Ultimate relaxation on the Wadden Sea
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Island hopping
There are several ways to cross the Wadden Sea. You can take the fastest option by taking the ferry service or you can island hop aboard a historic sailing clipper. You can book such an adventurous experience on several ships in the Wadden area. Curious? So are we! That is why we immediately hung up the phone with Titia Schuil of sailing ship the Willem Jacob and the Island Hopper initiative.
Reading time: about 5 minutes
For an adventurous experience, you've come to the right place with the sailing wadden service Eilandhopper. Eilandhopper is a collaboration between two historic sailing clippers: the Minerva and the Willem Jacob. From this last ship, Titia Schuil is part of the crew and she immediately explains to us why this cooperation is so convenient. “In the low season both ships sail for themselves but in the summer months we have joined forces,” Titia explains. “This guarantees we can take enough people, we have enough crew on board ánd we reach all the Wadden Islands anyway.” So you can board the Minerva in Harlingen and sail towards Texel, Vlieland or Terschelling. In Lauwersoog you can board the Willem Jacob. That will take you via Schiermonnikoog, Ameland and Terschelling to Vlieland at the latest.
Taking the tide into account
The ships' itineraries are known in advance, as are - logically - the departure times. The only thing that is not certain is exactly what time you will arrive. “We have one fixed trip per week anyway,” explains Titia. “On Mondays, the Willem Jacob sails from Terschelling to Vlieland and back. Then we sail from Terschelling to Ameland. But one day the Willem Jacob stays on Terschelling a day longer than the other. That has to do with the tide and the wind of course. With us it all goes in a sustainable way. The experience is more important than speed.” The tide is not the only thing the crew has to take into account during a trip. For example, they also use - in part - the channels of the ferries. This happens especially at the beginning of the trip, from Lauwersoog to Schiermonnikoog. “Fortunately, the fairways are wide enough so we can easily pass through them together,” he said.
Mini vacation or ferry service
One of the great advantages of island hopping with the Minerva or Willem Jacob, is that you can embark or disembark whenever you want. You can stay on board for a whole week or stay behind on one of the islands where the boat is at that time. “You can use Eilandhopper as a ferry service,” explains Titia. “Also at night, for example. Then you just book a bed with it, including breakfast. You can arrange your own trip all by yourself.” Another big advantage is that the ships are equipped with all conveniences. For example, the 130-year-old Willem Jacob even has a fireplace built into it. In addition, the ship contains its own kitchen (in ship terms: galley) and even a ship's library. Ideal for when you want to stretch out on one of the comfortable couches and read a book.
Hands off or quietly overlapping?
Of course, the big question is whether you have to do anything yourself during a trip with Island Hopper. According to Titia that depends purely on yourself: “Experience with sailing is totally unnecessary. There is always a skipper and a mate on board. But when the sails need to be raised, all help is of course welcome. Nothing is mandatory. You may also sit back and enjoy the view.” That enjoyment is a guarantee aboard the Minerva or Willem Jacob. Anyway, island hopping is an unforgettable experience and the way to relax on the Wadden Sea.
Have you become enthusiastic about this story and would you like to experience a trip with the Minerva or Willem Jacob? Look at the tiles below for more information.
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Island Hopper
Island Hopper
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Willem Jacob
Willem Jacob