Eye of the Wind Brest Amsterdam EYE26/09

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Wed 08-04-2026, 19:00Brest, France	Thu 16-04-2026, 10:00Amsterdam, Netherlands	Eye of the Wind	8 Nights	EYE26/09

Voyage Description

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail from Brest

Brest is a living history book where the pages keep turning. If you have time before joining the ship, the Château de Brest is a must-see, revealing layers of the city’s past, from medieval fortifications to WWII history. The National Navy Museum within the castle adds another layer of maritime heritage.

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

Once you’ve left the comforts of Brest, you’ll set course through the English Channel. On a clear day, you might catch sight of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover or perhaps some historical lighthouses that dot the coastlines of both France and the UK. As for wildlife, you may spot some playful dolphins riding the bow wave or seabirds circling overhead.

Here you’ll get to experience the true force of tidal currents, where nature dictates our speed. Whether you’re an avid “ship spotter” or not, you’ll appreciate the variety of vessels you’ll encounter—everything from enormous cargo ships to small fishing boats. As a maritime treat, the Eye of the Wind crew will conduct a “zero meridian christening ceremony” and perhaps even a quick shore excursion if the winds are favourable.

Arriving in Amsterdam

We’ll end our expedition by sailing into the bustling Noordzeekanaal, leading us straight into the heart of Amsterdam. If you choose to stay an extra day, 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, only this time you can let someone else handle the ropes!

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

April in the English Channel tends to offer mild temperatures but be prepared for variable weather. Winds are usually westerly and can range from moderate to fresh (Force 4-6). Make sure to pack layers, as sea conditions can change swiftly. As for the Noordzeekanaal, winds are often lighter, but tidal currents still play a significant role.

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. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’

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

Brest, France

There’s a maritime museum inside the old castle with models, small craft and gear from working boats. The international maritime festival held biennially fills the harbour with traditional vessels, but even outside that, you’ll usually see something interesting moving on the water. Brittany is famed for its seafood, so make a beeline for a waterside bistro and ask for the catch of the day! A bit further afield, the Armorique Regional Natural Park offers unparalleled hiking opportunities and splendid coastal scenery.

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.

Kit List

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.

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.