European Tall Ship Taster – Coastal Waters, Busy rivers & Kiel Canal

IDEAL VOYAGE FOR…

Tall ship fans wanting to try a different tall ship or beginners experience tall ship sailing on a short voyage in relatively sheltered waters. There is also more sail handling in coastal waters and places with a lot of waterborne transport than on a trade wind passage so it is great for experienced sailors too who want to brush up their skills with some fast maneouvres.  Square rig sailing is very different from yacht sailing and there is a whole new language to learn.

Come and explore a part of Europe where it is a short distance to sail between Germany, Denmark and Sweden, plus lots of inland waterways and coastal islands. Even today cargoes are transported by ship in this region. The Southern Baltic had huge strategic importance in the 18th and19th century and there are many forts and castles. 

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• Ideal Taster for beginners – in coastal waters
• Maximum of 12 guest berths – all in ensuite cabins
• Hands on Tall ship Sailing with instruction
• Great way to explore Europe
• Good transport links to whole area
• Flat seas and interesting maritime history
• Busy sailing ground with lots of sail manouevres
• 100 year old windjammer – looks great in your holiday photos

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

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.

Hamburg & The Elbe Estuary

There should be a short opportunity to sail from Hamburg to Brunsbuttel ( the start of the Kiel Canal) if the winds co-operate. The Elbe gets wider and wider as you head out towards the North Sea. This is your chance to get involved with setting sail, bracing the yards and learning how to hand or take down square sails and fore and aft sails like jibs or the staysails between masts.  There are two sorts of square sails. Those that have fixed yards and the sail drops down and square sails where you have to lift the yard and stretch the sail. You will have time during the Canal transit to think about what you have learned and perhaps have a go at learning how to find the right ropes on the pin rails. The crew are there to ask and learn from.

There will be more chances to sail on the other side of the canal when you reach Kiel Fjord.

The Kiel Canal – West to East Transit

Whilst the Kiel Canal (in German: Nord-Ostsee-Kanal, literally ‘North-to-Baltic Sea canal’) is not permitted or possible to sail. It is fascinating to experience the busiest canal in the world. The ship passes under ten high bridges and will experience the endless shipping traffic of container ships, cruise liners, pleasure boats and ferries. Every year, around 40,000 ships pass through the exits of the Kiel Canal . The canal was opened by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1895 – later on, more construction costs were raised by a tax on sparkling wine introduced by the Kaiser.

The journey will take us right through Schleswig Holstein, along green banks and under high railway bridges which almost seem to touch the top of our mast.

If you have come to sail and this bit is not your favourite part of the voyage – we recommend you try out the bowsprit netting or climb the mast and go out on the yards. It is a bizarre feeling to see a vessel cross under your feet or be high above cows in a canal-side field.

If using the rig as your adventure climbing frame is not your thing then during the canael voyage you will have time to make yourself comfortable on deck or in the comfy lounge and browse through the extensive on-board library or the DVDs, read a book, explore the ship and enjoy delicious culinary creations from the on-board kitchen.

Overnight stay Alongside in Rendsburg

We plan an overnight stay in Rendsburg, the charming town between the river Eider and the Kiel Canal. For the Eye of the Wind, this stay is a kind of nostalgic journey into her own past, as the builder and contractor who had the ship built in 1911 was a captain from the Rendsburg area.

Holtenau Lighthouse Walk & arrival in the Baltic Sea

After almost 100 kilometers we will reach the eastern canal locks in Holtenau and immediately afterwards the Kiel Fjord. You are now officially in the Baltic Sea. Mooring in the lock chambers is always a very special experience. In fact, almost three times as many ships sail on the Kiel Canal than on the Panama and Suez canals – ship enthusiasts can look forward to lots of photo opportunities.Walking to the small Holtenau lighthouse (pictured left), you will get a taste of the nostalgic harbour atmosphere – numerous old cargo ships and schooners are often anchored on the quay at dusk.

Set the Sails Once More in the Kiel Bight 

On the last full day of our short cruise, however, we want to experience the ship under sail! From our mooring spot at the cosy quay at Tiessenkai, we will set off for a day trip to the Kiel Bight. After breakfast, it will be time to “Cast off!”. Passing the greenish-white Friedrichsort lighthouse, we will soon see the Naval Memorial of Laboe on our starboard side. Right next to it, we will spot the former submarine U 995, which – from this perspective – sits impressively on the beach of Laboe. On the opposite bank of the fjord we can see the silhouette of the Olympic center of Schilksee – this is where the Olympic flame burned during the games in 1972. Soon afterwards, we reach the open Baltic Sea at the Kiel Lighthouse. Before nightfall, we will decide on where to set anchor in the idyllic green Eckernförde Bay or offshore in the Kiel Fjord. To round off the cruise, you can enjoy the evening atmosphere on deck with a glass of wine from the onboard bar. In good weather and calm seas, it will be possible to take a final photo tour around the ship with the dinghy. The highlight of the last day of the cruise is a small captain’s dinner in a familiar atmosphere.

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.

The climate on the shores of the Baltic is more continental than maritime so summer temperatures can be hot but spring and autumn will be colder than Britain or Atlantic facing countries.

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. She sails in Northern Europa nad the Baltic in Summer (Northern Hemisphere) and across the Atlantice to the Caribbean for some winter sunshine sailing holidays.

Facebook Reviews currently 5 out of 5 stars 

A fabulous adventure! Words cannot convey the experience.

John, Tortola to Bermuda, Feb- March 2023

 

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

Dear Adam,

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.

Eye of the Wind Faroes to Iceland Summer 2022

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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