|
With captain Klaas' "Flying Dutchman" or with the three mast barque “Artemis” we sail and cycle where the most favourable wind blows us. Fixed is only the area of destination: the islands of the Danish South Funen Archipelago (Dansk Sydhav) and the German coast of the Baltic Sea between Kiel and Maasholm. Everything else is determined by weather conditions and wind, so that in the end no voyage the ones before.
On hoisting the sails the crew needs our active help as they do for the preparations of meals and the washing up. However, nobody will be obliged to help; thus a relaxed atmosphere can develop on board.
On the islands of Ærø, Langeland, Funen, Alsen and possibly Lolland as well as on the North-German Schleifjord or along the Kiel canal we go for 6 cycling tours in a great, varied countryside performed by our tour guide. Along beautiful mansions, neat villages and reed-roofed farmhouses we cycle in a usually even or hilly countryside. On our way we discover prehistoric sepulchres, observe wild horses on Langeland, and let pass by the world of fairytales that already inspired Hans Christian Andersen, or have a break enjoying the world-famous Danish wafers.
Day to Day Itinerary
Individual journey to the starting point at Kiel-Holtenau or by train to Kiel, from there a regular bus service - line 91 - takes you to Holtenau / Friedrichsort.
At 6 pm cabins of the Flying Dutchman or of the Artemis are ready to welcome you. In case of an earlier arrival we take care of your luggage until check in time. Up to dinner time there is time to scout the area round Kiel-Holtenau; for this sightseeing tour you may already use your bike. As an alternative you may take a boat trip along the firth or sit in a snug café watching the boats on the Kiel canal passing by and enjoy the vivid harbour-atmosphere.
Before dinner the captain and our group leaders give us the most important pieces of information concerning the boat and our journey.
After a first night on board in our cosy cabins we draw our attention to the weather and the wind. Is the wind favourable to a crossing or are chances of a cruise better in the afternoon? At the latest after breakfast the captain and the tour guide will inform us if we start the day with a cycling tour, e.g. to Strande, or with setting sails to Damp or with a more favourable wind to the Isle of Ærø where, after our arrival, will be plenty of time for an eventful cycling tour.
After making up our mind we start the first stage of our journey either by bike or by boat.
On board there is now time for a short nautical introduction. A member of the crew will explain to us the particular sails and acquaint us with their names. It won't take long to learn that the "Fall" (naut.: jeer) is a rope with which a sail is set or struck and a "Schot" (naut.: sheet)is a rope which is used to operate particular sails. Together we afterwards hoist sails. The feeling of the ship more and more bending with the wind and the engine is finally switched off will be unforgettable as well as the spray and the waves whipping over deck in a storm.
On our cycle tours the courier leads us to the most beautiful places and most memorable sights of the area round the harbours called at. The neat and awarded town of Ærøskøbing - generally titled "place of fairytales" - counts among potential highlights of our journey as well as the visit of Kappeln, Faaborg, or Sønderborg.
In case of favourable winds "Valdemars Slot" and the mansion "Holstenshuus", two of the large estates, which were already visited by the famous poet Hans-Christian Andersen, will enrich the program of our tour.
No matter whether we see the wild horses on the isle of Langeland, the steep cliffs on Ærø, the endless poppy and marguerite meadows or the enchanted wood "Pipstorn" on Fünen, again and again nature keeps ready for us surprising perspectives and most spectacular views.
By bike we go on a time travel and admire the nearly 1000 hat-like hills, left by the last Ice Age on Langeland 15000 years ago. Prehistoric sepulchres and megalithic graves tell about people's lives 6000 years ago; everywhere we find hints of the Vikings who in the early Middle Ages were in control of a great part of Denmark and the Baltic sea.
Wherever we are taken by the wind during this week on the "Flying Dutchman" or on the “Artemis”, we will experience and see a lot. The unique combination of sailing and cycling and the warm being together in cooperation on board the boat makes each particular journey a unique and special one.
|
 |
Variations:
Due to diverse wind and weather conditions and the idea to set the sails whenever possible, the course of the particular voyage is not predictable.
Only the destination is fixed by the German coast of the Baltic Sea and the islands of the Danish South Funen Archipelago. We always look for a fair balance between cycling and sailing – however, depending on wind and distance, even a full day of sailing is possible; this we try to compensate by a full day of cycling.
Your Motor Sailers
Standard Boat Flying Dutchman (shower / toilet in each cabin)
We are glad that since 2011 the "Flying Dutchman", a first-class, seaworthy two-mast schooner enriches our fleet. Due to its extensive technique concerning safety and navigation the Flying Dutchman has a worldwide license to organize sailing tours. The expanse of its sails is 523 yards2 / 480 m2 and enables the boat to cover the distances between the islands under sail. In performing the program captain Klaas won't refuse the help of his guests.
The launching of the Flying Dutchman was in 1903, at that time a herring-lugger but then finally rebuilt in winter 2004. The ship got 10 conveniently furnished double cabins and one triple cabin all with their own shower / toilet.
The front saloon in the deckhouse serves as a comfortable dining and day room and offers with its upholstered benches sufficient place for everybody. Astern you may sit next to the captain and maybe you are allowed to steer the 42,5 yards (39m-long) ship yourself.
Premium Boat Artemis (shower / toilet in each cabin)
The 59 m long and 7 m wide three mast barque Artemis – named after the Roman godess of hunting – was built in Norway in 1926 and sailed for many years as a freighter. In 2001 the boat was transformed into an elegant sailing ship for cruises with an impressive sail surface of 1.050 sqm. The ship now has 14 comfortable guest cabins with shower and toilet as well as a cozy saloon. The Artemis satisfies even the most demanding guests with her excellent sailing qualities and her unique combination of sailing tradition and modern comfort.
  
Flying Dutchman Artemis
Catering:
The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and two warm meals a day. The full board starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. Occasionally lunch on board is replaced by a lunch packet.
RATING: Easy
The daily routes of 10 to 30 km are quite flat, and mostly on superb asphalted bike paths. You can rest for a day or half a day on the ship at any time.
Airport / Transfers
The nearest international airport is Hamburg, approx 120km by train from Kiel.
Schedule & Price
| DEPARTURE DATES 2012 |
May 14th - 6 night tour
Every Sunday from May 20th to July 15th
August 20th - Monday to Monday
September 2nd
|
| Price per person, double occ. |
CAD |
$1725 |
| Single, single share and triple cabins on request. |
|
|
| May 14th and July 15th dates (6 nights) |
|
-$150 |
| August 20th and September 2nd dates (superior ship Artemis) |
|
$430 |
This tour includes: |
- 8-day cruise on a motor sailer with crew
- 7 nights in a double cabin with shower / toilet
- 7 x full board (occasionally lunch is replaced by a lunch packet)
- 6 guided cycling tours as described in itinerary
- Rental of a 21 speed hybrid style bike
- Bike insurance
- Bed linen and towels
- Overview-maps for the daily tours on board
- English / German speaking tour guide
|
Drinks on board and entrance fees on tour are not included.
Return to Cycle Tour homepage
 |
