North Sea Mile-Builder Voyage: Expand Your Sailing Experience 2027
For sailors seeking adventure!
Embark: Saturday, April 9, 2027, at 17:00 in Medemblik
Disembark: Tuesday, April 19, 2027, at 9:00 in Inverness
Duration: 11 days
This demanding sailing voyage takes you across the North Sea, along the English and Scottish east coasts, to Inverness — covering approximately 550 nautical miles. It’s a true challenge for sailors, offering both offshore experience and opportunities to explore fascinating destinations along the way.
The route is flexible and depends on weather conditions; in adverse weather, the voyage may become a continuous passage, requiring adaptability, teamwork, and resilience.
During this voyage, you will be an active member of the crew, fully immersed in the watch system. You’ll take the helm, handle sails, plan passages, navigate, and stand lookout — all under the guidance of an experienced skipper. This hands-on approach ensures you gain practical skills and confidence in all aspects of offshore sailing.
This voyage is ideal for sailors looking to build miles for RYA Coastal or Offshore certification. You’ll gain valuable offshore experience and extensive sea time in varied conditions, while learning navigation, passage planning, and advanced sail handling in real-life situations. Every day offers the chance to learn from the skipper and crew, making it a perfect step up for ambitious sailors seeking to advance their skills.
Exclusive Youth Discount: Get 15% off on this North Sea Mile-Builder Voyage for participants up to 29 years old!
Highlights of the voyage
- Challenging North Sea Crossing – Open-water sailing at its most exhilarating.
- Historic East Coast Stops – Explore ancient harbours and cultural gems.
- Active Offshore & Night Sailing – Hands-on sailing, day and night.
- Team Spirit Onboard – Work together, share adventures, and build camaraderie.
Day-to-Day Programme – Offshore Sailing Voyage
Day 1 – Welcome to Medemblik
- Welcome on board at 17:00 with dinner
- Briefing about the ship, safety, and voyage
- Overnight stay on board
Day 2 – Medemblik to Texel (~30 NM)
- Morning: Crew instruction and sail training on rigging and ship handling.
- Practice manoeuvres and teamwork on the IJsselmeer.
- Departure to Texel.
- Overnight stay onboard, preparing for the North Sea crossing.
Days 3–4 – Texel to Whitby (~250 NM)
- Offshore sailing across the North Sea.
- Arrival in Whitby, famous for its connection to Dracula and explorer James Cook.
- Explore Whitby Abbey, the James Cook Museum, or relax in the town’s cafés.
Days 5–6 – Whitby to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) (~85 NM)
- Sail to Holy Island, renowned for its medieval monastery and abundant seal population.
- Anchor in a sheltered bay, with opportunities to explore the island by dinghy.
Days 7–9 – Holy Island to Inverness (~175 NM)
- Continue offshore sailing towards Inverness.
- Possible stop in the Moray Firth, depending on weather.
- Experience active offshore and night sailing, and contribute fully to the watch system.
Day 10 – Arrival in Inverness
- Time to explore Inverness: highlights include Inverness Castle, Culloden Battlefield, or a nearby whisky distillery.
- Group dinner onboard to celebrate the voyage.
- Optional: visit the famous local pub Hootananny for a fun evening.
Day 11 – Disembarkation
- Farewell breakfast onboard.
- Depart with unforgettable memories and new sailing experiences.
Nature Sets the Course: Wind, weather, and tides shape each day. The flexible route ensures safety and spontaneity, with new landscapes and wildlife to discover daily. As a result, we may deviate from the planned itinerary to make the most of conditions and opportunities, creating a unique experience on every voyage.
Who Is This Adventure For?
- Building miles for RYA certification: Perfect opportunity for those who need to log miles towards their RYA Coastal or Offshore certification, gaining valuable offshore experience and sea time in diverse.
- Adventurous sailors: Ideal for those seeking an active and varied challenge at sea.
- True offshore experience: Sail in all weather conditions, including night watches.
- Physical fitness required: Good sailing legs and stamina needed.
- Age range: Suitable for sailors aged 16 to 70, with a good level of fitness and a love for adventure at sea.
Minimum requirements
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Proven sailing experience, for example at the level of RYA Day Skipper (or equivalent).
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Familiarity with sailing terms, manoeuvres, and the basics of navigation.
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Willing and able to take part in the watch system, including night watches.
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Physically fit to handle long sailing days and challenging offshore conditions.
Onboard Cooking Adventures
Meals are an essential part of this voyage! We stock up in advance for fresh, nourishing meals. Guests actively participate in meal preparation.
Cooking at sea can be challenging but is also rewarding, creating great opportunities to bond with fellow crew members.
One evening, we’ll dine ashore at your own expense, with the day determined by the schedule.
On board, red and white wine and beer are available for purchase.
We do not serve spirits, and we kindly ask guests not to bring any on board.
For safety and to maintain a positive atmosphere on board, the use of drugs and excessive alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited, and alcohol is not permitted before or during sailing
Price
Price per person:
€1950 (shared cabin)
Exclusive Youth Discount: Get 15% off on this North Sea Mile-Builder Voyage for participants up to 29 years old! €1657,- For all other voyages, a 10% youth discount applies.
Included:
- All meals on board (breakfast, lunch and dinner), including hot drinks (exept for 1 dinner ashore)
- Bedding (pillow, sheets and duvet) and one wash towel
- Professional crew and sailing instruction
- Marina and fuel fees
- All tender transfers to and from the boat
Excluded:
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- 1x dinner ashore
- Flights; transit or overnight hotels
- Travel to and from the boat on embarkation and disembarkation days
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Getting to the Ship
You are responsible for arranging your travel to and from the ship.
Travel Advice: Schiphol to Medemblik
- By Train and Bus:
- Take a train from Schiphol Airport to Hoorn (direct trains are available, or you may need to transfer at Amsterdam Sloterdijk).
- From Hoorn, take bus 314 towards Den Oever and get off at Medemblik.
- The total travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Steady Locations:
- Medemblik: Oosterhaven – A charming harbor in the heart of Medemblik, perfect for starting your adventure.
- Inverness: Seaport Marina, Muirtown Wharf, Inverness IV3 5LE – Located at the Caledonian Canal
Find detailed information about travel options here.
Booking & Travel Info
Booking is easy: complete our booking form, and we’ll send you a no-obligation quote. Once confirmed, your adventure is secured.
Important Travel Information
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required to enter the UK.
- Cost: £19
- Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires
- Apply at: www.gov.uk/get-an-eta
For questions or to book, click here – we’re happy to help!
This trip is covered by the STO Garant scheme. For more information, visit STO Garant.
