A breath of fresh air under full sail: a midweek sailing in autumn
As summer slowly fades away and the scent of wet grass and sea salt hangs in the air, perhaps the most beautiful sailing season of the year begins. Autumn on the water means space, silence, strong winds and spectacular skies. During a midweek sailing trip aboard a traditional sailing ship such as the Waterwolf, you will experience five days of relaxation, nature and adventure. You don’t have to think about a thing — everything is taken care of. All you have to do is step aboard.
Sunday evening – Welcome aboard the sailing ship Waterwolf
On Sunday evening, you will be welcomed at around 8 p.m. in the harbour of Harlingen or Enkhuizen. Dusk is falling, the ship is ready and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. You will meet the crew and the other passengers, explore your cabin and hear all about the ship, the sailing plan and safety during a short briefing.
Afterwards, there will be time to join us for a first drink and a good chat, or simply to retreat to the deck and soak up the silence.
Monday – Cast off and set course for the Wadden Sea
After a communal breakfast with fresh bread, tea and coffee, it’s time to set sail. The skipper explains the wind and the route, and with everyone’s help, the sails are hoisted.
Autumn immediately shows itself from its best side: fresh air, cloud-filled skies that you can’t take your eyes off and a wind that invites you to really sail. We sail across the IJsselmeer or head out to sea towards the Wadden Sea, depending on the wind and tide.
At the end of the afternoon, we moor at a Wadden Island. The atmosphere on board is relaxed, the cook serves a delicious dinner, and after dinner, those who feel like it can take an evening walk along the dike or through the dunes.
Tuesday – Island feeling and autumn walks
Today, we may stay on the island where we arrived in the morning. You can walk through the dunes, spot birds or visit a small museum or shop. Nature is at its best now, with orange sea buckthorn, wet sand and rustling leaves.
After lunch on board, we hoist the sails again and sail on – perhaps to the next island, perhaps to a quiet anchorage in the middle of the Wadden Sea. Along the way, you can learn more about navigation, sail trimming or steering, if you wish. Everything is allowed, nothing is compulsory.
At the end of the afternoon, we moor again. The galley smells delicious: a hot meal awaits you. After dinner, peace and quiet returns. Those who wish can stay outside a little longer — because on a clear evening, you can see a starry sky like you rarely see anywhere else.
Wednesday — Wind, water and stories on board
Today is all about sailing. We will take a longer trip, for example towards the Frisian coast or across the IJsselmeer. The ship will find its course, and you will have plenty of time to surrender to the rhythm of the waves. We will have lunch on the water, possibly make a short stop in harbour towns such as Makkum or Stavoren, and continue sailing while the autumn sun hangs low on the horizon.
Upon arrival at the next harbour, it’s time for a drink on deck or inside in the warm day room. The atmosphere is relaxed, and stories flow easily. The evening is yours: a book, a game, a good conversation — or just listening to the clatter of the halyards in the mast.
Thursday — Along dikes and villages on the Dutch waters
After breakfast, we set off on a trip past windmills, polders and small harbours. Autumn is everywhere here: rustling reeds, migrating birds gathering, dykes full of colour. We may make a stop for a walk through an old fishing village. The wind plays with your coat, the light is soft, and everywhere you feel that the water is in charge here.
In the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on board. You will notice how familiar the ship and your fellow travellers have become. There is laughter, sharing and reminiscing about the week.
Friday – Back to our home port of Harlingen
On Friday morning, we prepare the ship together for the last sailing trip.
We sail back to the port of departure, while you enjoy the peace, the wind and the view one last time. On the way, there is time for a final lunch and who knows, we might even see seals, terns or porpoises. Around the end of the afternoon, we moor and the journey comes to an end. You disembark with fresh cheeks, a head full of wind and a heart full of memories.
Fancy a midweek autumn sailing trip?
A midweek sailing trip in autumn is no ordinary holiday, but an experience you will never forget. Fully catered, atmospheric and with room for everyone — whether you come alone or together. Book your place via this link and sail with us in the most beautiful season of the year.