Tall Ship - Eye of the Wind

Tall Ship - Eye of the Wind

Classic Sailing are always on the look out for good looking ships in the best locations, so we are pleased to now be working with two masted brig 'Eye of the Wind.'  A  ship that has earned a fantastic following in her varied lifetime, she still retains the character of those early years, but below decks she has been restored to a luxury level of accommodation that suits relaxed adventure charter in the Caribbean.

Caribbean Specialist with a hint of luxury

With two person air conditioned  en suite cabins this is a great ship for couples, or individuals who, who like the idea of an active holiday where they can participate in setting sails, climbing the rigging and steering an impressive tall ship, but would prefer a bit more privacy and style than some of our more communal accommodation on sail training ships.  There is a larger ratio of professional crew to guests on the Eye of the Wind than many of our vessels so there is also less pressure to 'be needed' to handle the sails.

 If you have a busy job with people, then only having to share a square rigger with a maximum of 16 other guests, then this could be the perfect escape.

History of 'The Eye'

The name 'Eye of the Wind' may sound familar to those who were interested in tall ships in the 1970's.  A British group of enthusiasts were looking for a windjammer they could call their own, and came accross a 1911 ships hull that was definately once a graceful sailing ship.  Originally a topsail schooner, the group restored her as a two masted brigantine. They searched all over the British Isles for original materials to create a tall ship that would feel authentic and have real character. A former dance floor created a durable teak deck. Church pews give the lower saloon a unique atmosphere. The wooden blocks were handmade.

She became the flagship for Operation Drake - a two year scientific expedition for you people under the patronage of Prince Charles. The first trip was a round the world voyage including Cape Horn, Australia and the South Pacific with crews joining from all over the world.  This is a ship that made fans where ever she went and the fan club is still active and you can find tales on the internet from past sailors.

Photogenic Film Star

Her authentic good looks and tan sails have earned Eye of the Wind has starred in several movies including "Blue Lagoon", "White Squall", "Taipan" and "Savage Iceland." In 1990 Eye of the Wind sailed in the South Pacific and participated in the 200th anniversary of the colonisation of Pitcairn Island - the final paradise of  the mutineers of HMS Bounty. In 1991 she returned to Britain via Cape Horn.

Luxury Restoration & Authentic Rig

In 2000 she was bought by a Danish entrepreneur who carried out a major restoration from sail training ship to more luxury adventure charter accommodation. As a consequence she now has the benefit of en- suite two person cabins, lovely saloon, air conditioning, modern electronics for worldwide chartering and immaculate varnish work. For the sailing purists, the rig and the sail handling has not changed. There are still plenty of blocks and tackles to pull on, tarred rigging to climb and bare teak decks.  The ship is still sailed by a wooden ships wheel so you can still look the part. No passing yachtsman will realise you are going to slip into a comfortable cabin below after a few hours on deck or aloft being a seasoned tall ship sailor.

New Owners involved in Leadership Training

After her Danish owner died suddenly, the ship was once more bought a group who believe that square rigged ships make excellent environments for  leadership and management training.  When the ship is not running ocean voyages and adventure sailing in places like the Caribbean or Azores, she will return to European waters to run training projects for young executives. The ship is in German ownership with plenty of enthusiasm and new ideas for the future.

Ship Specification - Eye of the Wind

Accommodation Below Decks

>> More details and photos (page to do)

What to Bring - Kit List

Probably the most frequent question is what shall I wear ?  See our kit list page (link to do) for  what you might need to bring for Caribbean voyages. If you are still not sure ring us at Classic Sailing as all our staff are well travelled skippers.

>> Kit list for Eye of the Wind Caribbean Voyages (page to do)

Professional Crew

English is the international language of the sea, but this is a German run vessel so you will have a mix of German and other European and North American crew and guest crew on board.

>>more on Eye of the wind crew (page to do)