Sailing over the North Sea

A sailing trip to beautiful places like Whitby, Holy Island, Stonehaven, Buckie picturesque and almost forgotten fishing spots and to the beautiful salt marsh area at Holy Island.

There is often night sailing on this voyage and you are an integral part of the crew. You participate in the waiting system of 4 hours on and 8 hours off and you steer, navigate, sail, etc. according to your ability. In addition, however, assisted by the permanent crew, who are always ready to teach you the intricacies of sailing. It will be an adventurous and exciting sailing trip. When the trip is combined with the Inverness -Oban trip you get a 10% discount on the total price!

Boarding: March 27th around 6:00 PM in Amsterdam.
Disembarkation: April 5th at 10 a.m. in Inverness.

All our cabins have beds of at least 2.00 x 0.75 and are equipped with private shower and toilet. Because our cabins have different floor areas, we have divided them into two categories.

• Standard cabin …………………………… € 1245,- per person
• Standard plus………………………….. € 1365,- per person
• 1 person cabin …………………………… € 1865,- Limited availability.

Including:

• Based on private shower and toilet
• Bed linen and towels
• Crew consisting of: Captain-Mate-Cook.
• Use Zodiac for landings.
• Half board including coffee-tea-milk and juice with meals.
• Group transfer to Edinburgh city center

Not included:

• Arrival and departure to the ship
• Personal expenses
• Any additional entrance fees and drinks
• Drinks on board
• Tips for the crew

We sail with an international tour group on board. However, the crew is Dutch and speaks English and German. Many of our guests come from, among others, the Netherlands, Switzerland, England, Germany and Scotland.

Sailing over the North Sea : Possible itinerary

This program is a guideline and can therefore be adjusted under the influence of weather, current and especially the wind. Flexibility is therefore the rule, especially on this trip.

Day 1: Amsterdam

On Friday, March 31, you can embark at 6 p.m., which means that you can drop off your luggage from 10 a.m. and then explore Amsterdam. You can go to your cabin from 6 pm and around 7 pm there will be a joint meal. After this you will be informed about the upcoming trip.

Day 2 and 3: Crossing the North Sea

Very early in the morning, around 4 o'clock, we leave over the North Sea Canal to IJmuiden. In the meantime, weather reports, waiting schedule, route, sailing setting, etc. are discussed. After the locks have been passed, the sails are hoisted and we start with the very first part of our sailing trip across the North Sea, 220 Nm to Whitby.

During the next day (3) we arrive in Whitby, a harbor town with a very venerable history going all the way back to the Middle Ages. There are still many fishing boats in the harbor, but the Flying Dutchman has also become a well-known appearance and is always warmly received. The harbor is the heart of the city and from here you can take very nice walks.

Day 3 & 4: Whitby

Today is a rest day in Whitby. Time to see this pretty town or take a nice walk to the perched Whitby Abbey where you have a beautiful view of Whitby. https://www.visitwhitby.com/english-heritage-whitby. The journey continues at the end of the day.

Day 5 & 6 Farne Islands & Holy Island

Our Sailing Voyage across the North Sea continues and we leave Whitby harbor and hoist the sails. We go to the Farne Islands, a unique nature reserve with many bird species and the largest population (more than 3000) of gray seals in Europe. The Farne Islands are also known for the beautiful old lighthouses that can be found there.

https://www.naturescanner.nl/europa/united-koninkrijk/farne-eilanden

In the evening we go to the nearby Holy Island, a very special island on the border with England. The actual name is Lindisfarne and that is also the name of the monastery on the island. In 793 the monastery was sacked by the Vikings.

In the southeastern corner of the island, Lindisfarne Castle sits on a sheer cliff, a 16th century castle that was restored in the early 1900s. The island is connected to the mainland by a dam that floods at high tide and is only accessible at low tide. It is reminiscent of: www.montsaintmichel.nl/

Anchor and spend the night in the beautiful, sheltered rift area.

Day 7 : Stonehaven

We start our journey and early we hoist the sails and go to beautiful Stonehaven.

It is a beautiful town on the coast with a beautiful harbor. In addition, it has a beautiful small museum, which made it the most beautiful 'seaside town' in Scotland a few years ago. But the town is also known for the old Dunnottar Castle that is nearby.

Day 8 : Buckie

Buckie is a beautiful harbor town where many loggers used to come. It is very special to think that the Flying Dutchman, as a sailing fishing vessel, already approached Buckie around 1903. Now it has fallen asleep a bit, but you can still taste the grandeur of the formerly important fishing port.

Day 9 : Inverness

After a delicious breakfast we sail on to Inverness, a beautiful city with all the wonders of the Highlands at your doorstep. Visit Inverness Castle and St Andrew's Cathedral, then stroll along the banks of the River Ness, or cross the suspension bridge for some rest and relaxation in the Ness Islands.

Day 10: Inverness

Sailing across the North Sea : Unfortunately, our wonderful sailing trip has already come to an end and after a very extensive breakfast 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.