Offshore Ocean Passage from Bermuda to the Azores

YOUR SAILING AREA

Expedition Sailing

Through seemingly endless seas, the trade wind pushes us through the azure water of the ocean from Bermuda to the Azores. The soft, steady up and down of the ship’s hull in the waves, the expanse of the sea, and the permanent gentle creaking of the rigging are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing and at the same time, adventurous holiday experience.

Bermuda is only 21 square miles but comprises 181 named islands sitting way out in the Atlantic, hundreds of miles from the USA and several thousand from the UK. An elegant destination of perfect sandy beaches, palms, and colonial old-world charm, Bermuda is decidedly British compared with the Bahamas. The beautiful colonial town of St George’s is sure to entice you with its waterside bars and restaurants.

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Getting involved

The professional and experienced crew will teach you everything you need to know as you will sail with and become part of the crew, hoisting sails, taking the helm and getting involved with all aspects of sailing a tall ship. Eye of the Wind will sail continuously with a watch system aboard. Everyone is invited to join the watch system aboard, but this is not mandatory – the ship is fully crewed. You’ll never be without a crew member and the watch system will be worked out once everyone has boarded to gauge guest abilities.

From plotting our route on the chart to cooking together, some celestial navigation skills, hoisting and trimming sails, and rope work and repairs, there is always something for everyone to do while on watch. The rest of the time is free to enjoy the inky black of the night sky, reading a book or three or playing cards together; the ocean allows guests to switch off from the demands of the modern world and fill their souls with vitamin-Sea.

Sailing by the stars

Far from land, miles into the open ocean, you’ll see the night sky as you have never seen it before. The stars light the sky as we sail away from any man-made light pollution, creating a truly spectacular sight. 

Weather

Part of the beauty of an ocean-going adventure is experiencing all the elements. From wind, rain and sun, we will certainly see them all. Whatever comes our way, the crew will use weather radar technology to plan our route as best they can to ensure we cover the most miles as safely as possible. Expect strong winds and big waves, perfect sailing to glassy seas with not a breath of wind and everything in-between.

Arrive into the archipelago of the Azores nestled in the Atlantic Ocean as you land on the island of Horta. Luscious mountain hills meet the bustling harbour town where sailors from all the world cross paths and share sea-faring tales.

All voyages for Eye of the Wind

Eye of the Wind

Guest berths: 16 Rig: Brig

Eye of the Wind is a magnificent ship that combines an impressive amount of original character with modern amenities. The ship’s interior features teak maritime décor, which adds to its authentic and charming appeal. The ship is steeped in maritime history, and just the opportunity to sail on it is an experience of a lifetime.

Eye of the Wind is a 1911 brig, which is why it has been featured in several movies, including White Squall. This windjammer offers hands-on sailing holidays while cruising some of the most stunning locations in the world. Although the ship has a large and capable engine, traditional sailing is naturally the preferred mode of travel, providing an authentic and immersive sailing experience. The crew is extremely experienced, friendly, and welcoming. They are always ready to teach you the workings of a classic tall ship, so no prior knowledge is necessary.

You can join the crew at any number of the large maritime festivals they appear at, cruise the European coast, or relish some winter sun and climb aboard for their voyages in the Caribbean. The transatlantic crossing back from the Caribbean to Portugal is an experience worth cherishing.

With six luxurious cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms, Eye of the Wind can sleep a total of 12 guests, ensuring that ocean passages can be travelled in true comfort. The ship has a large dining area, library, and sun deck, which offer many different spaces to unwind and get to know your fellow guests and crew. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just looking for a unique vacation experience, Eye of the Wind provides an unforgettable adventure and an excellent opportunity to explore the world’s most stunning locations in style and travel in true comfort. The ship has a large dining area, library, and sun deck, which offer many different spaces to unwind and get to know your fellow guests and crew.

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just looking for a unique vacation experience, Eye of the Wind provides an unforgettable adventure and an excellent opportunity to explore the world’s most stunning locations in style and comfort.

Deck plan

Life on board

Sailing with Eye of the Wind is an experience that will sit close to your heart as you learn the ways of traditional, authentic sailing and explore breath-taking destinations. Sailing with such a historic vessel is a wonderful privilege and the pride that the crew have for working with such a vessel, is truly inspiring.

Getting involved

With her impressive red sails and traditional square rig, guests are actively encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing Eye of the Wind. The crew are friendly, professional multi nationals, who are well-versed in showing guests the ropes, so you don’t need any experience to climb aboard her voyages. There is no expectation to get involved with sailing this magnificent vessel but guests are encouraged to take part in sail hoisting, navigation and taking the helm. A good sense of humour and a sense of adventure is a must and if guests just want to sit back and relax with the harmony of the sails, that’s fine too!

A Typical Day

Most of Eye of the Wind’s voyages are designed to sail by day to explore new destinations and spend the nights in harbour or on a sheltered anchorage. The day to day itinerary is not set in stone so the Captain can make best use of the weather and winds. Once you board, a rough plan for the week will be explained and some basic sail functionings explained too! 

Sailing on the high seas is hungry work, and your appetite will be easily satiated by our excellent on-board kitchen. From morning till evening, the chef will surprise you with varied recipes from his gourmet cookbook. Depending on the sailing season, local food and ingredients often end up in the cooking pot or on the plate. From a continental breakfast to lunch served either at anchor or underway. Dinner and drinks are normally served at around 7pm as you relax with your fellow guests and crew. 

The day is a good balance of authentic traditional sailing with time to explore secluded bays, different cultures, cuisines and history ashore. Down-time is as encouraged as hands-on sailing, with air-conditioned bunks, comfortable lounges and a sun-drenched deck, ensuring that there are plenty of spaces to relax on board.

Sleeping and Relaxation

Thanks to the 6 luxurious cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms, Eye of the Wind can sleep a total of 16 guests ensuring voyages can be travelled in true comfort. A large dining area sits with the galley at deck level offering 360 degree views of the horizon. A library and cosy saloon sit below decks – the perfect place for relaxation and sharing sea-faring tales after a day at sea.

Above decks there’s cushioned bench seating, sun decks and a multitude of different spaces to unwind. Out at sea, you have time for yourself and time to get to know the ship as a place of rest, where you can leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind you. Stress has no place on the ocean, and you will find yourself unwinding in harmony with the wind and the sea on board Eye of the Wind.

KIT LIST

Eye of the Wind has plenty of space within the cabin (including hanging space) to put your things away but no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
•  Waterproof boots or Wellington boots
• Swimsuit and swim towel (optional)
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

• Warm, windproof and waterproof coat and trousers for offshore sailing
• An extra lighter-weight packable rain jacket & trousers are also recommended
• Sun cream (please consider reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars
• Personal wash kit (please consider reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• ‘Smidge’ midge repellent
• EU 2pin plug adaptor
• Charging cables for personal devices
• Good books to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

Travel Documents

•  Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.

Please note that Eye of the Wind will need a medical certificate for this voyage. Please pass the attached medical form to your physician to attest your medical fitness and return it to us. We want to be sure that each of our guests is in inadequate medical and physical condition for the voyage because sophisticated medical facilities will be unavailable on board, and it can get rough and slippery by moving around on the ship. Our vessel has a medical-trained crew and a small infirmary on board, and we want to ensure that our Captain and crew are fully alerted to any potential health problems.

What’s included

• Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and a wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Swim towel
• Waterproofs
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel Insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.

Need help with flights? 

If you require some expert help with sourcing the right flights to meet the boat, please get in touch with Jenny at the Flight Centre via this form, she will be able to send you a quote within 24 hours. 

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot and soft drinks are included in your ticket price.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for alcohol.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 6 twin bunk, ensuite cabins.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, there are ventilation hatches.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Eye of the Wind has an ensuite shower and toilet in each cabin.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, we would prefer you let your hair dry naturally in the sea breeze!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Eye of the Wind does not laundry on board.

• What language is spoken on board?

  English and German

• Is there heating/air conditioning?

  Yes, Eye of the Wind has air con/heating in each cabin.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes, there are European 230 volt power outlets in each cabin so please bring an adaptor.

• What is the currency on board?

  It will be the local currency depending on the voyage destination.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Eye of the Wind is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No, please bring your own.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Not at all. We give everyone who joins us on board the choice to do as much or as little as they like.

• Does the boat have any water toys/fishing lines?

  There is fishing gear on board, which is usually used by our chefs. If interested, this can certainly be used in consultation with the cook on board.

• Will I be seasick?

  Everyone reacts differently but if you are unsure, we recommend taking tablets up to 24 hours travelling.

• Is there an age limit?

  No! Please double check for under 8's.

Travel Planning

From: St George's, Bermuda

To: Horta, Azores

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

GETTING THERE:

The island of St. Martin has an international airport on the Dutch side and a regional airport on the French side:

Airlines flying from France

Almost all of the airlines listed below offer daily scheduled flights to St Martin from Paris

Charles de Gaulle or Orly. Flying time for direct flights is around 8 hours 45 minutes.
Air france – www.airfrance.fr Air France operates between 5 and 7 direct flight a week in low and high season
Air caraibes – www.aircaraibes.com The regional airline of the French Caribbean operates 3 direct flights a week on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from Paris Orly Sud.
Corsairfly – www.corsairfly.fr Daily flights from Paris Orly Sud via Pointe-à-Pitre (flight Pointe-à-Pitre/Saint Martin operated by Air Antilles Express).

Airlines flying from other European countries

KLM – www.klm.com Direct flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Amsterdam (Netherlands). High season (November to March) : 3 weekly flights on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Low season (April to October) : 2 weekly flights on Thursday and Saturday.

Getting Home:

Bermuda International Airport is located at St. George’s Parish at the eastern end of the island. There are several public buses that operate between the Airport and Hamilton city quite frequently and at regular intervals. The Bus routes for the airport are #1, 3, 10 & 11. Check out Bermuda Bus Services to know about the schedules and other information.