Sail up the Danish Archipelago / Feeder to the “Rum Regatta”
Berth Price
Embark
Disembark
Vessel
Duration
Voyage No
Tue 27-05-2025, 19:00Eckernforde, Germany
Sat 31-05-2025, 09:00Flensburg, Germany
Eye of the Wind
4 Nights
EYE25/17
Perfect for Beginners!
Experience a remarkable journey from Eckernförde to Flensburg aboard Eye of the Wind. This voyage offers a perfect blend of serene sailing conditions, captivating maritime history, and picturesque coastal scenery. Departing from the charming town of Eckernförde, you’ll sail past landmarks such as Glücksburg Castle and the Geltinger Birk Nature Reserve. Arriving in the historic city of Flensburg, just in time for the town’s famous Rum Regatta festival! Ideal for both seasoned sailors and curious newcomers, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience on the Baltic Sea.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Sail in style with en suite cabins & elegant interior
Your journey starts in Eckernförde, a quaint town with a rich maritime heritage. Thanks to its ts sheltered bay and strategic location, Eckernförde became an important fishing and trading port and the town’s history is marked by shipbuilding and the herring trade. If you arrive early, take some time to explore the local fish market for a taste of fresh seafood, or stroll along the long sandy beach. Don’t miss the Ostsee Info-Center, where you can learn about the Baltic Sea’s marine life through interactive exhibits.
When it’s time to join the ship, Eye of the Wind’s friendly professional crew will welcome you aboard and help you get settled in. After a safety briefing, the crew will ‘show you the ropes’ as you head off on your adventure along the coast.
Along the Way
This 4 night voyage is perfect for new sailors (and seasoned sea dogs!). As you head north through the Danish Archipelago towards your destination, you’ll hug the coast line and encounter a variety of stunning landmarks and natural beauty. If you’re a birdwatcher or nature enthusiast, keep your binoculars close by as you pass by the Geltinger Birk Nature Reserve; a beautiful spot for birdwatching (you may even see wild ponies and highland cattle!). Sailing near Glücksburg Castle, a magnificent Renaissance structure, adds a touch of historical grandeur to your journey. The coastline, adorned with sandy beaches and lush greenery, offers a picturesque backdrop throughout your voyage.
Arriving in Flensburg
Your voyage concludes in Flensburg, but if you have an extra day to explore, we recommend wandering through the picturesque old town with its cobbled streets and historic buildings. Visit the Flensburg Maritime Museum for fascinating insights into the city’s seafaring past and its historical ties to the rum trade. Enjoy the vibrant cultural scene, and consider a visit to the Flensburg Brewery for a taste of local beer.
Flensburg Rum Regatta
The Rum Regatta in Flensburg, is one of Northern Europe’s largest traditional sailing events. This lively festival celebrates Flensburg’s historical ties to the rum trade and maritime heritage. If you have time after you voyage, stay ashore and expect to see a stunning array of traditional sailing vessels, from historic tall ships to classic wooden schooners, all competing in a spirited race.
The regatta isn’t just about the competition; it also offers a vibrant festival atmosphere with live music, food stalls, and cultural events. Enjoy local delicacies, including a taste of the region’s famous rum, and immerse yourself in the maritime traditions through historical reenactments and demonstrations.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
In May, the Baltic Sea offers mild and generally favourable sailing conditions. Daytime temperatures typically range from 12°C to 18°C, with moderate winds often blowing from the west or southwest. While the weather is mostly pleasant, be prepared for occasional rain showers and varying wind strengths. The sea areas along this route are known for their relatively calm waters, ensuring a comfortable sailing experience.
A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice.
HANDS ON HOLIDAYS
Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.
SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD
We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.
Start & End Port
Eckernforde, Germany
Flensburg, Germany
On Ascension Day every year this seafaring city celebrates its history as one of the most important commercial ports for the sailing ships of the East Indies fleet with the Annual Rum Sailing Regatta. In the18th Century merchant ships would make regular cargo runs to the West Indies and bring back rum. It has always been a lively sailors port with cobbled streets and over 200 ‘rum houses’ in its day. Perhaps not so wild today but it will see a gathering of surviving wooden sailing ships arrive together and moor along the waterfront.
Square rigger Eye of the Wind is one of the vessels participating and you can join her in Kiel and sail here with the fleet.
Kit List
What to pack for a sailing holiday on the Eye of the Wind
All meals to include refreshments throughout the day
Duvet, pillow and sheets
Hand towels
What is not Included
Waterproof jackets and trousers
Alcoholic drinks but there is a bar on board
Any entry visas required
What to Bring
Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.
Eye of the Wind does not supply waterproof jackets and salopette type trousers. Please bring your own waterproof clothing.
A mix of warm and wind proof clothing.
Lots of thin layers is better than one thick layer in cold destinations.
In tropical countries - long sleeves and long trousers to protect you from the sun
Footwear on board needs a good grip and soft soles- the decks are wood or steel.
Ashore stout, waterproof walking boots are best if you are in remote places.
Eye of the Wind has electric sockets in all the cabins 240 V
Cameras, spare batteries, chargers if you need them
Binoculars are handy for bird watching etc.
Suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses
Dont forget any regular medication, persciption glasses and spare
Euros for bar bill
Passport, travel insurance, tickets etc
To get ashore is usually by dinghy so be prepared to get wet feet. Rubber boots or quick drying sandals - depending on the location.
The ship provides hand towels but please bring a beach towel
snorkel and mask for caribbean if you like snorkelling (travel tip: swimming goggles pack up smaller than a facemask)
Bring insect repellant for Caribbean as can get mosquitos ashore in evening (rare at anchor)
ear plugs can be handy
Electricity
All the power to your plug sockets comes from the ship's generator which runs on deisel. The less the generators have to run to top up power, the nicer it is for the guests on board and also greener for the planet. Please don't bring loads of hairdriers, electric devices to charge.
There is no internet on board whilst at sea.
Review
Hello all at Classic
The trip went very well and was a great experience.
Everything was very well done, great captain, crew and guests.
Sea shanty singing lead by Matthew from the King's Pond Shantymen!
Best wishes, Bob. Eye of the Wind, Cadiz to the Canary Islands November 2024
A fabulous adventure! Words cannot convey the experience.
John, Tortola to Bermuda
Tortola to the Azores! What a great time. Thanks to Captain Pit and the crew. An awesome adventure with awesome people!"
F Coutreau
What a wonderful, lovely, great, awesome trip we've had from Malaga to Lanzarote! I loved and enjoyed every minute.
Thanks again for this wonderful experience. I miss you guys!
Andrea
Now that was a voyage! The EYE crew - all 10 - five women and five men - embody two words:
COMPETENT and KIND
And such a beautiful ship. Thank you beyond measure
Susan
Vessel Gallery
With red sails against a blue sky, Eye of the Wind is a photogenic ship. If you have any new images we would love to see them since Eye of the Wind has only recently returned to our website.
