IJmuiden – Ostend

Setting sail together on an impressive three-masted ship

Home > Upcoming Voyages > IJmuiden – Ostend
start
24-08-2026
end
27-08-2026
4
days
level
3
from
€ 535
status
fully booked

The Route

On this short sailing trip of just a few days, you will sail along the Dutch and part of the Belgian coast, with the skyline of Ostend appearing on the horizon and, on clear days, perhaps even that of Zeebrugge.
During this voyage you will pass impressive offshore wind farms that generate sustainable energy and create a futuristic seascape. You will also cross the Traffic Separation Scheme – a kind of ‘highway at sea’ for busy commercial shipping – requiring sharp navigation and good seamanship.

The North Sea:
Sailing over the North Sea, you might spot seals, porpoises, and perhaps even dolphins along the way.

Weather conditions:
At the end of August, the weather conditions on the North Sea are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15-20°C. There may be moderate winds, ideal for sailing, but rain showers and changing cloud cover are also possible. The sea is usually calm during the summer months, but stormy periods can occur.

Want to know more about the destinations? Read on below!

On the way to…

Between the North Sea and the North Sea Canal

IJmuiden is a port city in North Holland and was officially founded in the 19th century, when the North Sea Canal was opened in 1876. This gave the city a strategic location as a gateway to Amsterdam, causing IJmuiden to develop into an important industrial and maritime city, with direct connections to the North Sea.

IJmuiden has a rich maritime history, playing an important role in shipping, fishing, and shipbuilding. Attractions include the harbor, the impressive locks, the lighthouse, the Fishing Museum and the bunker complex from World War II. The city also provides access to beautiful natural areas such as the Kennemerduinen and the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. IJmuiden is ideal for both maritime enthusiasts and nature lovers.

IJmuiden

Charming seaside city

Ostend is a centrally located coastal town in Belgium. This well-known seaside resort and fortified city boasts a lovely beach, beautiful parks with unique gardens, great restaurants and shops, the Fort of Napoleon, the ship ‘Mercator’ (former training vessel of the Belgian merchant navy) and much more to spend a few delightful hours after your sailing adventure on the Clipper.
You can opt for a walk along the Grote Markt and the promenade, or visit the fishing quay and harbor for an authentic maritime experience. Art lovers can explore the Mu.ZEE museum, while culinary enthusiasts can sample local seafood such as oysters and mussels at one of the coastal restaurants. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and charming architecture of the city and relax at the beach. Ostend offers the perfect mix of culture, nature and gastronomy!

Ostend

Embark on a true sailing adventure!

Do you really want to experience what it’s like to sail on a tall ship? Then be sure to take an active role with the crew! Help with navigation, learn the basics of sailing, and contribute to the ship’s upkeep. That’s how you truly get to know life on board!

Imagine this: you’re on lookout duty, surrounded by nothing but the open sea. You feel small in the vastness of nature—and that’s exactly what makes it magical. Watch the waves, spot dolphins and other marine life, and embrace the ultimate freedom that sailing offers.

This is your chance to gain a unique experience and embark on an unforgettable voyage with the crew. Are you ready?

An impression of a day at sea

White watch
04:00 The white watch is expected on deck
06:00 Enjoy a stunning sunrise
06:30 The crew is eager to teach you all about sailing and navigation
08:00 End of watch: a delicious breakfast buffet awaits you
10:00 Join in for more sailing activities or catch a few hours of sleep
12:00 Indulge in a delicious lunch
13:00 Relax with a book or get to know the other guests better
16:00 The white watch is back on deck
17:30 The dinner buffet is open
19:00 Daily briefing by the captain in the longroom
20:00 End of the watch: witness a spectacular sunset on the open sea

Cabins

The cabins

The 14 guest cabins are located on the tweendeck and all have a porthole and 2 or 3 single beds. Some cabins are equipped with double beds and, when available, can be booked by paying a surcharge. All of our cabins are equipped with a number of power outlets. These electrical sockets are of the standard Dutch (European) F-connector type and rated 230 V.

The cabins

Your cabin

All cabins are equipped with a private bathroom with sink, shower and toilet. The cabins contain lots of wood and copper work which gives the cabins a classic, authentic look. All cabins are similar in layout and have an area of about 11 m².

Your cabin

Practical Information

Embarkation
Monday August 24, 2026 at 17h00 (5 PM) in IJmuiden, Netherlands

Disembarkation
Thursday August 27, 2026 at 10h00 (10 AM) in Ostend, Belgium

Price 3 person cabin € 535,- p.p.
Price 2 person cabin € 630,- p.p.
Price 1 person cabin € 1060,-

Are you aged 17 to 25 and interested in joining a voyage?
Contact us to find out about the opportunities available for young people.

Are you interested in a cabin with a double bed?
The surcharge is € 250,- (depending on availability).

The price includes:
· Breakfast with coffee, tea and juices;
· Morning coffee;
· Lunch buffet with coffee, tea and juices ;
· Afternoon coffee;
· Dinner buffet with coffee, tea and juices;
· Fresh fruit;
· Harbor and port dues.

ADDITIONAL COSTS:
• Flights and transfers;
• Additional drinks & snacks on board;
• Other personal expenses.

Guests and crew dine together in the longroom, where meals are served buffet-style. On board, simple yet varied and nutritious dishes are prepared in the galley. The meals are designed to be both tasty and nourishing, ensuring everyone can enjoy the journey to the fullest with enough energy for the activities on board.

Meal times are scheduled according to the watch system and are served in two shifts, each lasting 30 minutes:

07h30 & 08h00 breakfast
10h00 coffee break
11h30 & 12h00 lunch
15h00 coffee break
17h30 & 18h00 dinner

Included in the trip:
Three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Fresh fruit, fruit juices, coffee, tea, and milk.

Optional during the trip, at extra cost:
Soft drinks, candy, chips, and alcoholic beverages like beer & wine.

Breakfast:
Home-baked bread, cheese and cold cuts, sandwich spreads, eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt and oats/granola.

Lunch:
Home-baked bread, cheese and cold cuts, sandwich spreads, soup, a hot snack, or salad.

Dinner:
A varied selection of vegetable-, meat-, and fish dishes, combined with potatoes, pasta, salad, curries, and stews.
Occasionally, the meal is concluded with a sweet dessert.

All guests are obliged to have a valid passport with them on board Clipper Stad Amsterdam.

Always inquire about the rules for the validity period of your passport for the country you are traveling to. In many countries, a passport is required to be valid for several months beyond the date of entry/departure.

VISUM
It is crucial and your own responsibility to check and arrange visa requirements for the countries you are traveling to and traveling from.

The best way to determine if you need a visa to enter a specific country is by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Our ship is equipped with satellite technology to provide Wi-Fi connectivity during your journey. The shipping company offers 200 MB of data per person per day for sending and receiving data. Please note that the connection may be slower compared to onshore services.
If you require additional data, you can purchase an extra 200 MB package for €20.
Keep in mind that depending on the ship’s course, there may be times when the satellite signal is unavailable, and therefore, internet connectivity cannot be guaranteed.

Friends and family at home can always track the live location of the ship through our website (homepage).

SHIP’S DOCTOR
When booking your trip, we request you to fill out a health declaration. If you provide any specific details here, the ship’s doctor may contact you to discuss your situation. Based on observations or strong suspicions of a limited physical condition and associated risks, the ship’s doctor may advise the captain to exclude you as a passenger from the voyage. The final decision rests with the captain. The ship is equipped with a small infirmary. Upon boarding, our ship’s doctor may ask you again to provide him with as much information as possible about your medication use and/or physical limitations, so that he can take this into account.
ARE YOU 70 – 75 YEARS OR OLDER AT THE START OF THE TRIP?
In addition to maintaining good physical condition, we especially want to emphasize to our guests aged 70 and older that having sufficient muscle strength and balance is essential.
To ensure that all our guests are well-prepared for the sailing experience aboard the Clipper, the following guidelines apply to travelers aged 70 and older:
INFORMATIONAL VIDEO FOR GUESTS 70+
All passengers aged 70 and older will receive a video showcasing the intensity and movements of the Clipper in various weather conditions. This will help you understand what to expect during the voyage and determine if this is suitable for you.
MEDICAL APPROVAL – CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN
For all of our guests who are 75 years or older at the start of the trip, a medical examination for maritime purposes is required by a certified doctor affiliated with an authorized institution in the Netherlands or a comparable institution abroad for non-Dutch guests (the costs are at your expense, and are expected to be between 105 and 160 euros). This concerns the declaration ‘without lookout and watch duties on the bridge’. Without this declaration, participation is not possible. We are happy to provide you with further information.
BOOKING PROCESS FOR GUESTS 75+ GUESTS
Once your booking is received, you will receive an email with detailed instructions on the medical approval process.
The email will include a list of approved medical examiners and guidelines on how to arrange the required medical examination. Once approved by a certified medical examiner, the booking process will proceed and be finalized. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
DOCTOR ONBOARD
The shipping company aims to have a doctor on board for multi-day sailing voyages. Your first point of contact on board for your medical inquiries, among other things, is the ship’s doctor.
SAFETY
During the welcome speech, the captain and the designated crew at their muster stations will brief you on safety aboard. Please be aware that the ship is in motion, which can cause items to fall, shift and doors to close. It is advisable to secure your belongings, keep doors closed and never hold onto a door frame.

Some countries require proof of vaccination for travellers wishing to enter or exit the country.
Travel requirements are updated often, so we recommend always checking the latest entry requirements before your trip.

We would like to remind you that you should always stay informed about and adhere to the travel advisories applicable to travel to and from the ship. These travels are your own responsibility.

It is recommended that you arrive at the port of embarkation one day prior to the scheduled embarkation. This precaution is advised because the ship cannot delay its departure in the event of travel disruptions. In addition, traveling to our next port of call may not be feasible due to long trips at sea or remote islands.

On your embarkation day, while the ship is in port, we provide the opportunity to drop off your luggage in the morning. Should you wish to take advantage of this service, please notify us in advance ([email protected]) to ensure that access to the ship is arranged before the official embarkation time.

Please note that the North Sea can be unpredictable in late August. Adverse weather conditions (such as a lack of wind, strong headwinds, or storms) may lead the captain to decide to travel under engine power, call at a different port, or adjust the departure time to be earlier or later. Safety and comfort are always the top priorities.

Temperatures
In late August, the North Sea can experience wonderful summer weather, with onshore temperatures often ranging between 18°C and 23°C. However, please keep in mind that on the open sea, the wind can quickly make it feel much cooler. As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops significantly, and night-time temperatures can fall toward 12°C to 15°C. Warm clothing and a good windproof and waterproof jacket are therefore essential for this trip.

Intensity (Ship Movement)
This voyage across the North Sea has an intensity level of 3. The North Sea is known for its open character and rapidly changing weather patterns. In late August, we may experience calm summer days, but there is a real chance of brisk winds (4 to 6 Bft) and the accompanying swells. This adds an extra dynamic to the journey and provides a true, active sailing experience.

Clipper Stad Amsterdam is a member of SGR*. Within the limits of the SGR-guarantee arrangement, the multi-day trips published on this internet site are covered by the SGR-guarantee. This legally required guarantee means that consumers are assured that their prepaid travel money will be refunded if the other party (the shipping company) due to financial insolvency cannot fulfill the agreed performance. The travel prices on the website include a contribution to SGR.
* https://www.sgr.nl/english/

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for all guests onboard to possess personal travel insurance during overnight sailing trips. The required insurance must cover medical expenses, accidents, and repatriation, in accordance with Article 13.9 of the General Terms and Conditions.

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