Experience an active sailing holiday and at the same time get to know the ship as a place of relaxation, where you can leave the information overload and the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind. Explore a fascinating sailing area: the German North Sea coast.
This trip is extra special as it echoes the first voyage Eye of the Wind ever made. Starting from the harbour town of Elsfleth on the banks of the river Weser, close to where the ship was built in 1911, the voyage takes us out to Heligoland, Germany’s only offshore island, and then up the river Elbe into Hamburg, Eye of the Wind’s original home port.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Interesting voyage with lots to see
Enjoy varied Spring time sailing
Tuition from a friendly professional crew
Great bird-watching opportunities
See the wildlife of the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park
A perfect blend of great sailing and exploration ashore
Elsfleth is a significant embarkation port for a voyage aboard Eye of the Wind, given she was launched a stone’s throw away back in 1911. This small, charming town offers plenty to do if you arrive a little early. Visit the Maritime Museum, which offers fascinating insights into local nautical history, or explore the Elsfleth Fairy Tale Path—a delightful walk that weaves folklore into the natural landscape.
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
Your voyage between Elsfleth and Hamburg is varied and fascinating. The Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park offers salt marshes, sandbanks, and potentially a seal or two basking in the sun, and you’ll encounter marine traffic of all sorts. The Elbe River leads you past historic lighthouses and thriving wetlands, teeming with bird life—including avocets and redshanks. En route the crew will get you as involved as you like with the sailing of the ship, and will teach you to steer, keep lookout, haul lines and set and trim sails.
Shore excursions offer an exciting change to life on board. The captain decides the course of each day’s leg and an accessible harbour or anchorage for the night. This is based on the current wind and weather conditions and – whenever possible – the wishes of the guest crew. In this way, you will experience the trip as a pleasant mixture of active holiday, relaxation, adventure, sail training and shoreside exploration.
Arriving in Hamburg
When you make port in Hamburg, you’re met with a city that’s both cosmopolitan and steeped in maritime tradition. If you decide to extend your stay, don’t miss the iconic Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Elbphilharmonie, with its stunning modern architecture, offers musical feasts for the ears. Fancy some fish? The Fischmarkt is a Sunday-morning institution, bustling with everything from fresh seafood to antiques.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
May’s a fine month to be on the North Sea. The brisk air is tinged with the promise of summer, and the sea generally behaves itself. Still, this is the ocean we’re talking about—always one to keep you on your toes. Prepare for a mixed bag: mild temperatures, perhaps a shower or two, but often clear skies that make for great sailing. Winds are usually moderate, ideal for both experienced hands and newcomers to feel the ship respond to the elements.
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
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.
Hamburg, Germany
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.
