Cross the Atlantic by Tall Ship

IDEAL VOYAGE FOR…

Eye of the Wind has a keen professional crew to help train you, even if you have never sailed an ocean before. Adventurous beginners who want to try their first ocean passage and experienced ocean sailors who know they will revel in the blue ocean swell, peaceful atmosphere and sunshine as you make your way from The Canary Isands across the ocean to the fabled Caribbean island of Martinique.

Lap up the Ocean sunshine and cooling trade winds/ Enjoy/ explore port / learn the ropes/ before setting off over 2,500 nautical mile journey to Martinique. Experience true blue ocean sailing, night sailing under the bright stars and help sail this traditional ship to Martinique. This extraordinary islands is a lovely mixture of French and West Indian culture, yours to explore at the end of your voyage.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• Soak up the ocean sun.
• Create a spectacle as you sail into Le Marin with the confidence of salty sea dog.
• hassle free ocean sailing
• Study the Wildlife as you cross the ocean.
• Over 2,500 nautical miles
• Tropical nights – timeless in warm breeze/watch keeping
• Le Marin is just plain gorgeous. 

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

If you want to escape the world and get into the relaxed rhythm of sailing a small square rigger with only 12 guest crew then this is a great voyage to chill. If you need more action it is always there, from the responsibility of standing a watch or making the ship sail faster to climbing the rigging to fishing for game fish. Enjoy ocean sunsets and getting to know your ship mates from all over the world. Your reward after 2,500 + miles of starlit tropical/ crystal clear night skies and daytime wide horizons, fresh air and pulling on ropes will be Martinique, a lovely reward.

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. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage.

The price of this voyage is cheaper than the Caribbean cruising so there is an assumption you are up for an adventure and taking part in a watch. This is an ideal voyage for potential career sailors who want to get their face known to the Eye of the Wind crew. Who knows, you might be back as a deckhand one day.

With decent sunshine, it is a great time to catch up on ship maintenance tasks from marlinespike seamanship to leatherwork and sail repairs. A chance to learn these skills with time on your hands is priceless.

With experienced crew to show you the ropes, sails and general crew behaviour on board you will also learn how to spot wildlife, learn how to steer the ship, learn why the sails are set a particular way. Watch the pattern of the waves and understand the swell and how it is affected by the weather hundreds of miles away. Always keep an eye to the sky and try to foretell what the weather is going to do next. 

Once out into the ocean, a relaxing and comfortable routine will be established. Night sailing with absolutely no light pollution allows you to see the stars like you have never seen them before and a sight that you will not forget.  All of the seas moods will be encountered, from glassy calms to white capped swells where flying fish are launched from crest to crest.

The Art of Setting Stun’sails

The winds are likely to be light so rollng out the stun sail booms and setting the giant light wind stun sails can occupy a fair bit of the day. It is a good idea to practice getting them down quickly too, as this part of the world can get a bit thundery and squally. No doubt there will be much reference to the movie “White Squall” as Eye of the Wind was the star of that movie with Geoff Bridges.

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.

AGILITY & FITNESS

Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

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. 

Eye of the Wind is an experienced operator with many happy customers, but she is new to Classic Sailing website. We will post the first Classic Sailing guest feedback from 2019-2020 voyages as soon as we have some, it but here are a few from last year. 

Facebook Reviews currently 5 out of 5 stars Oct 2019

 

Tortola to the Azores! What a great time. Thanks to Captain Pit and the crew. An awesome adventure with awesome people!" F Coutreau, New England

 

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 Schwartz

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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