Kiel Fjord to Copenhagen – steer a windjammer through the Baltic

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. 

Explore Danish Islands in the Baltic

Eye of the Wind crew know the area well and will take you on a sailing adventure northwards along the twelfth meridian. We are going to explore the scenic coastline of the Danish islands of Falster, Møn, and Zealand. Days at sea alternate with nights at the sheltered anchorage or in typical Scandinavian port locations.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• Ideal Taster Voyage for Eye of the Wind
• Maximum of 12 guest berths – all in ensuite cabins
• Hands on Tall ship Sailing
• 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

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

A summer journey that starts in Holtenau at the Baltic Sea  exit of the Kiel Canal, the maritime hub of the entire Baltic Sea region. From here we will take you on an unforgettable and relaxing voyage to the capital of Denmark. The port of destination is Copenhagen, where you can discover the numerous attractions of the city during shore leave at the end of the trip.

This is a great taster as land is always close and the seas are fairly flat. Even in these few days at sea, you will enjoy the comfort and excellent on-board cuisine, experience genuine traditional seamanship, and get a taste of how it feels being back on shore after a day at sea. 

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.

Watch the Ships Go By

‘Welcome aboard!’ in Kiel Holtenau
Our crew will welcome you aboard in Holtenau, situated on the western shore of the Kiel Fjord. Embarkation will take place at 19:00 hours. After a welcome drink and dinner in the deck lounge, you will have the opportunity to observe the lively
coming and going at the locks of the Kiel Canal. From small sports yachts to ocean liners, vessels of all kinds and sizes can be seen passing by around the clock on the world’s busiest artificial waterway. On the walk to the small Holtenau lighthouse, you will get a taste of the nostalgic harbour atmosphere – numerous old cargo
ships and schooners are often anchored on the quay at dusk.

Denmark ahead!

Passing the greenish-white Friedrichsort lighthouse, we will set sail the next morning towards the Baltic Sea. On starboard, we see the naval memorial of Laboe, with its distinctive silhouette which is modelled on a submarine tower. Right next to it, we spot the former submarine U 995, which – from this perspective – sits impressively on the beach of Laboe. At the height of Fehmarn Island, we cross the invisible border between German and Danish waters. After an eventful day under full sail, we will head for the south coast of the Danish island of Lolland and find a mooring for the night in the small medieval town of Nysted. 

From here, you have a fantastic view over the Fehmarn Belt, the offshore wind park on Rødsand, the old provincial town, and Ålholm Castle. Depending on the travel progress, the Gedser ferry port on the island of Falster or Rødbyhavn – from where the car ferries have been running between Fehmarn and the Danish islands for over 100 years – will be our options for the first shore leave.

55 degrees north, 12 degrees east: Copenhagen

After circumnavigating the Falster peninsula and the chalk cliffs of Møns Klint, we will change course to the north. We will then reach the Øresund before we moor the ship in Copenhagen, the destination of our journey. As soon as we enter the port, we are welcomed by the world-famous sculpture of the Little Mermaid at our starboard side. For more than 100 years, Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale figure has been sitting on its rock at the Kastellet, a former fortress.

 

Copenhagen – A Sailors View

I remember climbing the rigging on a tall ship – alongside the Royal palace in Copenhagen.  A great way of getting your bearings before setting off into the city to explore on foot.

Make the best of your stay by exploring this Scandinavian metropolis. If you want to get an overview of the city, it is best to visit the centrally located Rådhusplads (town hall square) first. From the 100-metre high town hall tower, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the whole city. In the vintage amusement park of Tivoli, you will find merry-go-rounds, a big wheel, a variety of restaurants, an open-air theatre, and a concert hall. Built over 150 years ago, it seems as though time has stood still in Tivoli, making it a popular the destination for locals, too.

The residence of the royal family is Amalienborg Palace, where the presence of the Queen is indicated by a flag on the roof of the castle. Rosenborg Castle, with the royal crown jewels, and the Frederiksborg Castle, with the National Historical Museum, are on the tour program for all who are interested in the Danish royal family. A main attraction in the evening is the colourful and lively promenade in the Nyhavn (New Harbour; photo right) with its numerous restaurants and pubs. Here you have another opportunity to reminisce with your fellow sailors about the adventures of the past days at sea, or maybe to ‘spin a little sailor’s yarn’.

Some exciting and eventful days on the Baltic Sea now lie behind us. Our crew on board will keep you in good memory, and you will most certainly enjoy sharing your experiences with friends ‘on shore’.

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.

After receiving safety instructions and an introduction to sailing from the ship’s crew, you will soon be able to take part in sailing yourself. On Eye of the Wind Hands-on assistance on deck is always voluntary, so if you want, you can just relax and enjoy watching the sailing manoeuvers and the traditional seamanship in action every day. If you like, you can make yourself comfortable below deck in the comfortable lounge, browse through a good book from the large on-board library.

The wind and your wishes set the course!
In principle, the decision on which port or anchorage to call on in the evening is made by the captain on the same day and depends on the wind and weather conditions – whenever possible, your wishes will be taken into account. This ensures that your sailing trip is a pleasant mixture of adventure, relaxation,active participation and pure enjoyment. Look forward to some wonderful days of sailing on the summery and brisk Baltic Sea. Weather permitting, we will have the opportunity to sail out of the harbour in the evening and sail at night – another highlight of every cruise.

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. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•