Offshore Sailing from Inverness to Amsterdam

YOUR SAILING AREA

EXPEDITION SAILING

This offshore sailing holiday adventure is perfect for those wanting to gain sea miles and experience more exposure with longer passages at sea. 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.

After receiving safety instructions and an introduction to sailing from the ship’s crew, you’ll be all set to get hoisting the sails. Guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing this traditional vessel. From hoisting the sails, talking the helm, basic navigation and rope-work, the professional and friendly crew are well-versed in providing a relaxed and safe environment to learn all aspects of traditional sailing.

Inverness to Amsterdam

Hop aboard the Flying Dutchman at 6pm and after an introduction to the crew, dinner will be served at 7pm where you can get to know your fellow guests. (If you are arriving into Inverness earlier, just let the boat know and you can drop your luggage off and spend some time exploring.) Begin in the port of Inverness – a beautiful Scottish city with the wonders of the highlands at your doorstep. Visit Inverness Castle and St. Andrew’s Cathedral, amble along the banks of the River Ness, or cross the suspension bridge for rest and relaxation in the Ness Islands.

At first light you’ll set the sails with the crew as you discuss what route the weather will take the Flying Dutchman. Our first sailing leg is likely to be a 24hour sail to the Scottish port town of Aberdeen. 

If the wind is in favour, we will look to stop on Holy island, a very special island on the border with England. Connected to the mainland with a causeway submerged at high tide, the ancient island name is Lindisfarne – now the name of the monastery on the island. The monastery was founded around 635 by the Irish monk Aiden Lindesfarne, who came from the Scottish island of Iona. In 793, the monastery was plundered by Vikings and in the southeastern corner of the island, the restored 16th century Lindisfarne Castle is well worth a visit.

Depending on the wind, we may sail into the evening to the small town Whitby. With a rich history dating back to the middle ages, its fishing industry is still active and the town gives a nice chance to stretch our legs. At first light we leave the port and discuss the weather, route and sail setting. We continue sailing 220nm in the evening with perhaps a fantastic sunset and maybe accompanied by moon and stars to the Dutch coast. 

Watch the white sand dunes looming on the horizon as we pass the locks of Ijmuiden and head into the centre of Amsterdam.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Nightwatches?

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 12miles offshore.