How strong and agile do I have to be?
Our benchmark for arm strength is based on whether you could get from below decks to the outside deck via the companionway steps or an evacuation ladder in an emergency. We ask if you can climb a 6ft vertical ladder, which is about the length of an emergency exit ladder or a boarding ladder to get from a tall ship deck to an dinghy. If you can’t hold your body weight for these few seconds then you need to talk to us about whether our voyages are suitable.
In terms of agility it is all about being able to move around the ship safely. Some vessels are purpose built for disabled crews with braille signs, ample hand rails on deck, lifts between floors and able bodied buddies to help you (see Lord Nelson and Tenacious). Other vessels can have wide and shallow companionway steps or steep ladder like entrances.
Our holidays are hands on voyages where we all help as a team to hoist sails. There will always be a mix of strengths on board from physical to motivational and social, and everyone’s contribution is valued.
You don’t need to be super active. A normal level of fitness will be adequate; you should be able to walk continuously for 30 minutes without experiencing difficulty. (Except on Lord Nelson and Tenacious which cater for disabled people and wheel chair users.)
If I have a medical condition, will it be a problem?
Please telephone us for advice, take a look at the questions on the booking form for your vessel so that you can see the sort of questions we will need to ask. Saying yes to any of the medical conditions like diabetes, or taking medication for thing like blood pressure may not exclude from a voyage. It depends a lot of the rigours or remoteness of the type of voyage you want to do, and your personal medical history.
The skipper of the vessel or ships operator generally has the final say in the decision, but often Classic Sailing can find you an alternative voyage where your condition could be acceptable. We do occasionally have to ask for a doctors note or even turn an application down on medical and safety grounds. Please note any medical information is totally confidential. We have addressed how we handle your confidential medical information to make sure it conforms with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Read our privacy policy for more information
