Why people enjoyed their first voyage.
First time and novice
“I was amazed how quickly we felt safe. It was only my second time on the water.” Megan Rose
“Exhilarating without being scary.” Angela
“I never thought I would enjoy it so much.” Sarah Edwards
“I should have done this years ago.” Chris Truman
“Stretching outside my comfort zone… I’m glad I took the risk.” Tracy
“My first sailing trip, certainly not my last.” Sue
“I had never sailed before and loved it.” Sally Ann Edlin
“This was the first time I had sailed… the crew were very helpful to a newbie.” Janice
“Great adventure, very hands on, and not to be forgotten as a complete novice and landlubber.” Steve
“I had a great first time on a big sailing ship.” Steve
“For a novice to tall ships, this is an ideal set up.” Sebastian
“I was a bit scared because it was my first true ocean sailing.” Rafael
“The voyage far exceeded my expectations.” Richard S
Learning and confidence
“It built my confidence, especially taking the helm.” Lucy Boslev
“Being allowed to make mistakes and learn from them.” Tom Grahame
“After one week I felt like a proper sailor.” Mel
“I learnt loads thanks to patient teaching.” Jane Robinson
“An inspiring introduction to classic sailing.” Nick Elvey
“I enjoyed learning the ropes and steering at night.” Esther
“I achieved far more than I expected.” Peter Thompson
“Teaching the basics of ocean sailing and navigation and including everyone.” Robert
“Navigation tuition was great.” Provident feedback
“Shown how to make eye splices… one of the best afternoons.” Rona
Supportive crew and patient teaching
“Crew were so keen to help and teach. I learnt so much.” Virginia
“The crew were welcoming and patient. We asked the same things repeatedly and they showed no impatience.” Rona
“You could decide how involved you wanted to be, with gentle encouragement.” Morgenster sailor
“Nothing was too much trouble. We felt safe and comfortable.” Eye of the Wind sailors
“Expert help and advice and a patient approach built confidence.” Chris
“Good to have patient, supportive crew. I felt well looked after.” Alasdair
“Both were good at explaining things and very patient.” Alasdair
“Patient teaching and quiet encouragement.” John Burgess
“Friendly instruction and clear explanation.” Malcolm Ramsdale
“You motivated and encouraged everyone.” Maryjane Crane
Calm reassurance and feeling safe
“We quickly felt safe.” Megan Rose
“We fully understood the weather would dictate direction.” Virginia
“The initial briefing about expectations really helped.” Provident feedback
“They made us feel safe even in a named storm.” Corin
“The relaxed atmosphere added to the experience.” Mark
“We worked as a team very quickly.” Mark Coates
Good Skippers Don’t Shout – article by Adam
Exceeding expectations
“Amazing week, accommodation much better than expected.” Elaine
“Everything was better than my wildest dreams.” Deirdre Hoyle
“The boat is a beautiful living space. Even staying aboard felt like a holiday.” Rona
“Unforgettable experience on a beautifully restored vessel.” Elaine
“One of the best holidays of my life.” Alan
Bonding and atmosphere onboard
“Poor weather meant everyone quickly bonded with kindness and support.” Fiona
“The camaraderie between crew and guest crew was second to none.” Carol
“Singing, laughing, great camaraderie and professionalism.” Sebastian
“I was instantly made to feel welcome.” Robert Chester
“Normal life felt a thousand miles away.” Clare Drakely
“I couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards.” James Boyd
Discovery and surprise
“The thrill of moving under wind alone.” Maureen Knight
“I saw things I had only read about.” Sally Ann Edlin
“Everything was better than my wildest dreams.” Deirdre Hoyle
“I came home relaxed and refreshed.” Marjorie Hudson
“I haven’t slept so well in years.” Liz L
Hooked and wanting more
“We are well and truly hooked.” Nichola Van Der Bij
“I booked another trip straight away.” Alison P
“I can’t wait to go sailing again.” James Boyd
“It started me thinking about future voyages.” Mark
“My next sailing trip is already booked.” Carol
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My first Voyage.
My first tall ship Experience.
Short voyages ideal for beginners.
FAQ Questions
Will I be shouted at if I get something wrong?
No. On a well run vessel, mistakes are treated as part of learning. The skipper and crew explain what needs doing, then they coach you through it. If anyone raises a voice, it should be for a brief safety warning, not to blame a person.
Do I need sailing experience before joining?
No. Many people start with none. The crew will show you the basics, then build your confidence step by step. You take part at a level that makes sense for you.
Will I be expected to do difficult physical tasks?
No. You will not be thrown into heavy jobs without guidance. Tasks are shared and matched to ability. As you gain confidence you can take on more, but it is not compulsory.
How involved do I have to be in the sailing?
Most trips encourage hands on sailing, yet you can step back if you need to. Good crew will offer gentle encouragement, not pressure. On longer voyages a watch system may be set up. So a short break is ideal for your first trip.
What is the atmosphere like onboard?
Most people are surprised by how organised it feels. A good crew sets expectations early, keeps communication clear, and helps the group settle quickly. The result is usually calm teamwork, steady instruction, and a friendly watch keeping routine.
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