Getting Ready for a Big Adventure

Preparing for the Voyage of a Lifetime

Booking a big sailing trip is incredibly exciting. We’re here to help you make sure you’re ready for it. Then you can step aboard excited rather than daunted, and get the absolute most out of your adventure.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of your voyage please get in touch! We are a small, friendly team of professional traditional sailors, and we’re happy to help.

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Which Voyage is Right for Me?

Are you still wondering what sort of sailing trip will suit you best? Take a look at our article on how to choose your perfect voyage for some simple suggestions to help you narrow it down.

Guidance on Choosing a Voyage

How to Prepare for a Long Time at Sea

Making Time for Your Voyage

We have an excellent article titled Time for a Change? that delves into the hows and whys of taking sabbaticals or career breaks and the benefits to you – and your employer! Here’s an excerpt:

Since the pandemic, many employers have realised that the conventional in-office 5-9 isn’t the only way to operate productively. With more & more employees requesting work-from-home hours, career breaks aren’t too far from the realms of possibility. Many organisations have procedures in place for career breaks for those with a minimum period of service – usually unpaid. Even if yours doesn’t, a period of unpaid leave can often be negotiated as employers are keen to be seen as pro-mental health and are reluctant to lose an experienced member of staff. – see the full article here

You can also see our detailed guide on how to arrange a Sabbatical with your workplace.

Life Admin

Make sure anything you need done while you’re away is taken care of. Here are a few things to consider:

⚓ Do you have pets or dependants? How will care be managed while you’re gone?

⚓ Who’s going to water your plants?

⚓ Does anything else in the house need checking regularly? e.g. meter readings

⚓ Do you have Direct Debits set up for all your bills?

⚓ Do you have any tax or insurance renewals coming up while you’re away?

⚓ Friends and relatives birthdays and anniversaries.

⚓ If you’re renting, have you informed your landlord that you will be away?

⚓ Is there anyone else who needs to know about your absence?

Travel & Transfers

The first thing to check is that your passport lasts at least 6 months beyond the end of your voyage. If you need to renew it get your application in as early as possible!

Make sure you wait until your booking has been confirmed (this is when you’ve received confirmation from the ship and have paid your deposit) before you book any travel or accommodation. You should also ensure you have travel insurance in place that will cover your travel and associated costs.

Our number one piece of travel advice is to book a hotel or hostel for a day or two before and after your voyage. This makes the embarking/disembarking much less stressful, gives you leeway in case a flight or train is cancelled or delayed, and gives you time to explore a new area.

Make the adventure really special by giving yourself time to travel to the ship by land or sea, rather than flying. Bus and Coach travel is cheap and very extensive in nearly all countries – better for your pocket and the environment!

Ferries can be pricey, but it’s also worth exploring the option of travelling as a passenger on a cargo ship. Here are a few useful links if you’d like to explore the idea:

1. Go Nomad: Freighter Travel Costs and Questions
2. Slowtravel – Specialist in Freighter Travel
3. Cargo Ship Voyages

For more information and advice on travelling to your voyage, read our article:

To Fly or Not to Fly…

Understanding Life on Board

It’s a good idea to find out as much as you can about the ship you’re joining before you step aboard. This not only gets you revved up for your adventure, but it also manages your expectations about the accommodation, sailing style, daily routines etc.

Our vessel pages are a great place to start, and the ship will also send you detailed joining instructions ahead of your voyage. Another great source of more general info about traditional sailing is our free tall ships guidebook!

Download our FREE Tall Ship Guidebook

Packing Smart & Light

You can find a suggested kit list on every voyage description. We also have a handy packing list available to download for free, which includes some basic advice on everything from electronics to menstrual products. For most, the biggest conundrum is what clothing to take. Luckily, we’ve compiled an article to help!

What Should I Wear to go Sailing?

If you take any prescription medications, make sure you have enough to cover the length of the voyage PLUS a week or two spare in case of delays. Your GP will usually approve a 3-month supply if you are going away and they deem it safe to do so.

Managing Seasickness

Many of us have experienced seasickness, and the fear of ‘mal de mer’ puts some people off sailing altogether. However it’s important to remember that the vast majority of people acclimatise very quickly to life at sea. If you are prone to seasickness, there are some very simple steps you can take to vastly reduce its impact. If you’re off on a big adventure, we would advise you to assume that you’ll get seasick at some point, and be prepared for it. Have a look at our seasickness article for some no-nonsense guidance.

Will I Get Seasick?

Cameras, Phones & all things Electronic

Make sure that any valuable electronics you wish to bring on board are insured, and have waterproof cases. Even better if the cases are impact-proof, as an ocean-going tall ship moves quite a lot!

Check the vessel pages of the ship you’re sailing, and read the joining instructions, to familiarise yourself with what charging facilities are available on board. You may need to bring an adaptor with you. Some ships also don’t have domestic power 24 hours a day (it may only be available when the generator is running, for instance), so talk to the crew about the best times to charge your devices.

For more advice on using your phone at sea, see our article on Preparing and Using Your Phone Beyond Wifi and Cellular Coverage.

What Will You do with Your Free Time on Board?

Now that all the serious stuff is organised, it’s worth giving some thought to your off-watch periods. An ocean crossing or other extended passage offers a lot of free time. What do you want to do with it? While you might end up completely ignoring your planned pastime and staring endlessly at the ocean instead, it’s worth being prepared in case you do get the itch! Here are some ideas:

• Write a journal (or a novel!)
• Sketch
• Read a book (bring one you don’t mind swapping with other readers on board!)
• Learn astro-navigation (the crew will love to help you)
• Improve your wildlife identification
• Learn some meteorology
• Meditate
• Play cards
• Knit, crochet or sew

Excited?

Now all of that’s sorted, you’re ready to step aboard and have the time of your life!

Not found your adventure yet?

Explore our Longer Voyages

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