Get stuck in with the crew to guide you as you help sail Eye of the Wind from inland Elsfleth, along the Weser river and the Frisian Island Chain into the North Sea. From here, a variable adventure with many potential landfalls along Europe’s West Coast and the South Coast of the UK, before you arrive in the historic port of Plymouth, England’s ‘Ocean City’.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Interesting voyage with lots to see
Enjoy varied sailing with potentially challenging conditions
Tuition from a friendly professional crew
Experience navigating inland waterways, busy shipping lanes and the open sea
Visit the fascinating port of Plymouth with its wealth of maritime history
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 Plymouth is varied and fascinating. Initially you’ll be sailing Eye of the Wind along the Weser river, past countryside and busy towns, before the river opens out at Bremerhaven and you enter the North Sea.
Continuing along the length of the Frisian Island Chain, your exact route will now be determined by the weather, as the crew look for the best course South West towards the Dover Strait. Shipping becomes busier as you head for the English Channel, so there is plenty to keep a lookout for! Depending on the forecast, various stopovers are possible along the way to Plymouth, either on the Western coasts of Europe, the South coast of England or the Channel Islands.
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.
Arriving in Plymouth
Plymouth is a wonderfully historic port with lots to explore, so do spend some time in the city if you can! Take a walk up to the Hoe for fantastic views of Plymouth Sound, visit the Mayflower steps and the historic Barbican or take a look at the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
October is a changeable month, weather wise and the North Sea is always one to keep you on your toes. Prepare for a mixed bag: cool temperatures, perhaps a shower or several, but often clear skies that make for great sailing too. Winds can be strong and the sea-state can change quickly, particularly around Dover where the Atlantic is trying to squeeze itself through a narrow Strait into the North Sea. Be prepared for a bit of rocking and rolling, and some exciting sailing!
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.
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.
Plymouth, UK
Plymouth is dubbed ‘Britain’s Ocean City’ and for good reason. It has huge significance for the UK’s maritime heritage, and the Royal Navy are still primarily based here.
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.
