Sailing trip Amsterdam- Aberdeen (Scotland)

This sailing trip will take you along the beautiful scenery of the English and Scottish east coast. We will visit pittoresque, almost forgotten, fishermen’s villages like Whitby and Stonehaven. Or we can drop anchor in front of the treasure of Holy Island.

Sailing trip Amsterdam- Scotland: During this trip we will often sail during the night and, if you would like, you can be part of the crew by joining the watches. You will have the possibility to steer, to navigate, and to help setting the sails. Of course you will be assisted by the professional crew aboard.

Embark:       April  1 at 18.00 PM in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Disembark:  April  9 at 10.00 AM in Aberdeen, Scotland

Prices

The ‘Flying Dutchman’ provides accommodation for 24 guest in twin cabins. Each cabin has an upper and lower berth and a private shower/toilet combination.

Since the cabins are different in size, the prices for the voyage differ:

Standard cabin………………………………………:  €  825, – per person

Standard plus cabin:………………………………:  €  995, – per person

Private if you want a cabin by yourself…:  €  1485,-

Included:

• All charges regarding port fees, tourists fees and fuel expenses.
• Bed linen and towels
• Vullpension, including coffee, tea, milk and juice at all meals.
  Two times dinner on shore for own cost.
• The use of a zodiac for landings when we visit places without a harbour.
• The crew: captain, cook and first mate.

Not included:

Travel expenses to and from ports of arrival and departure

• Personal expenses ashore
• Fees for events that take place outside the ship.
• Beverages besides the included drinks during the meals.

Language

Our voyages attract travellers from all over the world, which has been an important factor in establishing an open-minded atmosphere on board. The crew of the ship is most of the time from Dutch origin, but speaks and understands English very well.

Route planning:

A typical voyage is illustrated below, but please note that ports and destinations may be subject to change due to unpredictable weather conditions. The captain aboard will determine the final itinerary regarding weather forecasts. Please do not worry if we deviate from the original plan, because it just means that we will most likely visit another beautiful area. We ask for your understanding in this matter.

Day 1: Amsterdam

Sailing trip Amsterdam- Scotland: On Friday  around 18:00 PM we  welcome you aboard the ‘Flying Dutchman’ in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. After a nice dinner altogether, the captain will give an introduction and the voyage planning, while you can enjoy a nice malt whisky ‘on the house’. As a surprise the captain will maybe give a performance with his band ‘Slainge’.

Dag 2 & 3: Crossing the North Sea to Whitby

Today we will leave early in the morning to say goodbye to the port of Amsterdam and set course to the sea locks of Ijmuiden. During the passage on the North Sea canal you will get safety instructions and sailing instructions from the crew. After we get out off the locks, we get out on the open sea were we will set sail and start our first long crossing of approximately 220 miles towards Whitby. This part will be the longest of our journey.

Day : 3 & 4 Whitby

The night will be spend at sea and we expect to arrive in the medieval town of Whitby in the morning. The harbour is the heart of the town and the Flying Dutchman is by now a familiar sight in the harbour and is always getting a warm welcome. In this fishermen’s town there is so much to see and to enjoy that we will stay here for the rest of the day.

Day 5: Farne islands & Holy Island

We leave Whitby in the early morning and set sail to the Farne islands. The Farne islands can only be reached by boat and these rocky islands are a home to many seals, puffins and other species of seabirds. There are many old lighthouses situated on these islands, which are worthwhile seeing. We will try to make a landing on one of the islands with the Zodiac.

In the afternoon we will leave to visit the Holy island, which is close to the Farne islands. This special tidal island is situated just a couple of miles from the coast and cut off from the mainland twice a day by tides. It carries a lot of spiritual history and is seen as one of the treasures of England.

The actual name of the island is called the Holy island of Lindisfarne. This is also the name of the monastery, which was founded around 635 by the Irish monk Saint Aiden van Lindesfarne. In 793 the monastery was plundered by Vikings.

On the southeast corner of the island, impressively rising from a steep cliff, you will find the Lindisfarne castle. A castle which was built to defend English ships against Scottish invaders. We will pay a visit to the monastery and the castle and stay for the night in this serene scenery.

Day 6 : Stonehaven

We move on with our Sailing trip Amsterdam- Scotland, and set sail in the morning towards the pretty harbour of Stonehaven, south of Aberdeen. The harbour is said to be one of the most pittoresque in the country because the town is spectacularly surrounded by high cliffs on both sides. Also the town hosts nice pubs, restaurants and gift shops. The city is mostly famous for the dramatic ruined Dunnator Castle. This castle is beautifully located on a cliff in front of the coast and is therefore one of the most photographed locations .

Day 7: Sailing along the East coast of Scotland to Aberdeen

Today we will continue our voyage along the magnificent East coast of Scotland where many little ports are established. In the afternoon we come to our last Port Aberdeen. Aberdeen is famous for its granite buildings and monuments. Packed with sparkling crystals, buildings such as His Majesty’s Theatre and Marischal College shimmer in the sunlight. To the north of the city centre, the cobbled streets and historic university buildings of Old Aberdeen are steeped in history, while to the east – by the harbour – the quaint fishing quarter of Footdee (pronounced locally as Fittie) is packed with tiny cottages and colourful gardens. This is a city right on the coast. It’s a place where you can walk from the city centre to the harbour in minutes – and you have a high chance of seeing the harbour’s resident pod of dolphins playing in the waters when you get there too.

The sandy beach is a must visit. Stroll along the sands before stopping to enjoy an ice cream in the fresh sea air. You might spot people surfing and paddle boarding in the water too.

Day 8: Aberdeen

Unfortunately our voyage has come to an end. After a nice breakfast on board it is time to say goodbye

Sailing vessel The Flying Dutchman

The Flying Dutchman is built in 1903. In 2004 Klaas bought this ship and reconstructed it in order to serve as a passengers’ ship that is able to sail the international waters. The ship has a worldwide license according to international safety rules and the ship has been outfitted with the latest navigation and communication systems.

The interior is warm and cosy. The mahogany wood adds to the maritime atmosphere. Refreshments can be found at the bar which is provided with a beer tab. Each cabin has its own bathroom with toilet and shower. Outside you will find plenty of spots to sit, relax and enjoy the passing scenery.