Gooseberry Holiday’ the Next Big Thing?
I live in a wonderful place, St Mawes, and we are now in high tourist season. You can spot the groups of people as you walk along the village promenade. What I’ve noticed is that it’s now quite common to see three people holidaying together.
They used to say three’s a crowd—but not anymore. Parents travelling with an adult child. Two siblings and their dad. Grandparents and a grandchild. Longstanding friends who couldn’t quite make up their minds, so all three came along.
I’m calling it the Gooseberry Holiday—and on traditional boats, it works brilliantly.
Why threes fit well into a ship’s crew
Life on a working sailing vessel runs to a rhythm. You need hands on deck, eyes on the horizon, someone to hoist, someone to helm. It’s a world built on cooperation—and trios slot in naturally.
You’ve got built-in flexibility. If one person wants to nap or read, the other two can still row ashore, haul sails, or take a watch. You’re never stuck waiting for a pair to peel off. And no one gets left behind. You’re part of a bigger crew, but with a familiar trio to share the experience.
It’s also ideal if you’re travelling with different generations. We’ve seen it all: mums and sons, daughters and dads, grown-up children stepping in to give a parent the sailing experience they always wanted. You don’t need to book a whole boat or join a big private group—just the three of you, joining a proper working voyage.
Cabin comfort and crew dynamics
Some of our vessels have cabins that naturally suit threes—either with an extra berth or an upper-and-lower bunk plus a single. It’s worth asking us which voyages can accommodate you together or nearby.
It’s also worth knowing that most vessels on longer voyages run structured watches, with rotating roles. With three of you, there will be options to go on watch together or in different watches—the choice will be yours. And you’ll meet other crew too—meals, deck work, dinghy trips. There’s no pressure to pair off or split up awkwardly.
Voyage with twin cabins – often a single can share a cabin with another person of the same gender..
Voyages that have communal shared accommodation that could be part of the booking plan..
Gooseberries are great at sea
The word gooseberry has long meant the odd one out—but at sea, that just doesn’t apply. Everyone mucks in together for meals, and with their watch team when it’s their duty.
So if you’re planning a sailing holiday and there’s three of you—don’t overthink it.
You’re not an add-on. You’re part of the team.
