ZC01: Sail training & mile builder NED-UK-FRA (350M)     

We will set sail from the city center of Rotterdam off to Stellendam. A relaxed start of the trip, with a cup of coffee we can enjoy sailing under 4 bridges including the iconic Erasmus Bridge. It is impressive to see Rotterdam from the water with all the busy shipping traffic. The ‘New Waterway’ is divided into VHF radio block channels to guide shipping, an instructive aspect for this sail-training. Depending on the current, it is about three hours sailing to the North Sea, which gives us plenty of time to go over everything on deck and to decide whether we sail outside, or inside to Stellendam.

In the evening we will make a route plan depending on the weather reports, a challenging puzzle. The plan is to sail the along the Belgian coast, overcrowded with shipping traffic routes, fishing vessels and full of wind farms with a tangle of buoys. We also have to listen out the radio block channels and there are special corridors between the wind farms and the shipping lanes where we are allowed to cross. Depending on the weather and tide, but also the possible Corona restrictions, we may cross to Dover, with a pit stop in Dunkirk. A good exercise for light recognition, making bearings to prevent collisions and practice with radar, AIS and currents.

Dover is a nice industrial port, with lots of ferries, a new Marina and of course the famous white cliffs. On top is a beautiful castle. If the weather cooperates we have some time left for a visit to the castle, or a walk to the lighthouse for ‘Tea and scones’ with a beautiful view over the English Channel.

In Dover we will study the weather charts. If the forecast allows, we can make a detour to Honfleur, a leg of about 130 miles. On average that means more than 24 hours of sailing and we will do so according to a watch system. The approach to the Seine is another puzzle. Le Havre, where we will probably arrive in the dark, is busy with large commercial and fishing vessels and on the river Seine the current can be very strong. To get into Honfleur, we have to go through a sea lock and a bridge and the entrance is shallow. The detour from Honfleur is definitely worth the effort, it is a picturesque medieval village full of cozy terraces, eateries and nice shops. Here we can relax and charge our batteries.

The last leg is to Cherbourg, or actually to a little port before, of which the approach dries completely with low tide. An exercice in tidal calculations, because the time to get in (and out) is limited and there is no room for mistakes. The last stretch around Cap Barfleur should also be well timed due to the strong current, taking into account the wind. In short, an instructive sail training due to busy shipping routes, strong currents and tidal puzzles, but above all an extraordinary sailing voyage along a beautiful coast with nice harbours.

The daily distances vary between 25 and 145 miles. The above schedule depends on weather, wind and tide. If necessary, it will be adapted.
Read more about our sail training

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Information about this sailing holiday

Participants of this sailing holiday

Watch leader: –

Sailing holiday Prices 

The ‘board price’ of the voyage is the rent for ship and crew, which must be paid up front.

The ‘board cash’ is the amount per person for the food and drink on board (including crew), as well as fuel, water, shore, port fees and taxes, but excluding trips, food and drinks ashore. This amount must be paid upon embarkation in cash to the skipper (in the appropriate currency). What remains after the sailing holiday, will be refunded.

With less than 3 participants, the ‘board cash’ is usually not sufficient. In that case, there will be a surcharge of up to € 50 per person.

Sailing holidays discount

Customer Discount:
If you book a second sailing holiday with us within a year, you’ll get 5% off the ‘board price’.

Group discount:
If you book a sailing holiday as a group (more than 3 passengers), you will receive 5% discount per person on the ‘board price’.

Youth Discount:
If you are under 29 years old, you will get 10% discount on the ‘board price’.

Discounts can not be combined with each other.

Sailing holiday with your own private cabin

If you would like  a private cabin (room), you can reserve this for 1.5 times the ‘board price’.

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.