Yacht sailing (final 1 or 2 spots)

Overview

CHANGED DEPARTURE TIMES
07h30 – Coffee/Breakfast at Pret a Manger at Midi (optional)

07h55 – Gathering at platform Midi (platform # unknown)

08h03 – Departure Midi to Oostende (IC529)

09h14 – Arrival in Oostende

UPDATE 20/7 at 14h00
FINAL 1 or 2 SPOTS. Please send us an email at info@expatclub.org first to ensure we still have spots! Or better call 0495-345144. And then fill out the form on this page. Join us for a great day on the water, with 45 other expats!

We are happy to have added the super-de-luxe sailing yacht of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 509 category (see below). If you register for this boat, or if you registered for De Arenal, the group switches after lunch, so you have the chance to experience both boats and enjoy the hospitality of both captains.

On Belgium’s National Holiday we always travel to Oostende for an exciting sailing trip on the North Sea. We always arrange two great sailing boats for a relaxing day out on the open waters of the North Sea. Our first boat is a traditional wooden two-master of 28-meters that offers much space for a wonderful time. And if you really love active sailing, and are not afraid of “hanging” a bit in the boat, then our second 14-meters sailboat is going to be your ultimate sailing experience. Depending on the wind conditions we set sail for either Nieuwpoort or Blankenberge, where we will have lunch before returning to Oostende. A return train ticket with reserved seats to/from Oostende is already arranged for you, so the only thing you have to do is to take your sunglasses and sunscreen and let us do the rest. As of 23 June we can also confirm an additional magnificent sailing boat of 15-meters.

This trip will fill up. Do not wait too long making your reservation!

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 sailing ship - FULL

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 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 staff will show us what to do, but it’s a big ship and some extra pairs of hands are necessary to hoist the sails. 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. But be aware that our second boat De Arenal goes much faster and will be “more sporty” (but also there you can just sit down and enjoy). 

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 m³. It’s a modern fast sailing ship.

The High Five  *** NEW ***
We are thrilled to add another super-de-luxe sailing yacht to the Expat Club fleet. Since De Arenal was already full quickly, for the thrill-seakers, you are now welcome to register for the 15-meters High Five, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 509 category.

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 soles or transparent ones are best.

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.

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 on both boats (required for children)
* Make sure to wear proper clothes. Depending on conditions, wind- and watertight jacket/pants, the Decathlon has this)

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.