| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 12-06-2027, 19:00Lerwick, Shetland | Sat 19-06-2027, 10:00Lerwick, Shetland | Eye of the Wind | 7 Nights | EYE27/28 |
Explore Scotland’s northernmost islands aboard Eye of the Wind on a seven-night sailing expedition around Shetland and Fair Isle. Discover dramatic coastlines, sheltered bays, remote island communities and some of Britain’s most remarkable seabird colonies.
A round trip from and to Lerwick, the voyage combines coastal exploration with longer passages across the open waters of the North Sea. A planned highlight is a visit to Fair Isle, where a guided walk with a local ranger offers the chance to see puffins at their nesting sites.
No previous sailing experience is required, although guests should be prepared for an offshore passage and the possibility of adventurous conditions. This is Viking Country, after all!
| Vessel type / Rig | 2 Masted Brig |
| Guest Berths | 12 |
| Beam | 7.01m (23ft) |
| Draft | 2.7m (8.9ft) |
| Overall Length | 40.23m (132ft) |
| Year Built | 1911 |
Your voyage begins and ends in in Lerwick, the capital of Shetland and a historic harbour town with strong connections to fishing, shipping and North Sea trade. The town’s waterfront is lined with stone buildings, working boats and narrow streets that reflect its maritime past.
If you arrive a day early (or have a day spare at the end of your voyage), we highly recommend taking the time to explore the old town. Commercial Street follows the waterfront through a collection of independent shops and historic buildings. The Shetland Museum and Archives provides an excellent introduction to the islands’ history, from prehistoric settlement and Norse influence to fishing and modern island life.
Lerwick is also a good place to discover Shetland’s traditional knitwear, including Fair Isle patterns and garments made from locally produced wool. Victoria Pier lies close to the town centre, making it easy to explore on foot.
When you join Eye of the Wind, the crew will welcome you aboard, introduce you to the ship and explain the plans for the voyage. You’ll have an opportunity to meet your fellow guests over dinner and settle into life aboard before sailing.
Leaving Lerwick, Eye of the Wind sets out to explore Shetland’s extensive coastline, where steep cliffs, sheltered voes and rocky headlands create a varied sailing area. The captain will choose a route to suit the weather, combining relaxed coastal sailing with longer passages between the islands. There may also be opportunities to visit small harbours and go ashore to explore the landscape and local communities.
A planned highlight is Fair Isle, a remote island lying between Shetland and Orkney, renowned for its seabirds and traditional knitwear. If conditions permit a landing, the intention is to join a local ranger for a guided walk to see nesting puffins. June is an excellent time to observe these distinctive birds, along with guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and other species that gather around the island’s cliffs during the breeding season.
Wildlife watching is an important part of this voyage. Shetland’s coastal waters are home to seals, harbour porpoises and several dolphin species, while whales and orcas are occasionally spotted. Gannets and other seabirds are often seen feeding offshore, and the long daylight hours provide plenty of opportunities to watch from deck.
Throughout the voyage, guests are welcome to help sail Eye of the Wind under the guidance of the professional crew. You may take a turn at the helm, help handle sails or learn more about traditional seamanship. Participation is voluntary, so there is also time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Depending on the route and conditions, the ship may sail into the evening or through part of the night.
Shetland’s strong maritime traditions are evident in its small settlements, fishing harbours and historic sites. Norse influences remain visible in local place names and culture, while the islands’ famous ponies and traditional woollen knitwear are part of their distinctive identity. Every shore visit offers a chance to discover another aspect of life in these northern islands.
Eye of the Wind returns to Lerwick at the end of the voyage, bringing you back to Shetland’s main harbour after a week exploring its islands and coastal waters.
June is an excellent time to explore Shetland, with long daylight hours and the islands’ seabird colonies at their busiest. Daytime temperatures typically range from 10–14°C, although it can feel cooler on deck, particularly when sailing in a fresh breeze.
The sheltered bays and waterways around Shetland can provide comfortable sailing, while passages between the islands and towards Fair Isle involve more exposed waters. Conditions can change quickly, with fresh winds, occasional rain and some swell possible. The captain will plan the route around the forecast, choosing suitable anchorages and opportunities to go ashore.
With almost 19 hours of daylight and only a short period of twilight, there is plenty of time for sailing, wildlife watching and island exploration. Warm layers, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear will keep you comfortable on deck and ashore.
No previous sailing experience is necessary. The professional crew will guide you throughout, making this an excellent opportunity to discover traditional sailing while exploring one of Britain’s most distinctive island groups.
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.
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. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’
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.
When it comes to reaching Lerwick, Scotland, your voyage may have already acquainted you with the joys of traditional sailing. However, for those exploring by land or air, here are your options:
*From the UK:*
Lerwick is well-connected to the UK mainland. You can hop on a train to Aberdeen or Inverness and catch a ferry from there. Alternatively, domestic flights from major UK airports, such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, can whisk you to Shetland’s capital.
*From Europe:*
If you’re venturing from continental Europe, flying is your best bet. Direct flights are available from several European cities to Sumburgh Airport, which is just a scenic drive away from Lerwick. Ferries from the Scottish mainland are also an option.
*From North America:*
For our friends across the Atlantic, consider taking an international flight to one of the major UK airports mentioned earlier. From there, you can follow the UK travel route as detailed above.
*From Australia:*
Australia is a bit further afield, but the journey is worth it. You’ll likely need to take a series of long-haul flights to reach the UK first. Once on British soil, follow the same instructions for travelers from the UK.
**What to Do in Lerwick**
Lerwick, with its rich maritime history, has much to offer.
*History:*
Lerwick is steeped in history. Don’t miss Fort Charlotte, an imposing fortress with captivating tales to tell. For maritime enthusiasts, the Shetland Museum and Archives will be your treasure trove of nautical history.
*Culture:*
Immerse yourself in Shetland’s vibrant culture. The Shetland Folk Festival is a must-attend event, celebrating traditional music and dance. Explore the local arts scene at Bonhoga Gallery and indulge in the captivating Shetland dialect.
*Sites of Interest to a Sailor:*
For those with saltwater in their veins, Lerwick’s coastline offers breathtaking views. Visit the Lerwick Harbour, marvel at Bressay Lighthouse, and explore the rugged beauty of Shetland’s coast.
*Entertainment:*
When the sun dips below the horizon, Lerwick’s nightlife comes alive. Enjoy live music, sample local brews, and maybe even join in some traditional Shetland dancing.
*Eating Out:*
Lerwick’s dining scene is a treat for the taste buds. Savor fresh seafood at the Fjara Café Bar, or opt for traditional fare at The String.
*Nature:*
Lerwick is surrounded by natural beauty. Take a hike along the scenic cliffs, or venture to nearby islands for birdwatching and coastal walks.
*Unique Features:*
Lerwick’s charm lies in its unique blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. It’s a place where ancient traditions meet modern life, creating an experience unlike any other. It is well worth a visit to Clickimin Broch as shown above.
For a comfortable stay, consider these well-known options:
– The Lerwick Hotel: A central location with great amenities.
– Kveldsro House Hotel: A charming and welcoming choice.
Tourist Website
And for all the official tourist information you’ll need, head over to the Shetland.org website (https://www.shetland.org/). It’s your key to unlocking the secrets of this captivating port town.
Sustainable Travel Carbon Offset Schemes
By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.
Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.
UK: One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.
North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.
Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.
Australia: “Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.
Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.
If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.
Practical Advice for Eye of the Wind
Practical Advice for Covid 19 and Eye of the Wind
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.
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.
The Captain's style was excellent.. so skilled, authoritative but never shouty, always caring, kind, funny & interested in people. I was So impressed that the crew were majority of girls, so strong, brave, knowledgeable & keen. 20yrs ago there might have been 1 or 2 token girls in crew & now they run the ship!
Boys also wonderful of course & chef Dennis was excellent. Im old enough to be Granny to most, but no ageism, sexism or patronising attitudes so thankyou for that.
The stops on the Danish islands were good use of time. So clean, green, pretty, & v.friendly. Unfavourable wind meant we couldn't sail as much as hoped but last day we got 12 of 15 sails up. Helming a tall ship in full sail is such a privilege. Wow.!
What a beautiful experience. Memories are priceless.
Naomi - Baltic Sea Spring 2026
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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