Gothenburg – Stavanger – EoW 2022

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

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

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 not be more than 12 miles offshore.

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: Gothenburg

To: Stavanger

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