From Emden (East Frisia) through the Kiel Canal to Kiel Sun 03 June 2018 – Fri 08 June 2018 Our sailing trip begins in the seaport town of Emden. This is where the Emder Matjestage (literally translated as Soused Herring Days) – a colourful folk festival celebrating the long tradition of herring fishing – will be taking place before we set sail. With our 'tall ship' we will sail along the East Frisian island chain and then head for the locks to the Kiel Canal, which links the North Sea to the Baltic sea. Depending on weather conditions and the progress of our journey, there will be time for a short shore leave in Bremerhaven. At the end of the Canal passage, we will moor in Kiel. This busy part of the sea offers exciting and eventful days with many maritime encounters and experiences. Enjoy relaxing days on board, following the rhythm of the North Sea tides and between the banks of the Canal in the middle of Schleswig-Holstein! No previous knowledge or experience is required to sail on our windjammer. This is where you will go on board: Emden, East Frisia Our crew will welcome you on board in the seaport town of Emden. Embarkation will take place at 19:00 hours. Afterwards, you will have dinner together in the comfortable lounge, where you will quickly feel at home on the Eye of the Wind's deck and get to know your fellow sailors. On the weekend before we arrive in Emden, everything will be revolving around small fish: the Matjestage (literally translated as Soused Herring Days) will be celebrated for the 29th time in the seaport town. The event goes back to a herring fishing tradition of more than 450 years in Emden, which ensured the daily income of many families. Since herring fishing in East Frisia was relocated to Bremerhaven, the Matjesfest commemorates the old tradition. During the fes- tival, many traditional ships from Germany and abroad will moor at the inland harbour and Ratsdelft, bringing back a touch of long-gone maritime romanticism to the city. In the evening, various live bands provide the right entertainment for strolling around the festival grounds. Make the best of your stay by going for a walk along the Ratsdelft promenade and for a visit to the Otto Huus, which is dedicated to the famous German comedian Otto Waalkes. All hands on deck or all laid back – the choice is yours! In the morning, it is soon time to cast off. After receiving safety instruc- tions and an introduction to sailing from the ship's crew, you will soon be able to take part in sailing yourself. Hands-on assistance on deck is always voluntary, so if you want, you can just relax and enjoy watching the sailing manoeuvres and the traditional seamanship in action every day. We usually stay within sight of the coast, which makes this trip ideal for sailing beginners. The first leg of the trip will take us along the island chain of the East Frisian Islands. With the spring weather, the North Sea unfolds its rough charm, and a fresh breeze will blow through the rigging. You will get to know the Eye of the Wind as a seaworthy and reliable ship that has proven itself in all weather condi- tions. 'Shore leave' in Bremerhaven Depending on the progress of our journey and wind and weather conditions, we will have the opportunity to stop in Bremerhaven. The Stromkaje (photo below) has an impressive length of 4,930 metres, making it the largest connected container terminal in the world. Built in the style of northern German brick Gothic, the Big Lighthouse of 1854 links the industrial cargo-handling port on the one side and the modern maritime-styled Havenwelten (Harbour Worlds) quarter as an attraction for visitors on the other. We will sail past the Zoo am Meer (Zoo next to the Sea), the Atlantic Hotel Sail City with its design which is modelled after a windswept sail, and along the Geeste estuary with its distinctive green and red mole heads. Across Schleswig-Holstein With around 40,000 ships sailing across the Kiel Canal each year, shipping enthusiasts can look forward to lots of photo opportunities. The journey will take us right through Schleswig- Holstein, along green banks, and under high railway bridges which almost seem to touch the top of our mast. For safety reasons, ships usually sail through the Kiel Canal passage only by engine and without set sails. Depending on the wind direction, it is possible to set sail on the North Sea between Emden and Brunsbüttel. After almost 100 kilometres we will reach the eastern canal locks in Holtenau and immediately afterwards the Kiel Fjord. In the meantime, you can relax on deck or in the comfortable lounge and browse through the extensive library, explore the ship and enjoy delicious culinary creations from the on-board kitchen. This is where you will disembark: Kiel-Holtenau Holtenau on the western shore of the Kiel Fjord is where our cruise ends and it is time to bid farewell to the crew and your fellow sailors. From here you can watch the lively coming and going at the locks of the Kiel Canal. From sports yachts to ocean liners, vessels of all kinds and sizes can be seen passing by around the clock on the world's busiest artificial waterway. On the walk to the Holtenauer lighthouse which is nearby, you will get a taste of the nostalgic harbour atmosphere – numerous old cargo ships and schooners are often moored on the quay. Six good reasons to go: East Frisian Islands and Kiel Canal: safe sailing in coastal waters Active sailing and manoeuvering on a 100-year-old windjammer Excellent onboard cuisine, delicious meals from morning to evening Well-balanced ratio between time at sea and time for shore leave Attractive ports of embarkation and disembarkation: Emden and Kiel „Emder Matjestage“ event upon your arrival at the port of embarkation Journey time: Sun 03 June 2018 – Fri 08 June 2018 Services included: 5 nights' accommodation aboard the Tall Ship Eye of the Wind. Accommodation in a comfortable double cabin with hot and cold running water, shower, toilet, and air conditioning (single cabin surcharge). Full board (including all meals, soft drinks, coffee & tea). Lounge with TV/DVD and extensive on-board library. The tour price includes VAT. Not included: Arrival and departure, shore excursions and alcoholic beverages. We gladly assist you in the individual planning of your arrival and departure. Please contact us if necessary in a timely manner. Please consider the following notes on the itinerary: The indicated ports are optional. The ship's management reserves the right to change the itinerary at short notice depending on wind and weather conditions. Photos: courtesy of Frank Anders; Emden Tourismus und Marketing GmbH. Eye of the Wind FORUM train & sail GmbH Mandichost. 18 | 86504 Merching | Germany www.eyeofthewind.net Phone: +49 (0)8233 381-227 Fax: +49 (0)8233 381-9943 E-Mail: [email protected] A company of FORUM MEDIA GROUP GMBH .