Fifty years ago, on 25 September 1976, our ship undertook its maiden voyage under its new name, Eye of the Wind, following extensive refurbishment work.

To mark this occasion, we would like to look back on five eventful decades of maritime history during the voyage. In the evenings, some of the Hollywood films in which the Eye of the Wind was used as a backdrop will certainly be shown in the lower deck saloon – such as "The Blue Lagoon" (1980), "The Island of Pirates" (1983) or "White Squall" (1996) starring Oscar winner Jeff Bridges. And perhaps former crew members will even sign up for this trip to share their experiences and memories with the other guests – our crew would be delighted if they did.

During the trip, we would like to explore the tributaries of the Western Baltic Sea – the Kiel Fjord, Eckernförde Bay and the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei, and possibly also the Flensburg Fjord or Danish Als Fjord, depending on how the trip progresses. With a good balance between coastal sailing and sufficient time for shore leave in several ports along the route, this six-day taster trip is equally suitable for sailing beginners. The starting point and destination of the trip is the easily accessible Tiessenkai in Kiel-Holtenau – convenient arrival and departure at the same location is guaranteed.

By the way: the special price for this trip of 1976 Euro is a nod to the year in which the Eye of the Wind got her current name, and as an anniversary price, it is below our usual calculation – our symbolic thank you to all crew members and fellow travellers who have contributed to the preservation of this beautiful ship over the past 50 years.

Our crew will welcome you on board in Holtenau on the western shore of the Kiel Fjord. Embarkation takes place at 7 pm. After a welcome drink, you will get to know your fellow travellers and the crew over dinner. We very much hope to be able to welcome some „old familiar faces“ on board on this anniversary trip.

Active or leisurely sailing – the choice is yours

After receiving safety and sailing instructions from the crew, you are welcome to actively participate in on-board activities. Active assistance on deck is always voluntary, under the expert guidance of the crew and with a focus on teamwork. Of course, you are also welcome to simply relax and observe the sailing manoeuvres and daily seamanship. The fresh sea air is known to make you hungry – so look forward to our excellent on-board cuisine, which will surprise you every day with varied creations from the galley cookbook.

Our sailing area: Kiel Fjord, Schlei and the Danish South Sea

After breakfast, it's „Cast off!“ On the eastern shore of the fjord we see the Laboe naval memorial; soon afterwards we reach the open Baltic Sea at Kiel Lighthouse. A planned destination for the day is the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei; the well-known green and white lighthouse marks the entrance to this inlet. There are good opportunities to go ashore in the beautiful fishing village of Maasholm and the harbour town of Kappeln. If the light conditions are good and the waves are not too high, it will be possible to take a photo tour around the ship with the Eye of the Wind's dinghy.

Optional stopovers with shore leave: Eckernförde, Flensburg, Sonderburg

In Eckernförde's town harbour, it is worth taking a stroll along the inviting harbour promenade, which is a popular attraction for guests and locals alike. The fine sandy, four-kilometre-long bathing beach with its colourful beach chairs is just a few minutes' walk from where the ship is moored. Use the time of your stay for a relaxed stroll through the shopping streets in the immediate vicinity of the harbour area.

The historic seafaring and harbour town of Flensburg is considered the home of rum from the West Indies. Here you can follow in the footsteps of the merchants, the smell of salt and tar in the midst of captains' and merchants' yards. In the 18^th century, Flensburg was one of the most important trading ports for the ships of the West Indies fleet. In the heyday of rum, there were over 200 rum houses in Flensburg – you will certainly have the opportunity to sample a glass of locally produced rum in a cosy harbour pub during your shore leave.

After crossing the invisible German-Danish sea border, we find a berth for the night in the harbour of Sønderborg on the island of Als. The main attraction is the castle with its park, which is within sight of the harbour. A stroll through the old town in its typical Danish tranquillity and along the harbour row with its historic merchants' houses is well worthwhile.

As a possible alternative to spending the night in the harbour, we can also seek out a sheltered anchorage, for example in Hørup Hav bay – a night at anchor is always a special experience.

Captain's Dinner at the end of the voyage

On the evening of the last day at sea, we reach our port of departure and destination, Kiel-Holtenau. The culinary finale is the traditional Captain's Dinner in a cosy get-together of all crew members and fellow travellers.

The route described here may change at short notice due to prevailing wind and weather conditions. The ship's command will decide on stopovers and the course of the voyage, taking your wishes into account whenever possible. This way, you will experience the trip as a pleasant mix of adventure and comfort, participation and enjoyment.

Our tip for a comfortable arrival and departure: Take advantage of our favourable event offer "Rail & Sail".

- 6 nights on the traditional sailing ship Eye of the Wind.
• Accommodation in a comfortable double cabin (single cabin at extra cost, if available).
• Full board (incl. all meals; water / coffee / tea).
• Saloon with TV / DVD player and extensive on-board library.
• Hot and cold running water, shower and toilet in each cabin, bed linen, towels and air conditioning.

• Arrival and departure, shore excursions, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• For the individual planning of your arrival and departure, we will be happy to arrange a reliable partner travel agency for you, please contact us in good time if required.