Six days with lots of variety! Step aboard in Amsterdam, one of the most beautiful cities in Western Europe, before crossing two freshwater lakes – the Markermeer and the IJsselmeer. Then sail through the Wadden Sea and along the West and East Frisian island chain. Depending on wind and weather, stops on Terschelling or Borkum are possible. The destination of the voyage is the Weser estuary with the port town of Elsfleth – not far from the place where Eye of the Wind was launched in 1911! With fresh spring winds and plenty of sailing time at sea, no two days will be the same.
Voyage
Vessel
Voyage Highlights
Ever changing scenery
Tuition from a friendly and welcoming crew
Varied and engaging sailing
Shoreside exploration among the picturesque Frisian Islands
The Dutch capital, renowned for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades, offers a picturesque setting for the beginning of your journey. If you have time before joining the ship, a visit to the Maritime Museum is almost obligatory for any sailor. 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 dinner 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 through the captivating waters of the IJsselmeer before venturing out to the raw beauty of the North Sea coast. You will sail nearly 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.
Arriving in Elsfleth
Our sails will finally catch the winds leading us to Elsfleth, Germany, a destination with significant historical ties to Eye of the Wind; The ship was first launched over 110 years ago at Lühring shipyard at Brake/Germany – just a few kilometres away from Elsfleth. Even today there is a shipyard plaque on board, which documents the year of construction 1911.
If you choose to stay an extra day, you can visit the Maritime Museum, which offers fascinating insights into local nautical history. Another option is to explore the Elsfleth Fairy Tale Path—a delightful walk that weaves folklore into the natural landscape.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
In April, the IJsselmeer and North Sea can be pleasantly brisk, with daytime temperatures averaging around 10°C. The winds are generally westerly, ranging from moderate to fresh. While it’s spring, 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. 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
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a fascinating city, particularly for sailors. Explore the intricate network of waterways and the incredible Het Scheepvaartmuseum to discover five centuries of maritime history.
Elsfleth, Germany
The town of Elsfleth sits on the bank of the Weser river in Lower Saxony. For a relatively small place, it has a real maritime bent, with its harbour and docks the centre of the town and a renowned naval navigation school.
To navigate, press the arrow keys.
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.
