Seascapes of the Western Swedish Skerries

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

You will step aboard Eye of the Wind at 7pm, but we recommend arriving early to give yourself time to explore Gothenburg. Sweden’s 2nd city has a fantastic sea port, with lots to discover (the Maritime Museum is a must-visit, as is the windjammer ‘Viking’).

Once on board, the captain and crew will greet you with a tour and a briefing, covering safety information, the latest weather forecast and the itinerary. You’ll also enjoy dinner aboard getting to know your fellow sailors.

After a comfortable night’s sleep it’s time to slip lines and set sail! 

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. You will make various overnights stops along the way, from fascinating ports and harbours to more secluded anchorages, and there will be plenty of opportunity for exploring ashore.

Experienced sailors consider the western Swedish archipelago to be the most beautiful part of the Baltic Sea. The ‘maritime adventure playground’ off the coast of of Västergötland and Bohuslän has a diverse landscape, is well protected and has endless possibilities for the sailor.

Having barely scratched the surface of what the Swedish Skerries have to offer, but after an enjoyable and satisfying week’s adventure, you will return to Gothenburg.

You will have an evening to celebrate a fantastic voyage with the crew, before your final night on board. Disembarkation is at 10.00 and, following a hearty breakfast, you can get ashore to have another look around the city before starting your onward journey.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

There are places with fast tides so you can get some exciting choppy water in very localised spots but mostly this is sailing in flat waters without big swell. Expect frequent sunny spells, often settled with high pressure at this time of year. Showers are possible, but they pass quickly. It’s getting very light at this time of year as we approach the solstice! Around 18 hours, with very long twilight- it won’t really get properly dark. Ideal for late evening exploration!

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.

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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