A Fresh Summer Sail along Europe’s North Sea Coast

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail from Ijmuiden in the Netherlands

Ijmuiden straddles the mouth of the North Sea Canal to Amsterdam. It is only a half hour drive from the centre of the Dutch capital, renowned for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades. It’d definitely worth taking time to explore before your voyage if you can. A visit to Amsterdam’s Maritime Museum is almost obligatory for any sailor, and the Anne Frank House offers a sobering but important experience. Or perhaps you’d enjoy a canal tour, relishing someone else handling the ropes!

Stepping aboard Eye of the Wind, you’ll get to know your fellow crew over lunch and receive a full safety briefing, plus an up to date itinerary based on the latest weather forecast.

Along the Way

The voyage will carry you along the whole length of the Frisian Island Chain that lies close to the north coast of Holland and Lower Saxony in Germany.

Expect a tapestry of green dunes, historic lighthouses, and an abundant variety of bird life like terns and oyster-catchers. You may even spot seals lounging on sandbanks as you pass by. The land and seascape are very different at low and high water which calls for expert navigation. 

Further North, you’ll pass the Wattenmeer Wetland National Park of Schleswig-Holstein, a UNESCO listed haven for bird life.

Arriving in Hvide Sande, Denmark

Sitting astride the canal connecting Ringkøbing Fjord to the North Sea, Hvide Sande is a small town renowned for its beaches and watersports. Hvide Sande literally means ‘White Sand’. The fishing harbour is the absolute heart of the place, and the town has a great atmosphere in summer, when the canal is lined with markets and frequent concerts.

We’d highly recommend staying a few days to soak up the West Jutland charm once you disembark from Eye of the Wind. Relaxed and friendly people, great seafood and spectacular beaches!

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

In August, the North Sea is at its most calm and stable, but the winds can still be pleasantly brisk, with daytime temperatures averaging around 12°C to 17°C out on the water. The winds are generally north-westerly, ranging from moderate to fresh. While it’s summer, keep in mind the North Sea is never to be underestimated; it can throw in a good swell and choppy conditions. Layers and waterproofs are your friends.

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.

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.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on the Eye of the Wind

Working Language on Board is German and English

Practical Advice for Eye of the Wind   

Practical Advice for Covid 19 and Eye of the Wind

What is Included

• Sailing Instruction
• 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. 

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

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. 

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