Subject: Press Release Islandhopper
First time ever: Sailing ferry service Waddensea
This summer holiday, from July 5th till August 29th, there is again a ferry schedule under sail between the Waddenislands. All the islands this year, since the clipper Willem Jacob will visit Schiermonnikoog as well. Also Amsterdam will be part of the schedule now that the clipper Avontuur joins the schedule and maintains the weekly round trip Amsterdam-Texel-Terschelling and back again.
Since the schedule is tuned to the tide, so in between their inter-island-crossings at high tide, the boats often have time for a day cruise from each island-port. Depending on the tides there are afternoon, evening and even a few night trips with a full moon.
Together with Stayokay there are Wadden-hop-adventures. 5 or 8 day packages including 2 or 3 islands and 1 or 2 sailing crossings. A very good option for those who don't like to puzzle or prefer the all-in way to travel. See www.stayokay.com/waddenhoppen.
Background:
Sailing barges were a common mode of transportation in Holland in the 19th century. They carried cargo, mail and passengers. The clippers 'Willem Jacob' and 'Avontuur' were built as sailing cargo vessels and renovated as passenger sailing boats. Of course the clippers do have an engine, but they are usually sailing the entire distance. This is also possible because the schedule is carefully adjusted to the tide. Sailing with the currents is a lot faster and at high tide we navigate over the sandbanks, not around them. The eastern routes aren't even navigable at low tide. Makes sense: people cross over between the islands and the mainland on foot then - doing so called "Wadlopen".
In a nutshell:
Twice a day the Waddensea breathes in and out. Eilandhopper sails on that rhythym. Whether you're going to absorb as much as you can of the art and craft of navigating these estuaries or you're planning on dreaming away by the water rushing past the bow. It's a great experience for young and old. Welcome aboard!
