Set sail across the Atlantic aboard Eye of the Wind next winter… Tenerife to Barbados with a possible stopover in the Cape Verde Islands.
Embrace the uniquely exciting monotony of long-distance sailing, where the ocean becomes your world. Sail over 2600 nautical miles, get to grips with all aspects of sailing the ship, and form lasting friendships. Crossing an ocean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be warned, however, it’s addictive enough that it might need to happen more than once!
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
A month aboard to really get into the rhythm of life at sea
Potential stop-over at Cape Verde
Varied sailing with potentially challenging conditions
Tuition from a friendly professional crew
Experience standing watch with the crew, including night watches under a sky full of stars
Fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities
If time allows, explore Barbados by sea before disembarking
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the “Island of Eternal Spring”, is a bustling port city with lots to see. Those who are able to arrive early 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.
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
Blue water cruising. Long distance sailing. These words make the heart of every sailing enthusiast beat faster. You will never forget the experience of being surrounded by the endless ocean for weeks, and the gentle creaking high up in the sails and rigging. Sailing in harmony with nature and the weather is at the forefront of every ocean passage, and it creates a head-space that you can’t get any other way.
Count the nautical miles, marvel at the wonders of the ocean, climb the mast from time to time and enjoy the view! There will be plenty to keep you busy if you want to be, but also plenty of space to soak it all up.
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. By the time you reach the other side, you’ll feel like you’ve been a part of the crew for years!
Arriving in Bridgetown, Barbados
Your voyage culminates in the picturesque Bridgetown, Barbados. This gem of the Caribbean welcomes you with its rich history and vibrant culture. Should you have an extra day, consider exploring the UNESCO-listed historic Garrison area or unwind on the idyllic Carlisle Bay beach, a perfect spot to reflect on your sailing adventure.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
In November and December, the Atlantic route from Tenerife to Barbados typically features moderate to strong trade winds, ensuring a steady and exhilarating sail. Expect warm temperatures and clear skies, with occasional tropical showers. Atlantic swells can be big, but are also long, so much more comfortable than short sharp waves. You’ll soon get used to ‘riding’ them!
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
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
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.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados situated on its Southwest coast, has plenty to explore if you have time before or after your voyage. Carlisle Bay is renowned for snorkelling over shipwrecks teeming with marine life. The lush Andromeda Botanic Gardens and Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary are both fantastic for a leg-stretch. History and culture enthusiasts will enjoy the Garrison Savannah and its UNESCO-listed surroundings.
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.
