From Sail World

The British Virgin Islands, Bermuda and the Azores – only three out of many paradisiacal destinations that awaken the dream and longing for the adventures of seafaring, which the historic windjammer ‘Eye of the Wind’ will touch at.

For 102 years the seaworthy brig has been crossing the oceans. Last year alone 14,231 nautical miles have been entered into the log-book – a reach that equals twice the distance between New York and Bangkok. In the winter half year 2013 / 2014 the proud windjammer will be on target for Tenerife and the Cape Verde Islands which belong to Africa. From there the journey will continue across the North-Atlantic to Barbados. Within only three months the ship’s crew will visit three continents. Guests and trainees are welcome aboard anytime.

From January until March 2014 the sail training vessel will cruise the Caribbean. Overall nine one-week cruises will go to Barbados, Martinique – ‘Island of Flowers’ –, sailors’ paradise Antigua, to the Antilles’ island Saint-Martin, to the enchanting British Virgin Islands and finally to Bermuda. Shore leaves to discover the typical Caribbean flair, anchoring in shielded bays to go swimming and experiencing time sailing on the turquois ocean form a well-balanced combination during each cruise. The sailing will be completely hand-operated. Even without any prior knowledge guests can actively participate in the maneuvers or simply lay back and relax.

Built as a topsail schooner in the Luhring dockyard in Brake (Germany) in 1911, the ship was first called ‘Friedrich’ and used as a cargo ship. After she had changed her owners and names several times, a beaching and a fire on board seemed to be the end of the ship in 1970. Instead, a sailing enthusiast started to completely rig anew the ship’s hulk. In 1973 the two-master with the name ‘Eye of the Wind’ was ready to set sail for new adventures. A cruise around the globe was followed by the ‘Operation Drake’ under the patronage of HRH Prince Charles.

The majestic appearance of the Tall Ship caught filmmaker’s attention and the ‘Eye of the Wind’ was facing wild storms, beaching and fire in front of the camera. Famous Hollywood stars like Brooke Shields and the two Oscar®-winners Tommy Lee Jones and Jeff Bridges took the helm. In ‘Blue Lagoon’ and ‘White Squall’ as well as other action movies the sailing Hollywood diva was used as scene and coulisse.

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http://www.sail-world.com/USA/Tall-Ship-Eye-of-the-Wind-bound-for-the-Caribbean/113476