Join Expat Club for a fantastic active sailing day on the 14-meters modern sailing ship The Arenal. During the day you can either sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, or you can actively participate and assist the captain with the sails. In other words, sailing experience is not necessary, but if you want you can go for it! The captain will be there to make this day unforgettable, and he is happy to explain how it all works. There are life vests available and if required also water- and windtight clothing.
Our trip to Oostende
We leave Brussels by train around 9h00 from Midi Station, but if you want you can already meet us for breakfast from 8h30 at Sam’s Cafe in the main terminal. Your train ticket is already included in the price, so don’t worry about standing in line or figuring out how that ticketing machine works.  After a quick ride on the train we arrive in Oostende around 10h20, the largest coastal city in Belgium.
The sailing trip to Nieuwpoort
Today we sail (most likely) from Oostende to the historic city of Nieuwpoort and back. This little town has a long history. Besides, it boasts Northern Europe’s largest yacht harbour.  With its many fish shops and restaurants it is the perfect destination to walk around and have lunch. Of course it depends on the wind and water conditions (tides) whether we can go there, but otherwise we set our sails for Blankenbergen or Zeebrugge. Nieuwpoort has many fish shops and restaurants it is the perfect destination to walk around and have lunch (not included).Â
The Arenal
This is a new ship (2016) of the Hanse type that offers space to “just” 10 people. It is 13,95 meters long and 4,38 meters wide with a sail surface of 103 m³. It’s a modern fast sailing ship.
Sailing experience is not necessary, but everybody is invited to actively participate when the skipper needs our help (e.g. for changing the sails). Note, you should wear proper shoes that do not leave stripes. White or transparant ones are best.
The arrival time is about 18h00, but of course this depends to a great extend on the wind conditions. We make a short walk through Oostende and finish the day with a nice drink and maybe a quick snack before we head back to Brussels by train. The estimated arrival time is around 20h00.
Trip specific comments
* The trip will take place irrespective of weather conditions, unless it is not safe to sail. This decision will be made by the ship’s Captain.
* Life vests are available and required.
* Make sure to get proper clothes (wind- and watertight jacket/pants, the Decathlon has this)
* We will travel as a group both ways. It is not possible to travel back on your own, unless you decide to make your own arrangements.
Join Expat Club for a fantastic active sailing day on the 14-meters modern sailing ship The Arenal. During the day you can either sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, or you can actively participate and assist the captain with the sails. In other words, sailing experience is not necessary, but if you want you can go for it! The captain will be there to make this day unforgettable, and he is happy to explain how it all works. There are life vests available and if required also water- and windtight clothing.
Our trip to Oostende
We leave Brussels by train around 9h00 from Midi Station, but if you want you can already meet us for breakfast from 8h30 at Sam’s Cafe in the main terminal. Your train ticket is already included in the price, so don’t worry about standing in line or figuring out how that ticketing machine works.  After a quick ride on the train we arrive in Oostende around 10h20, the largest coastal city in Belgium.
The sailing trip to Nieuwpoort
Today we sail (most likely) from Oostende to the historic city of Nieuwpoort and back. This little town has a long history. Besides, it boasts Northern Europe’s largest yacht harbour.  With its many fish shops and restaurants it is the perfect destination to walk around and have lunch. Of course it depends on the wind and water conditions (tides) whether we can go there, but otherwise we set our sails for Blankenbergen or Zeebrugge. Nieuwpoort has many fish shops and restaurants it is the perfect destination to walk around and have lunch (not included).Â
The Arenal
This is a new ship (2016) of the Hanse type that offers space to “just” 10 people. It is 13,95 meters long and 4,38 meters wide with a sail surface of 103 m³. It’s a modern fast sailing ship.
Sailing experience is not necessary, but everybody is invited to actively participate when the skipper needs our help (e.g. for changing the sails). Note, you should wear proper shoes that do not leave stripes. White or transparant ones are best.
The arrival time is about 18h00, but of course this depends to a great extend on the wind conditions. We make a short walk through Oostende and finish the day with a nice drink and maybe a quick snack before we head back to Brussels by train. The estimated arrival time is around 20h00.
Trip specific comments
* The trip will take place irrespective of weather conditions, unless it is not safe to sail. This decision will be made by the ship’s Captain.
* Life vests are available and required.
* Make sure to get proper clothes (wind- and watertight jacket/pants, the Decathlon has this)
* We will travel as a group both ways. It is not possible to travel back on your own, unless you decide to make your own arrangements.
