Scandinavian Tall Ship Sailing

The western Swedish skerries seascape is considered by experienced sailors and Scandinavia enthusiasts to be one of the most beautiful sailing areas of the Baltic Sea. This ‘maritime adventure playground’ off the coast of the Swedish province of Västergötland has a diverse landscape, is well protected, visually unique, attractive, and at times dreamy and fairytale-like.

From Gothenburg, you will cross the Skagerrak and then sail along the southern Norwegian coast to Stavanger, where the Høgsfjord starts. The crew will welcome you on board at the port of Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city. Numerous coffee houses invite you to linger and watch the bustle. For maritime enthusiasts, a visit to the four-masted barque Viking built in 1906 is worthwhile, too. The largest windjammer built in Scandinavia is now a museum ship in the port section of Lilla Bommen.

This summer Baltic Sea cruise starts with a longer leg of the journey at sea. Eye of the Wind will sail from Gothenburg through the channel to the Baltic Sea. On the horizon, lighthouses, stone beacons and the typical brownish-red rock of the archipelago stand out before the ship’s bow. Crossing the Skagerrak on a north-westerly course, you pass the distinctive coastline near the Danish town of Skagen. This area is seen as the symbolic boundary between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. In the evening, we’ll either find a sheltered mooring spot or sail through the night if visibility and weather conditions permit. The sight of the night sky above the ship’s masts is a breathtaking experience and an unbeatable highlight of any sailing trip!

After a distance of more than 100 nautical miles, you reach your first destination – the coastal region around Kristiansand. The south coast in the Sørlandet district is considered one of the sunniest areas in Norway and is known as a sailing area that offers a lot of variety. With dense skerries and open sections, the landscape varies between harsh and rugged and the sheltered and quaint. Lush green landscapes with towering mountains and the friendly people of southern Norway all radiate a special charm. From the sea, you can discover deep forests, bare rocks and busy, small harbour towns close to the solitary wilderness. Every corner of this stretch of coast is beautiful in its own unique way.

In general, the decision on which port or mooring spot 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 cruise is a pleasant mix of adventure, relaxation, active participation and pure enjoyment. Here is a selection of possible stops with the opportunity to go on shore…

Kristiansand
In the summertime, this port city with its beaches and leisure facilities is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Norway. The main attraction is the Dyreparken zoo and amusement park.

Mandal
The southernmost town of Norway is located at the estuary of the Mandalselva into the North Sea. Onshore you can discover the townscape with its traditional distinctive white houses, listed churches and the Uranienborg vantage point. As an alternative to a stay in the port, we can call at Farsund, which lies a few miles further west, and provides a beautiful backdrop for Eye of the Wind to anchor.

Flekkefjord
The fascination of the Norwegian coastal landscape is within our reach – we can only get to this inland port village (pictured right) through a narrow fjord. Here, you can make the most of the afternoon and early evening by taking a stroll through the ‘Holländerstadt’ quarter with its narrow streets and wooden houses.

You will disembark in Stavanger at the majestic Lysefjord. Here, you will leave the ship with a sailor’s bag full of unforgettable memories from your journey. The cathedral and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum are considered the main tourist attractions of the cultural city of Stavanger and its port.

All voyages for Eye of the Wind

Eye of the Wind

Guest berths: 16 Rig: Brig

With incredible amounts of character, Eye of the Wind has all the modern amenities and an authentic interior, with a teak maritime décor. Oozing with maritime history, the opportunity to sail on Eye of the Wind is one in a lifetime. This beautiful ship is as eye-catching as they get and she has even featured in several movies, including White Squall, due to her breath-taking appearance as a 1911 brig.

This windjammer offers luxurious holidays on board, cruising some of the most stunning locations in the world.

Although the ship has a large, capable engine, traditional sailing is naturally the preferred mode of travel so there is plenty to get stuck into on deck. The crew are extremely experienced and ready to teach you the workings of a classic tall ship, so no prior knowledge is necessary. 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 – including a transatlantic crossing back from the Caribbean to Portugal.

Thanks to the 6 luxurious cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms, Eye of the Wind can sleep a total of 12 guests ensuring ocean passages can be travelled in true comfort. A large dining area, library and sun deck offer a multitude of different spaces to unwind and to get to know your fellow guests and crew.

Deck plan

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.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot and Soft drinks are included in your ticket price. Alcohol can be purchased as extra onboard

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• What language is spoken on board?

  English and German

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 6 cabins and a total of 16 guest bunks.

• How many bathrooms does she have?

  Each cabin has its own ensuite.

• Is there an age limit?

  No! Please double check for under 8's.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily reach 3/4G from the shore, just make sure your phone is set up for international roaming. There may be some locations that will not get good signal.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes, 12V sockets are available

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• 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.

• Will I be seasick?

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

• Is there air conditioning?

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

Travel Planning

From: Gothenburg

To: Stavanger

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