FORUM train&sail

Come on board of one of the ships full of history, lay back and forget the everyday routine. On the “Eye of the Wind” you can enjoy your freedom or help sailing the ship. No matter what, setting sails, brassing or trimming our crew will show you what to do.

The Harbour Hamburg in the center of Europe. The harbour can be reached from the North Sea by the Elbe. About 115km or 70 sea miles lie between the Elbe-estuary and Hamburg. For the cruise on the Elbe special attention needs to be paid to navigation since the Elbe is a very busy sea lane and the tidal current needs to be observed.

The Kiel Channel connects the North Sea with the East Sea. By this Channel ships can save up to 900km through the Skagerrak around the North cape of Denmark. The Channel which is almost 100 km long crosses Schleswig-Holstein from the Elbe-estuary to “Kieler Förde” the busiest water way of the world.

In 1864 at the beginning of the German-Danish war the Prussian chancellor Otto von Bismarck gave the order to find a connection between North and East Sea which could be passed by all war, merchant and steamboats. As a consequence Bismarck was able to convince the emperor Wilhelm I. to build a channel and in 1883 he gave the order to collect information. He also emphasized that it had to be big enough for the whole fleet. After 8 years of building on June 21st,1895 the emperor Wilhelm II. opened up the during this time called Emperor-Wilhelm-Channel .

In Rendsburg that is located in the North East Channel there is since June 2nd, 1997 a restaurant called “Brückenterasse” that has a machine to great arriving ships. Every ship is greeted by dipping the flag and their national anthem. Let them greet you on your way to the East Sea.

The “Kieler Förde” is a small 17 Kilometers long East Sea bay that opens out into the Kieler bay and that is known for its natural beauty. You will soon see the typical picture of Kiel which means a maritime city with its harbour facilities, the huge ferry boats and enormous gantry cranes. A Regatta in 1882 set the cornerstone for the Kieler Week which takes place every year in June for one week. There about 2000 sailing boats meet to battle each other in various races. The Highlight is the “Windjammerparade”.

After that you will be able to see Denmark’s landscape with lots of lakes and green fields. Ærø used to be put together of two islands with an area of shallow water between them. This area has been dried up and used as acre and meadowland. The picturesque bath houses in Marstal are as impressive as the shipping museum with its world famous Marstal-schooners.

The historic center is the city Ærøskøbing with its scenic old center, shallow streets and colorful frame houses. Also very beautiful is the gothic church in Ærøskøbing.

The tour will go on to Sønderborg. The scenic row of houses along the harbour makes Sønderborg the most attractive harbour in Denmark. There will also be sailing old-timers and tall yachts to be seen.

Enjoy the great view over the water, let go of the everyday stress and forget about time. You can completely relax and enjoy our good service.

The “Eye of the Wind” lets dreams come true.