Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wed 12-11-2025, 19:00Funchal, Madeira | Tue 18-11-2025, 10:00Santa Cruz, Tenerife | Eye of the Wind | 6 Nights | EYE25/37 |
A week aboard Eye of the Wind ticking off some beautiful islands and a real ocean passage, complete with 24hr sailing and unbeatable night skies. Moderate temperatures and steady north-easterly trade winds make this mini-Atlantic adventure a great option for a first deep-sea voyage.
Sailing Areas | New Zealand |
Vessel type / Rig | 2 Masted Brig |
Guest Berths | 12 |
Beam | 7.01m (23ft) |
Draft | 2.7m (8.9ft) |
Overall Length | 40.23m (132ft) |
Year Built | 1911 |
Your journey begins in the lively harbour of Funchal, Madeira. The island’s capital is renowned for its lush, terraced hillsides and the deep blue Atlantic that wraps around its shores. Take some time to explore, if your travel plans allow. Funchal is a mecca for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers, with its backdrop of impressive mountains and a UNESCO world heritage site natural park.
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.
Departing Funchal, you can enjoy the sprawling vistas of Madeira’s ancient laurel forests and rugged coastline, before the island shrinks into the distance and the wide ocean takes over.
The journey to Tenerife is over 250 nautical miles, involving several days at sea. You will soon fall into the rhythm of life on board, and enjoy the head-space the ocean provides.
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.
Your voyage culminates in the vibrant Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the “Island of Eternal Spring.” This bustling port city welcomes guests with its pleasant climate and a tapestry of cultural experiences. Those who choose to extend their stay can explore the historic San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or indulge in the tranquil beauty of the Palmetum, a botanical garden boasting the world’s largest collection of tropical palm trees. Santa Cruz’s vibrant markets and local culinary delights offer an authentic taste of Canarian culture.
In November, the Canary Islands’ maritime climate is characterised by moderate temperatures and steady north-easterly trade winds, providing ideal conditions for sailing. Guests can expect a comfortable journey with the Atlantic’s mild temperament during this time, making it a perfect period for those new to sailing or seeking a more relaxed experience.
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.
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.
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.
If Funchal is your leaving port then arriving into Funchal by sea, offers stunning views of the city perched on an ancient volcanic slope. Shadowing the city are impressive mountains covered in laurel bushes and banana trees, a natural park which was nominated a UNESCO Word Heritage site in 1999, Laurissilva of Madeira.
If you are flying in to join your ship then you may get a birds eye view of this volcanic jewel in the Atlantic Ocean, unless the trade wind mists are swirling on the summits.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, offers a fantastic range of activities and attractions and it’s well worth spending some extra time here. Of particular interest is the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Museum of Nature and Man), located in the heart of the city. This fascinating museum showcases the natural and cultural history of the Canary Islands, featuring exhibits on archaeology, anthropology, and the unique flora and fauna of the archipelago.
Practical Advice for Eye of the Wind
Practical Advice for Covid 19 and Eye of the Wind
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.
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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