Trans Atlantic Crossing with the Westerlies on Square Rigger Eye of The Wind - Bermuda to Azores - 17 days for €2950 euros

Caribbean Tall Ship Voyages on Eye of the Wind

New for this winter 2011-2012 we have a series of unique tall ship adventures exploring the Caribbean on Eye of the Wind. She will be based on the island of Martinique, in the Windward Isles, a slice of France in the Caribbean. After her Caribbean season she will return to Germany via Bermuda and The Azores.

Atlantic Crossing - Bermuda to the Azores

This 17 day adventurous ocean passage to The Azores will be a delight to those wishing to lie on deck soaking up the sun, or to go high into the rigging and look out for land. A great voyage for those wishing to gain extra experience or mileage for qualifications, whilst enjoying the glorious weather.

If this is your first ocean passage, where you spend days at sea, relaxing to the rhythymn of the wind and waves, then you might be in for a shock. After a couple of days you will fall into a routine, and days will blend into one, as you get to know your fellow crew, read books, play games, sing, learn to sail and enjoy getting truly away from it all. If you forget to bring a book, make us of the small library on board. By day you are treated to a temperate climate and at night, a star studded display awaits you. Why not try learning to navigate by the stars? You are encouraged to do as much or as little as you please.

Bermuda

'You go to heaven if you want - I'd rather stay here in Bermuda.' So gushed Mark Twain in the 19th century, and Bermuda's promise of sun and sea still lures sailors to its shores.

The island is surrounded by a fantastic coral reef that harbors colorful fish and has ensnared scores of shipwrecks, making for memorable diving and snorkelling at spots like Elbow Beach in Paget Parish. Elsewhere, the crystal-clear waters of Southampton Parish provide perfect conditions for kayaking and yachting. The offerings on land are splendid as well. You can play a round at a world-class golf course, hike peaceful trails and sunbathe on glorious pink-sand beaches. Or stroll the crooked streets of the colonial settlement of the Town of St George, Britain's oldest surviving town in the New World, which is so well preserved it's been made a World Heritage site.

Why not arrive a bit earlier and really explore the island, before joining Eye of the Wind for this Atlantic Crossing.

Trade Winds & Tropical Sun

The Caribbean West Indies is perhaps the most perfect sailing ground in the world in terms of wind, sunshine and variety of places to visit. The Caribbean sits squarely in the North East trade wind belt and this time of year (Jan-April 2012) is peak season and well outside the hurricane season. Ships like Eye of the Wind revell in strong winds and boisterious turquiose seas and the white square sails look magnificent against the deep blue skies.  There is few things to beat a tropical sunset below the yard arm at anchor away from the tourist hustle and bustle ashore, or landing on a remote beach anchorage under a forest covered volcanic peak. The ship engineer's deck barbeques and punch are legendary too.

The Azores

After two weeks at sea you will finally sight land, and you will be surprised at how long it takes to get anywhere close. Many people report that you can actually smell land before you see it!

The Azores are a lush volcanic archaepelago; unspoilt, varied and uncrowded. They lie approximately 750 miles west of mainland Portugal and although they make up only 2335km2 of land, they cover an area of 58000km2!

Eye of the Wind will endeavour to visit Pico, San Jorge and Terceira before finally arriving on Faial, at Horta. During your island hopping, there is every opportunity to spot whales and dolphins, as this is a popular cruising ground for them.

Some will welcome that first step ashore, for others it will be tinted with sadness, as your voyage comes to an end. No doubt during the voyage you will have made friends, some of whom will stay with you for life, for an Atlantic voyage is a special experience, and one which everyone should make an opportunity.

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 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.