Our crew welcomes you aboard in the capital of the Netherlands. The highlight of April is the grand tulip festival. Our tip: start your holiday experience with a visit to the film museum – it has the beautiful name "Eye". Embarkation is at 7 p.m. During the subsequent dinner together in the cosy saloon, you will immediately feel at home on the decks of the Eye of the Wind and get to know your fellow travellers.
After a safety and sailing briefing, the first leg of the journey begins the following day, starting in Amsterdam and continuing through the sea canal to the IJmeer. Passing through the sea lock is always a special experience. Soon, the vast Markermeer stretches out before the bow of the ship. At Enkhuizen and at the IJsselmeer's closing dyke, we pass through the locks a few more times, then sail towards our destination with the wind.
Our sailing area: Markermeer, IJsselmeer and North Sea
A special sailing area lies ahead of us, where the forces of the tidal current set the natural pace. The planned route leads through the Markermeer and the IJsselmeer; depending on wind and weather conditions, an alternative route through the IJ Canal and along the North Sea coast of North Holland is possible. The journey continues along the Frisian island chain, accompanied by busy shipping traffic. From morning to night, our cook will surprise you with delicious dishes from the galley cookbook. And, of course, there is always a cup of tea or coffee to warm you up when the North Sea shows its rough side. In cooler hours, make yourself comfortable below deck in the cosy saloon and browse through the extensive on-board library or DVD film selection.
Active or leisurely sailing – the choice is yours
The Eye of the Wind is not a ship that likes to stay in port for long. Under the expert guidance of the friendly crew and with plenty of opportunities to get involved, you can actively participate in sailing operations yourself. Active assistance on board is always on a voluntary basis. Of course, you can also simply relax and watch the sailing manoeuvres and the traditional seamanship practised daily.
Sailor's reward: shore leave!
At least one port stop is planned during the trip. Where we go ashore depends largely on the wind and weather conditions and will be decided at short notice by the captain, whenever possible taking your wishes into account. Here are two examples of possible stopovers:
- Enkhuizen (North Holland): This beautiful harbour town is considered the "Pearl of the Zuiderzee" and is easy to explore on foot. The historic town centre is located on one side of the IJsselmeer and Markermeer (the former Zuiderzee) and on the other side surrounded by a typical Dutch polder landscape. A ship in a bottle museum and more than 366 monuments can be discovered here – all just a few minutes' walk from the harbours.
- Borkum (East Frisian Islands): In the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wadden Sea, we discover a natural landscape with a diverse flora and fauna on Borkum. The large seal colony and the extensive dune landscape are worthwhile destinations for a short stay. Houses from the whaling era of the 18th and 19th centuries can still be found in the island village, and the former lightship "Borkumriff" is moored in the harbour as a Wadden Sea information centre and museum ship.
Our sailing trip ends in the Wesermarsch area; unforgettable days on the North Sea lie behind you now.
