantic before (on Twister or other ships) (Valued 67 euro / year)

- 30 day cancellation Free of Charge. Reserve now. Figure out other logistics later.

Total voyage costs 5980€ (3 Person Cabin) and 7990 (2 Person Cabin)

To reserve your spot:

 15% deposit to reserve your spot (897€ - 3 Person Cabin) and (1197€ - 2 Person Cabin)

Atlantic Crossing voyages usually sell out quite some time in advance. If you're considering joining, do not wait too long;)

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Stories, Testimonials & Transformations
Watch our film about last year's crossing on SV Twister

Still smiling at the memories! Met – and still talking to – some lovely people. Refreshed my nautical skills (helming, navigation, astro identification, etc.) Shared some great experiences through conversation, music, stories, yoga, cooking together, seeing ocean wildlife, and so much more! - Richard - UK

This was one of the most epic experiences of my life so far, and I can tell it is just the beginning.  The ocean has taught me so many lessons…to embrace all experiences (even seasickness), not worry so much, and just be in the moment. Two weeks without connection to the outside world was absolutely glorious. I feel reset. After a very fragmented life the past few years, being around a crew of 17 people every day was amazing…to interact naturally with each other, feel a part of a family of diverse ages, nationalities and backgrounds…I learned so much from these amazing humans. My heart feels so full.” - Sael -USA

"My lifelong dream has been to spend time outside of the US, explore different places, meet , new people and just live somewhere different than what I grew up with. If you told me this time last year that I would have spent the better part the last 365 days sailing around The Canary Islands, surfing in Ireland, sleeping in a van ALONE in England and writing this newsletter on an island in the Adriatic Sea, I would have rolled my eyes at you.  But after joining Ocean Nomads on SV Twister a little over a year ago my life has done a complete 180° ( in the best way possible) and I have the network and so many of you to thank for that! – Brianna SV Twister '21

"The experience on twister with other Ocean Nomads was just really beautiful and I felt connected for the first time in decades, I felt part of a community and had companionship. I was so happy that it’s so all inclusive of gender race religion nationality and most importantly age. It has connected me with like-minded people of all ages and being very transformational personally because my life has been incredibly isolated as a single parent Who works from home. I can honestly say October and November I felt happy and free for the first time in maybe 22 years.  It gave me everything I was looking for. It has opened up so many possibilities to meet new people with similar vibes, including connection, companionship, purpose and being one with nature." - Cay, SV Twister '21

Check our more Stories, Testimonials & Transformations

See the film we made about our Atlantic Crossing last year: Sailing the Atlantic

See the photos of last year's trip on SV Twister.

A sailing adventure offshore or between countries is not a straightforward endeavour. To be ready to expect the unexpected, careful selection and preparation for a happy, safe, and meaningful voyage is essential. SV Twister allows for a safe and responsibly adventure offshore. The beauty of a vessel this size allows us to connect more salty souls in one place, away from civilization where we disconnect from everything but each other and nature. These are hands-on active expeditions, with next level participation in the offshore legs. We have a professional captain and crew who’ll be showing us the ropes. Everyone on board is expected to take part in the running of the ship. 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.

If you ever dreamed about sailing an ocean, visiting the tropics, or just an experience like nothing else, this could be it!

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, Twister uses 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 Twister email addresses of people you would like to keep informed. Every few days they send an email who will then forward this to your people.