From Jutland to the Weser Estuary

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail from Hvide Sande

Join the ship in Hvide Sande, a harbour town quietly sitting between the North Sea and Ringkøbing Fjord. It’s a working fishing port with strong maritime roots, tucked behind wind-sculpted dunes. Here, Eye of the Wind takes you from Denmark’s rugged west coast into open waters. You’ll meet the crew, haul lines, and leave behind life on shore. This is a part of the world shaped by the wind, and in October, that means bracing air, long horizons, and golden autumn light on the water – perfect sailing conditions for a square rigger adventure!

Along the Way

This North Sea passage offers a rich variety of scenery beyond the ship and plenty do on onboard. Heading south, you’ll likely pass the offshore wind farms near Esbjerg—tall sentinels of modern seafaring energy. With fair winds and clear visibility, there’s a strong chance of spotting migratory birds heading south, including gannets, skuas and geese in dramatic formations. Porpoises and seals may accompany the ship along parts of the route, particularly near the German Bight.

Weather permitting, the voyage includes a stop at Helgoland. Once a pirate haven and later a British possession, this red sandstone island now stands as a natural sanctuary, with sheer cliffs, seabird colonies, and waters rich in marine life. A walk ashore reveals curious geology, naval history, and the famous Lange Anna sea stack.

As the voyage continues into the Lower Weser estuary, the waters become more gentle but more intricate, with tides and shipping lanes requiring sharp navigation. The changing light of autumn, the tang of salt in the air, and the deep, creaking soul of a traditional ship all make this a journey to remember.

Arriving in Elsfleth

You arrive in Elsfleth, a quiet riverside town with a proud shipbuilding tradition. Eye of the Wind was launched just a few kilometres from here over a century ago—so in many ways, this is a homecoming.

If you can stay an extra day, consider a visit to the German Maritime Museum in nearby Bremerhaven, just under an hour’s journey by train or car. Alternatively, enjoy a slower pace by walking the river promenade in Elsfleth itself or watching the coming and going of vessels at the local small boat harbour. The town is peaceful, historic, and rich in maritime heritage.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

October in the North Sea means changeable conditions. Expect fresh to strong breezes, particularly around headlands and in open water. Autumn gales are possible but not guaranteed. The sea state varies from moderate to rough, but the vessel is designed to handle such waters comfortably. You’ll need warm, windproof layers and a willingness to go with the flow of nature. Clear days can be spectacular, with excellent visibility and star-filled skies at night.

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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