Iris – Rotterdam to Cherbourg

Your Sailing Area

The English Channel

The sailing trip starts in Rotterdam, from where you set sail together towards France. The Normandy coast is characterised by steep rocky cliffs, long, fine sandy beaches, dunes and small, natural bays. Small fishing villages and sandy beaches line the coast providing plenty of picturesque anchorages for Iris.

Your exact route will be dictated by the wind, but you could also drop by the English coast at Dover before heading for Normandy. There you will discover beautiful coastal towns such as Dieppe or Le Havre after an exhilarating day of sailing before finishing in the port of Cherbourg.

All voyages for Iris

Iris

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Ketch

Commissioned as a herring drifter over 100 years ago, tall ship Iris has been given a new lease on life and converted into a comfortable charter vessel. She now spends her summers sailing guests on the Baltic Sea. From tall ship racing, taster weekends, offshore sailings and coastal explorations, Iris spends her summer exploring the islands of Denmark, the Swedish coast and the Estonian archipelago.

Her traditional ketch rig, combined with her sturdy steel hull, makes her a great tall ship to learn the ropes and get involved with all aspects of sailing such a historic vessel. Her owners, Jans and Liv, have spent many years living and working aboard traditionally rigged tall ships and they love nothing more than taking guests on exciting sailing adventures.

Iris can sleep 12 guests in 6 private twin cabins and offers generous and considered communal spaces below decks. Guests can relax in the large saloon, which has a dining area, a separate sofa area, and even a small onboard library. Iris is perfect for those seeking an adventurous sailing experience, exploring the coasts and islands of Sweden and Denmark, crossing the Bay of Biscay, or discovering the Breton coast.

Life on board

Sailing with tall ship Iris is perfect for the adventure traveller looking to explore harder to reach destinations under sail. With private cabins, she’s great for solo travellers and active couples alike, looking for new adventures and exhilarating experiences.

Getting involved

Operated with a professional and friendly crew, guests are invited to get actively involved with all aspects of sailing the ship. From hoisting the 9 sails, taking the helm, learning some basic navigation and rope work – there is no experience needed to climb aboard!

A typical day

Begin the day with breakfast at 8am before discussing the plan and then setting to work, hoisting the sails. Spend the morning exploring the coast under sail, feeling the force of the wind power in the sails and switching off from the demands of the modern world.

The onboard chef will serve lunch at about midday whether under sail or anchored in a secluded bay. Depending on the forecast, spend the afternoon tucking some more sea miles under your belt or exploring ashore before dinner at 7pm.

Sleeping and Relaxation

Below decks the space has been carefully considered from its previous life as a live aboard meaning that the communal spaces are generous and comfortable. You’d be hard to pushed to associate the space with a historic working cargo vessel! A large sofa area and a bespoke dining table sit in the midships with an impressive open plan galley. There are four twin bunk cabins located through a separate deck hatch in the fore that share a toilet and shower, while another twin and double cabin sit towards the stern.

SAMPLE MENU FOR Iris

Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

BREAKFAST

• Selection of tea, freshly ground coffee and fruit juices
• Fresh bread, muesli and fruit

ELEVENSES/AFTERNOON CAKE

• Tea, coffee and cake

LUNCH

• Tomato soup, filled penne salad and baguette
• Chilli con carne with rice
• Home-made boat pizza
• Pumpkin soup, quiche and breadmeal

DINNER

• Starters; Baked camembert, walnuts and honey
• Beef carpaccio with salad and honey mustard dressing
• Beetroot and goats cheese salad
• Mains; Fillet of dorade fish, tagliatelle and ratatouille
• Rack of lamb, hassle-back potatoes, roasted pumpkin, grilled cherry tomatoes and brussel sprouts or green asparagus
• Pork tenderloin with satesauce (Dutch peanut butter sauce) or mushroom sauce, rice and green beans

DESSERT

• Panna cotta
• Ice cream with fruits of the forest and crumbled cookies
• Stewed pear with cinnamon and whipped cream

What’s included

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot and soft drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheet & duvet)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Use of the small on board dinghy

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Waterproofs
• Towels
• 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 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes - all meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks). Cooking is a communal effort with all guests and crew working together.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for vegetarians, but not vegan or gluten-free diets, please check for other dietary requirements.

• Are there any added extra's?

  Please note that alcohol/soft drinks are not included. There is an honesty bar onboard. Excursions ashore are not included.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  6x twin bunk cabins each with a sink and storage space.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  There are two showers and two toilets for guest use

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding is included but please bring your own shower and/or swim towels

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Iris does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating onboard?

  Yes.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  Dutch/English.

• 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 when connected to shore power or the generator is on, please bring 2pin EU adaptors.

• What is the currency on board?

  Euro's.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

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

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a need for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  Yes - small dinghy with outboard engine and sail rig.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure. Ginger tea and biscuits also help with sea sickness.

• Is there an age limit?

  Please contact the office if you have under 16's. There is no maximum age limit as long as guests are fit and mobile.

Travel Planning

From: Rotterdam, Netherlands

To: Cherbourg, France

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