150 years after the publication of Darwin's book ’On the Origin of Species’ the Clipper Stad Amsterdam, by request of the Dutch Broadcaster VPRO, sailed around the world following the route of the Beagle. Stad Amsterdam will be visiting South Africa for VPRO’s Beagle re-enactment voyage, Cape Town is the last harbour of this adventure. A Dutch film crew, guests and scientists will be on board

On April 25th around 11:30 am, the Clipper will be welcomed into Hout Bay with a 6-gun salute from a VOC battery under Chapmans Peak, manned by volunteer gunners in VOC regalia. Upon leaving the bay there will be a second salute. The vessel will then sail to Cape Town where it will be welcomed by a number of vessels and a performance by the famous Cape Minstrels and is due to arrive at Waterfront Jetty 2 on Sunday, April 25th at 4 pm.

On April 26th, from 9am to 5pm, a round table: ‘Stimulating Skills & Excellence in the Educational System’ will take place on board. Guests of this round table are, amongst others, Helen Zille, Premier of the Western Cape, Naledi Pandor, South African Minister of Science and Technology, Arnold Van Zyl: Professor & Vice Rector Research, University of Stellenbosch, Mike Erskine: SEEDS Programme Manager – University of Stellenbosch and Prof Raj Ramesar, Head of Human Genetics at UCT (who will discussthe unique opportunities to use current technologies to mine the rich history and (genetic) diversity of Africa, and in so doing to excite children about linking the humanities and the sciences.) The event will be moderated by Dr Wilmot James, Member of Parliament, Shadow-Minister of Higher Education and former director of the Africa Genome Education Institute (AGEI).

A large Dutch-Flemish delegation of education specialists, teachers, and students, also travelling on the Clipper are visiting the Western Cape to follow into Darwin’s footsteps. In close collaboration with the African Genome Education Institute they will visit several projects including the Darwin Trail and initiatives that stimulate youngsters to pursue a career in the natural sciences and technology.

The three-masted Clipper Stad Amsterdam (76 meters long), has been carrying an international crew of scientists, philosophers, historians, artists and biographers on a voyage around the world.

Included in this prestigious team is:
Sarah Darwin, Charles Darwin’s great-great-granddaughter and biologist. She is following in her forefather’s footsteps and fulfils the historical part of the project. She is continuously trying to unite her research with that of Charles Darwin. Redmond O’ Hanlon is a British travel book author and a Naturalist. He is no stranger to extreme landscapes and adventure. He has been on board the entire voyage hosting the series.
Dirk Draulans is a Flemish/French Biologist, specialized in Zoology and also a TV presenter. He has written several books on the theory of evolution; the most recent being ‘The Success of Bad Sex’ that explores in what ways Darwinist evolution influences humans. His main focus is to make science accessible for a broader audience, and he works to intertwine the theory of evolution with everyday events.
Anthony Smith is the youngest Beagle character on the ship, he is also known as ‘the Clipper’s Artist’. He has been on board during the entire voyage documenting events by means of photography and drawings. His passions involve both science and art.

Since September 1st, 2009 this exciting expedition has sailed Holland to Great Britain, Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Tahiti, Australia and Mauritius. The Clipper’s final destination is Cape Town, completing the voyage by the end of April and having roughly covered 27,000 nautical miles. Along the way our hosts were joined by internationally acclaimed scientists from a range of disciplines carrying out various types of research. Fossil hunters, DNA researchers, geologists, oceanographers and other scientists have conducted in-depth researchs to evaluate the earth’s current condition.
The Beagle project has created a 35-part television series broadcast by Dutch and Flemish Public Broadcasting Channels, but it is not simply a television series. It’s one of the most comprehensive cross media projects, using the latest multimedia technologies available. The discoveries and life on board can be followed live via webcams, weblogs, widgets, videos, photos, mobile, Twitter and other social networks.
This project is an interactive experience for an international community, visible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will last for 10 months.
The Clipper, carrying her 25-person crew, the TV crew and guests Wubbo Ockels, Herman Ridderinkhof*, Hans Fels*, Redmond O’Hanlon and Anthony Smith left Mauritius on April 7th and during the stay in Cape Town the crew will shoot the final episode ‘Retrospective‘, which will recap all the events since September.

On May 2nd the Clipper will sail off to Europe and will return to its regular cruising program.

Read more about this prestigious event.