The North Sea is important for marine life, transport, energy and tourism. During our trip we will be rewarded with the unique scenic beauty on sea and along the coast. On the other hand we will experience its crowded shipping lanes to and from North Sea ports and Baltic ports all share routes on the North Sea, which are among the busiest in the world. Some say, if you can sail the North Sea you can sail everywhere.
When we leave Scheveningen we usually experience a beautiful downwind leg with South Westerly breeze. Obviously, a north easterly breeze it will be a tough upwind. The first leg will bring us through the Dutch and German Wadden Sea towards Brunsbuttel, the entrance of Kieler Canal.
The Wadden Sea (UNESCO heritage) is the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. The site covers the Dutch Wadden Sea Conservation Area, the German Wadden Sea National Parks of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, and most of the Danish Wadden Sea maritime conservation area. Wadden Sea is one of the last remaining large-scale, intertidal ecosystems where natural processes continue to function largely undisturbed. And you understand what tidal means..
The North Sea coasts are home to numerous canals and canal systems to facilitate traffic between and among rivers, artificial harbours, and the sea. The Kiel Canal, connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea, is the most heavily used artificial seaway in the world which saves an average of 250 nautical miles.
We will sail along the magnificent North German coast and through the Kieler canal, with its beautiful luscious green river beds by daylight. A brief stop in Kiel gives us the opportunity to a walk around and enjoy the watersport minded German city. And sail on to the Fehmarn Peninsula, leaving the Kieler Förde behind. Expect a long stretch of sailing towards the Pninsula of Rugen, with lots of maneuvering around this big peninsula island since we have to round it almost completely.
We continue the old East German border and sail to the Polish border close to Międzyzdroje.
Depending on the wind we either follow the Polish riviera towards Kolobzreg, Ustka or stay offshore when we have a carrying breeze. Slowly we reach the beautiful northern part in the Batic Sea called the Amber Coast. We sail on until Wladyslawowo, where a huge dyke arises and follow it until we reach the city of Hel. From here we descend into the bay of Gdansk.
When in Gdansk, do take the opportunity to explore he old town of Gdansk, an original Hanze Stad from the VOC era. And enjoy St Tropez of Poland, the city of Sopot in the vicinity.
In Gdansk, we will enjoy the hospitality of our sponsor Bolsius, who produces its candles in Poland.
In order to feel and perform safely and securely on board, we recommend to sign up to Advanced Ocean race training days prior to the North-and Baltic Sea 2021departure.
Being offshore requires safety certified trained sailors. Check if you want or need certifications or if they need updating. Consider at least: First Aid certification on board (3 year validity), Offshore Personal Survival Training (5 year validity) and VHF certification (lifetime validity).
2021 training schedules on the website.
