Z00-27: England Sailing Voyage | North Sea Crossing with Night Sailing and Offshore Passages (2 × 140 nm)

This unique North Sea sailing voyage begins in the heart of Rotterdam with a memorable first leg. Passing beneath the iconic Erasmus Bridge, we follow the Nieuwe Waterweg towards Maassluis. It is a relaxed start to the trip and a great opportunity to experience Rotterdam from the water, surrounded by commercial shipping, container terminals and impressive bridges. Along the way, we pass through the VHF traffic sectors of the Nieuwe Waterweg and gain insight into the operation of one of Europe’s busiest shipping routes.

Depending on tidal streams and conditions, we reach Maassluis after a few hours. There is plenty of time to get acquainted with the yacht and fellow crew members, settle into life on board and enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Later in the afternoon, we prepare a passage plan based on the latest weather forecasts and make our final preparations for the North Sea crossing.

Crossing the North Sea to England

The next morning, we set sail for Ramsgate or Lowestoft on England’s east coast. Depending on wind, tides and routing, the passage covers approximately 120 to 140 nautical miles.

Along the way, we pass shipping lanes, offshore wind farms and busy commercial traffic routes. We sail day and night, experiencing a genuine North Sea crossing, with night watches under the stars and the sunrise at sea.

Night Sailing and Watchkeeping

Throughout the passage, we operate a three-watch system: three hours on watch followed by six hours off watch. This provides ample time for rest while ensuring everyone remains engaged and alert.

Those who wish can take an active role in navigation, sail handling, radar and AIS operation, while others may simply enjoy the experience of being at sea.

Ramsgate and Lowestoft are both attractive historic harbour towns with a rich maritime heritage. If weather and timing allow, there will be time to explore the local area, enjoy the traditional English atmosphere and finish the day with dinner and, of course, a pint in the pub.

After our stay on the English coast, we set course back to the Netherlands. This return passage includes another night at sea, providing further opportunities to experience watchkeeping, night sailing and offshore passage making.

Depending on wind, weather and tides, we may enter the Nieuwe Waterweg after dark and sail towards the illuminated skyline of Rotterdam. Approaching Europe’s largest port at night is a spectacular and unforgettable experience.

A True North Sea Sailing Experience

This sailing voyage combines two genuine North Sea crossings with long days at sea, night sailing, watchkeeping and the unique satisfaction of a voyage under sail.

It is ideal for sailors who enjoy offshore sailing, wish to gain experience on longer sea passages or simply want to immerse themselves in the rhythm of wind, sea and life on board. The voyage is suitable for both experienced sailors and enthusiastic newcomers who would like to experience longer offshore passages, night sailing and life on board during a North Sea crossing.

The itinerary described above is dependent on weather, wind and tidal conditions. If necessary, the route and schedule may be adjusted accordingly.

Read more about our Sailing holidays to the United Kingdom (U.K.)

Information about this sailing holiday

Participants of this sailing holiday

(Minimum 3, max 5 participants)

Sailing holidays Prices 

The price is the rental cost for the ship with crew, including food and drinks on board, hence full board. The price mentioned is per person.

Included in the price:

– Food and drinks on board.
– Fuel, water, shore power, harbour fees and tourist tax.
– 1 towel set and bedding incl. duvet and, of course, a life jacket.
– For after sailing there is also wine and beer on board, based on average use. Should we run out, then you can purchase more yourself.

Not included:

– Your transfer, meaning your journey to and from the ship
– Sailing clothes and boots, you can rent these from us if you would like.
– Possible shore excursions such as renting a van, or visiting a museum etc.
– Food and drinks ashore, the last evening we will go out for dinner and this will be at your own expense. ( Should you wish to treat the crew as a thank you for a lovely sailing holiday, it would of course be greatly appreciated!)
– Optional tips. These are, of course, entirely voluntary, but always appreciated. Any tips are shared between the skipper and crew, because the skipper is just as much a part of the team that makes the voyage possible. Contrary to what many guests assume, the Bosun/cook on board Cherokee is actually the highest-paid member of the crew.

Duration & Time on Board

The listed trip duration refers to full calendar days. Since you embark on the first evening and disembark on the final morning, your actual time on board is on average about 1.5 days shorter. We use this format to keep our trips comparable with other providers – but we like to be transparent about the real time you’ll spend on board.

Sailing holidays discount

Customer Discount:
If you book a second sailing holiday with us within a year, you’ll get 2.5% off the ‘board price’.

Sailing holidays group discount:
If you book a sailing holiday as a group (more than 3 passengers), you will receive 2.5% discount per person on the ‘board price’.

Sailing holidays youth Discount:
If you are under 29 years old, you will get 5% discount on the ‘board price’.

Sailing holidays discounts can not be combined with each other.

Bonus Discount:
€25 extra discount when you choose a vegetarian menu on board.

Private charter

You can also rent the ship and crew for a privat charter. Then multiply the price with 7. For a private charter, you can choose one of the offered sailing holidays, provided there are no other bookings for that sailing journey. If you would like more information on private charter, please contact us.

Sailing holidays with your own private cabin

If you are a solo traveler and would like the comfort of a private cabin (room), you can reserve it for 1.6 times the price (for crossings, it will be 1.9x).

Extend your sailing holidays with an extra day B&B

On some of our sailing holidays, it is possible to book an extra overnight stay on board based on Bed & Breakfast (B&B, so without dinner) for € 125 per person. This automatically applies when booking multiple trips in a row.

Sailing holiday categories

Category A:
Offshore crossings, includes also sailing throughout the nights. Passengers will also be grouped in the watch system.

Category B:
Offshore sailing holidays, there will be no sailing throughout the nights, but occasionally a late arrival at the harbour (or an early departure), depending on the weather.

Category C:
Relaxed sailing holidays with shorter sailing distances, including more time for sightseeing and sometimes a nice land excursion.

Category D:
Sailing holiday specials, from ‘Sailing holidays with Yoga’ up to expedition sailing. Not every season available.

Category E:
Sailing holiday’s with extra sailtraining.

Category F:
Sailing holidays with also small children on board.