Tall Ships Cat is a a fantastic vessel for beginner sailors as she is very stable and there is plenty of room onboard to move around. A Tall Ships Adventure is a unique hands-on experience. You will become an important part of the vessel’s crew and this involves more than just the sailing – it will include food preparation, maintenance and cleaning.

Training

Each voyage starts with a thorough safety brief before you start your training, which continues throughout your voyage using a combination of practical demonstrations and informative lectures. You are encouraged to get involved with as much as possible while on board and on many voyages you will be able 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 and your lifejacket must be worn at all times.

Watches (teams)

To keep the vessel manned 24 hours a day 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:

• Helming (steering) the vessel
• Setting the sails and adjusting them
• Winding the winches
• Hoisting sails
• Standing watch (looking out for other ships)
• General maintenance on board
• Helping with the vessel leaving and entering port
• Getting involved in Happy Hour (that’s cleaning!)

You will work hard as a team and although it can be tough sometimes, 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’ which is cleaning your yacht.

Free time and going ashore

You will have plenty of time when you are not on watch to relax and rest. When you enter ports you should be able to explore ashore with a chance to buy souvenirs and stock up on supplies.

Food

All meals on board are included in your voyage fee. You are likely to eat in the Saloon in two sittings depending on your watch and will be required at some point during the voyage to help prepare the food and do some of the washing up! You will be working hard during the voyage though so we will reward you with plenty of delicious food to keep you hunger at bay. You will also be able to help yourself to hot and cold drinks at all times on a self-serve basis.

(We can also cater for special dietary requirements so please let us know about these when booking.)

Living areas

With a large airy saloon (seating area), Tall Ships Cat feels big and spacious down below. There are four cabins, each sleeping two people and although compact, the bunks are comfy. There are two heads (toilets) onboard and a galley (kitchen).

Crew

Tall Ships Cat will take up to 12 crew members:

• Salaried Crew – Skipper
• Volunteer Crew – Mate, Youth Mentor (on youth voyages)
• Voyage Crew – up to 10, depending on the type of voyage

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 into some pasties and beans

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 into a homemade chicken curry
• Jump into your bunk for a well-earned rest!

Safety

Due to being such a large and stable platform, Tall Ships Cat is very safe and perfect for beginner sailors. The Tall Ships Cat operates to the highest level of safety procedures and all voyage crew undergo thorough safety training and vessel familiarisation before setting sail. Safety harness, lifejackets and good quality waterproofs are provided. 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.

What do I need to take?

Download the Tall Ships Crew Handbook which will tell you everything you need to know.