Yacht sailing

Overview

Program

Like any Expat Club trip, we carefully planned the program. You won’t have to do anything, except show up on time and in good spirit at Brussels Midi. All below times are approximate. Actual departure times by train will be communicated to the participants by email.

07h30 – Meeting at Midi Station at Pret a Manger at Midi (optional)
07h55 – Gathering at Platform Midi (platform # unknown)
08h03 – Departure Midi to Oostende (IC529)
09h14 – Arrival in Oostende
10h00 – Boarding De Nele & Arenal
10h15 – Departure for Nieuwpoort (or Blankenberge)
13h00 – Arrival Nieuwpoort (or Blankenberge)
15h00 – Departure by sailing boat to Oostende
17h45 – Arrival Oostende
18h42 – Departure to Brussels
20h00 – Arrival in Brussels

De Arenal

Today we sail South from Oostende to the historic city of Nieuwpoort. With its many fish shops and restaurants it is the perfect destination to walk around and have lunch. You could even take a tram to the beach area of Nieuwpoort and enjoy some time there. As an alternative we may sail also to Blankenberge to the North, but this depends largely on the wind and tides conditions. In previous years we organised this trip several times and almost every time it was quickly fully booked. So don’t wait too long joining us!

From the train station it is just a few minutes walking to where we board the boats. We first receive safety instructions as well as sailing instructions. Indeed, as a group we must do some work to get this ship going. Of course the friendly and helpful crew will show us what to do. No worries, sailing experience is not necessary! Everybody can join us on this memorable trip and if you don’t feel like helping out, you can just relax while others do the work.

De 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 m2. It’s a modern fast sailing ship.

Nieuwpoort
After a few hours sailing we will reach Nieuwpoort. This little town has a long history. Besides, it boast Northern Europe’s largest yacht harbour. We will spend some time here to walk around and have lunch before we board our boat again and sail back towards Oostende. Lunch is not yet included in the trip fare, but you can easily get lunch in Nieuwpoort (from something cheap and quick to something fancy, there is something for everyone).

The arrival time in Oostende is about 17h45, 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. Note that we must travel as a group. If you would like to return earlier (if possible) or later, you are responsible for getting your own train ticket.

Train to Oostende

We leave Brussels by train around 8h30 from Midi Station. Your 2nd class train ticket is included in the price, so don’t worry about standing in line or figuring out how that ticketing machine works. You will receive all information about where we meet and what you need to bring on this trip a few days in advance. After a comfortable ride in a reserved section of the train we arrive in Oostende, the largest coastal city in Belgium.

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 (required, but they are light and not bulky at all).
• Make sure to wear proper clothes. Depending on conditions, wind- and watertight jacket/pants, the Decathlon has this)
• You cannot wear shoes with dark soles.