From the Azores to the North Sea

From the Azores to the North Sea
Atlantic, English Channel and southern North Sea

The Azores are the starting point for the final leg of the ‘Eye’ Atlantic crossing between the Caribbean and the German home waters in the Weser estuary. The starting point of this trip is the harbor of Horta on the Ilha do Faial. You can fly to the airport of Horta with just one stopover in Lisbon.

Use your stay on the island for exploring the fifth largest of the Azores Islands. The picturesque harbor of Horta is always nice for a stopover. Skippers, divers, whale watchers and locals meet up in the legendary ‘Peter's Café Sport”. In Horta you will board our modern Tall Ship, which is equipped to high standards, and meet the crew and sailors. After a welcome drink you will check into your air-conditioned cabins. It is easy to find your way around above and below deck, and after a safety and sailing briefing you will quickly feel comfortable in the stylish maritime atmosphere. The sails are operated by hand only. During the trip, you will also have the opportunity to lend a hand with setting sails, manning the helm and other daily routines on board on a purely voluntary basis - previous experience is not required. However, even if you do not fancy climbing up the shrouds or "pulling rope" and would rather spend your time relaxing on the deck, the raising and lowering of sails will become a familiar spectacle over the next few days that will never cease to fascinate.

After a safety briefing the command “cast off” can soon be heard, and we leave out to sea under sail. After leaving Horta we will pass the larger neighboring island of Pico with the highest mountain of Portugal, mount Pico with 2.351 meters of height. That will be our last visible landmark before our blue-water passage across the Atlantic. When the sails are set for the first time, filled with wind and the engine being turned off, then there is a feeling which gets under your skin. The special moment, the departure for the Atlantic crossing, is felt by all sailors as almost tangible. The fascination that emanates from the ocean is even more intense on a Tall Ship. The gentle, constant ups and downs of the hull in the waves, the vastness of the sea, which gives the eye no reference point, and the faint creaking of the rigging are the ingredients for a relaxing holiday experience.

Encounters with whales and dolphins are always possible and not unlikely. More than 30 whale and dolphin species, including the majestic sperm whales have been sighted in the waters around the Azores (image courtesy of visitazoren.de).

Busy shipping in the English Channel

The compass heading is facing north-east, and after a few days at sea we arrive at the Celtic Sea, the entrance to the English Channel and finally the straits between Dover (GB) and Calais (F). Up to 500 vehicles a day are constantly moving in this area.

Wind and weather determine the itinerary

Depending on wind and weather conditions and the progress of our journey, we have the optional opportunity to spend a night in the harbor. Possible harbors are St Hellier on the Channel Island of Jersey, the coastal city of Ostend (Belgium) or even the Dutch IJmuiden at the output of the North Sea Canal.

Days at sea: relax and enjoy!

Our journey takes us out of the English Channel and around the northern tip of the Netherlands along the island chain of the west and east Frisian islands. Here the vernal North Sea can develop all her rugged charm with a stiff wind blowing through the rigging. You'll get to know the 'Eye of the Wind' as a reliable and seaworthy vessel that has proven herself in all weather conditions.

The sea and the fresh air make you hungry, as you know - so you can look forward to our excellent galley, which has received the grade 1.0 throughout in our surveys on customer satisfaction. Let yourself be surprised! And should an uncomfortable vernal wind blow over the gray-green sea outside, make yourself comfortable below deck in a comfortable lounge and browse the extensive onboard library or the DVDs on offer.

Elsfleth: The ‚Eye of the Wind‘ returns to her place of origin

After an eventful voyage, we finally arrive in Elsfleth. In 1911 our ‘Eye’ was built in the Lühring shipyard and named ‘Friedrich’ here. In Elsfleth you will say goodbye to our crew, your fellow sailors and the ‘Eye’. Adventurous sailing days in the marine environment and the natural experience "Blue Water Sailing" make this trip a great holiday experience. The deep blue of the ocean, breathtaking impressions of nature, maybe even one or the other whale watching will stay forever in your memory.

Highlights:

• Blue water sailing in endless expanses
• Active sailing operation on a 100-year old windjammer
• Atlantic, English Channel, North Sea
• Excellent galley with culinary delights from morning to evening

Service:

• 15 nights on the 100-year-old Tall Ship ,Eye of the Wind'
• Exclusive accommodation in double cabins with hot and cold water, shower, toilet and air condition (single cabin supplement)
• Full board (including all meals and soft drinks, coffee / tea).
• Lounge with TV / video, and extensive onboard library.

Not included:

Arrival and departure, shore excursions and alcoholic beverages.