LIFE ONBOARD

A Tall Ships voyage is a unique hands-on experience. You will become an important part of the crew, this involves more than just the sailing – it will include food preparation, maintenance and cleaning. Our fleet of four Challenger yachts, the Tall Ships Cat and Tall Ships Ketch are great fun for everyone whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned sailor. 

OUR FLEET

TRAINING

Each voyage starts with a thorough safety brief, which continues throughout your voyage. You are encouraged to get involved with as much as possible while on board and may have the opportunity to work towards an RYA qualification. For most voyages you need no previous sailing experience. You will also be issued with a lifejacket and waterproofs for the duration of your voyage.

WATCHES (TEAMS)

You will be divided into two watches (teams). Your Watch Leader and other members of the crew will teach you how to do things while you’re on duty and you will get involved with some or all of the following:
  • Steering the vessel (on board we call this helming)
  • Raising and adjusting the sails (hoisting and setting them)
  • Operating the winches
  • Looking out for other ships (Standing watch)
  • General maintenance on board
  • Helping with the vessel leaving and entering port
  • Getting involved in Happy Hour (that’s cleaning!)

You will always be supported by our Professional Crew and Trained Volunteers. You will be encouraged to participate as much as possible but we won’t make you do anything that you don’t want to. However, we do expect everyone to take their turn in ‘Happy Hour’.

FREE TIME AND GOING ASHORE

You will have plenty of time to relax and rest. When you enter ports you should be able to explore ashore with a chance to shop and stock up on supplies.

FOOD

All meals on board are included in your voyage fee. You are likely to eat in the saloon and will help prepare food and do some of the washing up. You will be working hard during the voyage so you will have plenty of delicious food to keep your hunger at bay. You will also be able to help yourself to hot and cold drinks at all times.
We can cater for special dietary requirements so please let us know about these when booking.

"I had a rough start to the day - feeling homesick- but gradually felt better due to the support of the crew and staff." Kit, 13

TYPICAL DAY ONBOARD

AM

  • Wake up early to make the most of the day
  • Join friends in the Saloon for a hearty breakfast
  • Head up on deck and help prepare the yacht for sea
  • Work with the team to hoist the mainsail up the mast
  • Wind the winches to trim the sails

Midday

  • Help prepare lunch and tuck in with your crew

PM

  • Have a go at steering the yacht
  • Learn to tack (turn) the boat as a team
  • Take in the sights along the shore and chat with new found friends onboard
  • Help to take the sails down and clean the boat
  • Help moor the boat alongside in the port
  • Prepare dinner and tuck in
  • Jump into your bunk for a well-earned rest!

SAFETY

All voyage crew undergo thorough safety training and vessel familiarisation before setting sail. Lifejackets with integral harnesses and good quality waterproofs are provided. Codes of conduct are in place and our sailing staff will ensure a positive, supportive and encouraging atmosphere is maintained throughout the voyage.
Codes of conduct are also in place and our Permanent/Volunteer Crew will ensure a positive, supportive and encouraging atmosphere on board is maintained throughout the voyage.

SKIPPER'S TOP TIPS 

  • Sailing can be  fun and hard work all at once
  • Sailing sometimes means starting early in the morning or having a late nights.
  • Being on a boat is different to your home, electricity is not unlimited and neither is water so we need to conserve      
  • We care about our environment and rubbish we collect
  • Mobile phone don’t work at sea, they will distract you and you will not get the best out of the week.  Leave at home or in you locker as you won’t be using during the voyage
  • The tide and weather stops for nobody
  • Be well rested before you come on your voyage as you will use load of energy 
  • You will do things you never knew you could do
  • Bring a bag for your laundry
  • A micro fibre towel is great as its quick drying
  • To get the most out of the week be open to ideas and new ways of thinking.  Remember you mind is like a parachute, it works best when its open.

VOYAGE CREW HANDBOOKS