Sailing Festivals at each end.

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Germany & the Netherlands via the Frisian Islands

Set sail from Bremerhaven to Amsterdam on a thrilling North Sea voyage, timed perfectly to coincide with two of Europe’s biggest maritime festivals: Sail Bremerhaven and Sail Amsterdam 2025. This journey offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the grandeur of tall ships and historic vessels while sailing along the scenic North Sea coastlines of Germany and the Netherlands.

Your adventure begins in Bremerhaven, a city steeped in maritime history. Before embarking, take time to explore the German Maritime Museum or stroll along the Weser estuary to soak in the harbour’s bustling atmosphere. Bremerhaven, known for its long seafaring traditions, hosts the renowned Sail Bremerhaven festival, where a vast fleet of majestic tall ships and steam vessels gather in a grand celebration of maritime culture.

Leaving the Weser estuary, you’ll join the fleet, sailing along the Frisian islands, a chain of small, beautiful islands dotted with sandy beaches and serene coastal villages. The open waters of the North Sea provide exhilarating sailing conditions, with the wind in your sails and a fleet of ships accompanying you. Each day brings new sights, whether it’s the vast expanse of the sea or the charming coastal views of the Frisian islands.

The voyage ends in IJmuiden, the gateway to Amsterdam, where Sail Amsterdam 2025 takes place. Here, you can explore the city’s rich maritime history and perhaps extend your stay to enjoy the iconic canals, world-class museums, and vibrant culture that Amsterdam offers. Though participation in the Sail-in Parade is not part of the voyage, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to take in the grandeur of one of Europe’s largest maritime festivals.

This unforgettable four-day journey offers a rare chance to sail between two major maritime events, combining the thrill of life at sea with the cultural richness of two historic cities.

Along the Way

This 9 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.

Possible p[laces of interest subject to the best plan for your voyage and weather.

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.

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.

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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