The Stockholm, Åland and Turku Archipelagos

Setting Sail from Stockholm

You’ll join the ship in Sweden’s capital. You could spend a month here and barely scratch the surface, so make as much time as you can before your voyage. Find a hostel and soak it all in! Particular highlights are the old town of Galma Stan, the Royal Palace, Skansen (the world’s oldest open air museum), the beautiful colourful metro stations and the infinite walking, cycling, swimming and sauna possibilities on offer throughout the Stockholm Archipelago. Oh, and the ABBA museum… obviously!

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

There is so much to explore here, and some great sailing to be had! Lively harbours, secluded bays, open sea and wooded shores: scenic diversity is guaranteed, and the next idyllic anchorage is never far away!

Having gotten into the swing of life on board with some sedate island hopping in the Stockholm Archipelago, a slightly more offshore passage northeast takes Eye of the Wind to the Åland Islands (an autonomous region of Finland). This is a fascinating place, and there will be time to explore ashore as well as admiring the lovely coastlines. Kastelholm Castle, the award winning Åland Maritime Museum, the fortress ruins of Bomarsund and the museum ship Pommern are all well worth a visit.

The captain decides the course of each day’s leg and an accessible harbour or anchorage for the night. This is based on the current wind and weather conditions and – whenever possible – the wishes of the guest crew.

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. Eye of the Wind has a fantastic ratio of professional crew to guest crew, so there is plenty of opportunity to get stuck in and learn as much as you want!

Arriving in Turku

Finland’s oldest city, Turku is a remarkable place and well worth taking some time to explore. Everything is within easy walking distance, which makes it easy to add a few days to your travel plans without too much logistical wrangling! The medieval castle and cathedral are spectacular, and there is enough great food, art and music to keep you busy for as long as you can spare. It’s also easy to get out and explore parts of the archipelago on foot from here, so if you were left wanting more when you visited on board Eye of the Wind, now’s your chance.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

This passage leaves the inner shelter of the Stockholm Archipelago, crosses the Åland Sea, then threads back into the dense island groups of the Åland and Turku archipelagos. The open water section is relatively short but exposed, while both ends are highly sheltered. Expect winds of force 3 to 4, occasionally 5. The sea will be relatively flat, but in the open water section be prepared for potential choppy conditions for a short time. Bright sunny days with occasional rain. 17 to 22°C during the day, dropping to 12 to 15°C at night.

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. 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 Eye of the Wind’s vessel page.

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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