Offshore Sailing from the Netherlands to Dover

YOUR SAILING AREA

Offshore Sailing

You’ll join Steady in her homeport of Medemblik in Holland, getting acquainted with fellow guests and the boat before setting the sails to Amsterdam (approx 32 nautical miles). Spend the night in this waterside city as you get ready to depart via the sea-locks the next morning. Our open water crossing begins as we set course for the UK and the port of Ipswich. 

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We’ll cover about 130 miles, sailing through the night on a watch system.  Ipswich lies at the mouth of the River Orwell. It is one of the oldest towns in the UK and is rich in maritime trading history. When you sail into the River Orwell, it is a tradition for many sailors to have some food and drink at the Butt & Oyster in the hamlet of Pin Mill – well deserved after our crossing!

The next stop is Ramsgate, about 50 nautical miles from Ipswich. After a day under sail, we’ll spend a day in Ramsgate resting with chance to visit the Sailors church and the famous Ramsgate tunnels.

Our last sailing day takes us by the white cliffs of Dover and ends together with a Captains dinner aboard.

All voyages for Steady

Steady

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Staysail Ketch

Join husband and wife team, Jan-Willem and Mariëlle Kerkmeer aboard their 1993 Dutch ketch as they take guests on sailing holidays exploring the wonders of the Hebrides in Scotland.

Steady is true to her name with a sturdy steel hull and was originally built as a charter vessel giving a considered layout below decks. Fitted with all the mod-cons and keeping guests comfort at the forefront, she sleeps eight guests in four comfortable twin cabins sharing two bathrooms with a generous shower. Newly re-fitted for 2022, the galley and saloon area live at the heart of the boat with a peninsula galley and plenty of seating alongside the cosy multi-fuel stove.

On deck level there’s a spacious cockpit with a navigation station and more seating, perfect for breakfast and morning coffee as the sun rises. There’s plenty of room on deck too to take in the surrounding views and learn the ropes alongside Jan-Willem and Mariëlle who love sharing their passion for Scotland and sailing with their guests.

Onboard Steady, most guests like to lend a hand with the sailing of this eye-catching vessel, and Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are excellent guides if you do want to get involved. They cater for all abilities and ages, so if you’d rather sit back and relax with a book, then that’s fine too!

Steady’s voyages explore the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and St Kilda; an area of unspoilt wilderness and breathtaking beauty in the Western Isles of Scotland. Her sailing adventures give you access to the most captivating and remote hidden secrets of this incredible and beautiful place. As you sail through this stunning marine landscape you will likely be lucky enough to experience close encounters with rare wildlife and have time to soak up the unique and fascinating history and culture of the Hebrides and St Kilda.

Watch this short video of Steady sailing around Oban.

Steady Deck Plan 

Deck plan

Life on board

Steady has been sailed by Dutch husband and wife team Jan-Willem and Marielle for over 10 years. Their love for Scotland, sailing and the natural world are clear for guests to see and they are well versed in all the secret hot spots.

Getting Involved

Steady is true to her name with her simple rig and winch system easy to navigate, providing a great base for guests to learn the ropes. Jan-Willem and Marielle can sail Steady comfortably on their own but they invite and encourage guests to take part in all aspects of sailing. From taking the helm, sorting and setting the sails, basic navigation and rope work, Jan-Willem and Marielle provide a safe and supported environment for guests.

Sleeping and Relaxation

The main deck is well designed with plenty of open spaces and a cockpit for alfresco dining. The undercover deckhouse has 360degree windows so is great for morning coffee while watching the sunrise or some shelter if the Scottish weather takes a turn!

Below decks gives way for a

beautifully appointed galley kitchen and generous, comfortable saloon which has been recently re-fitted to a really high standard. The fore leads along a small corridor where there are four well-considered twin bunk cabins with a toilet and separate shower for guests. The crew quarters are situated in the stern so have their own facilities.

Read more about what to expect from life on board Steady here.

Things to note

•  You have (some) sailing experience
• You are in good physical and mental condition
• You do not mind sailing at night and being assigned to watch-keeping
• Age from 16 years (if you are 68+ please contact us first)

SAMPLE MENU FOR Steady

All food is freshly prepared on board using locally sourced produce as much as possible. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served on a standard voyage – this will vary for offshore sailings.

BREAKFAST

• Scottish Porridge
• Fresh fruit, yoghurt
• Toast and preserves
• Eggs (how you like them!)

LUNCH

• Homemade pumpkin soup with naan bread
• Fish soup served with canapé with smoked salmon
• Tuna salad with bread

DINNER

Appetisers; toast with different cheeses, nuts, olives

Mains

• Mussels from Isle of Mull, served with bread, potatoes and mixed salad
• Lamb stew served with couscous salad and green beans
• Crispy skinned salmon, served with sweet potatoes, bimi, salad and homemade mayonnaise
• BBQ with meat from Kerrera Balliemore Farm, served with baked potatoes, salad and fresh vegetables
• Pumpkin curry Jack fruit with coleslaw (V)

DESSERT

• Homemade chocolate mousse and cream
• Homemade cheesecake with lemon sorbet
• Crepe with ice cream, fruit and chocolate sauce

After dinner; coffee/tea with chocolate or bonbons

What’s included

• All meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Musto sailing waterproof suits whilst on the boat (standard sizing)

What’s not included

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• 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 in the price?

  Yes - meals are included in the price (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot Drinks)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free diets.

• What language is spoken on board?

  Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are Dutch, however they are fluent in English & Mariëlle can speak German.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4x twin bunk bed cabins.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and shower towels are provided but please bring Swimming towels if you wish to swim in the sea!

• Is there an age limit for Steady's guests?

  Yes, her maximum age limit is a guide of 75 years for most voyages. Some of her expedition adventures vary so please check each voyage or give us a call in the office. Please check if you have any under 18's.

• How many bathrooms/showers does she have?

  Steady has a separate toilet and shower.

• Is there WIFI aboard?

  No, but you should reach 3/4G from the shore.

• Are there Life Jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are there Waterproofs available?

  Yes, Steady has sailing jackets for each guest in average sizing while sailing.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a love for adventure.

• Will I be seasick?

  Everyone reacts differently but if you are unsure we recommend you take seasick tablets 24hours before you board.

Travel Planning

From: Medemblik, Netherlands

To: Dover, UK

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

Getting There

There are a few different ways to get to Medemblik, Netherlands. Travel wesbite Rome to Rio is a good way to look at journey options.

By Air

Fly to Rotterdam or Amsterdam from most major UK airports and then take a train on to Medemblik.

By Train

If you are an eco-conscious traveller, taking the train takes just as long as it does flying but does require a few more changes. If time is on your side, travelling through Europe via train is quick and easy with high-speed trains.