Go from Cork to Dublin, the long way!

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

One Trip, Three Ports

You’ll join the stunning Brixham Trawler, Leader, on the Lee River in the pretty city of Cork – the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Despite being a large and bustling city, it has the feel of a smaller town with it’s peaceful riverside views and narrow little streets. Cork has a lot to offer, if you’re able to why not arrive a day early and take in the sights and attraction, from cathedrals and museums to arguably some of the best restaurants in Ireland.

You’ll meander down the river and into the Irish Sea – be sure to help keep a good look out – the river and the bay are busy with ships large and small!

Heading east, you’ll approach the coast of Wales and tuck in to the lovely port of Fishguard. Here you should have a little time to explore the town. Stretch you legs with a walk along the nearby breakwater, take some time to relax in the town’s café’s or grab your fellow voyagers and have a pint at the Fishguard Arms.

Time to get underway again, this time heading North West to Dublin’s fair city. While heading up the River Liffey, you may even stop the city’s traffic as the Tom Clark Bridge raises to allow you to pass under! There is plenty to see, do and explore while in Dublin if you’re able to say in the city for a day or two. Visit the replica emigrant ship Jeanie Johnson, soak in the city’s history in it’s fascination museums and make sure to find time to grab a ‘proper’ Guinness – it really does taste better in Ireland!

Brixham Trawler Leader

Leader is an 1892 Brixham Trawler, one of the oldest National Historic Ships still operating in the UK. The crew on Leader are passionate about teaching and sharing their love for maritime heritage with anyone who joins them on board. You can expect to learn a lot, while enjoying fantastic sailing in great company.

Having had a long career sailing on the South Coast of England, and with a huge following of fans who’ve previously sailed aboard, it’s lovely to see Leader settling in to her new home to continue this brilliant work.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

The Irish Sea is that part of the North Atlantic which separates Ireland and Great Britain. The Irish Sea has a reputation for being choppy but more often than not it’s not difficult, instead offering great sailing and plentiful opportunities to see a variety of wildlife.  While we can’t guarantee the weather, early summer can offer some really good sailing. The temperature is on the rise but not unbearable. The worst of the winter storms have subsided and the wildlife is abundant. Things can change quickly, but the crew are incredibly knowledgeable and familiar with the coastline and of course the ship and her capabilities. 

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail.

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

AGILITY & FITNESS

Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Leader

What is Included:

• All meals and soft drinks aboard
• All safety equipment, including lifejackets. Please don't bring your own lifejacket, as it may not comply with Leader's commercial safety standards.
• Your bunk, a sheet, blanket and pillow (but you WILL NEED A SLEEPING BAG)

What is Not Included:

• Travel to and from your voyage
• Personal travel insurance (see our advice on Travel Insurance)
• Alcohol- you can bring a moderate amount with you if you wish- consumption is always at the discretion of the Skipper, and is never permitted whilst the ship is underway.
• Waterproofs - If this is your first voyage, good walking waterproofs will be fine. We only recommend buying sailing waterproofs if you are frequent sailors. If you don't have a waterproof jacket and / or trousers, do let us know. Leader has some sets that can be borrowed but only if arranged in advance.

What to Bring

• Please, no valuable jewellery or other valuables, unless you have got specific travel insurance to cover it.
• Waterproofs - see above.
• A sleeping bag and towel.
• Hats for sun and cold weather.
• At least two sets of warm clothes - layers e.g. tracksuit bottoms, shirts, fleece jacket, wool jumpers, thick socks, and neck scarf. It can get cold at sea even in mid summer.
• Swim suit and suntan lotion.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies are also helpful.
• A small amount of cash for jaunts ashore.
• All terrain type Sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read, a musical instrument...
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets or pressure-point wrist bands (talk to your pharmacist)
• Your own logbook if you'd like to keep track of your sea miles.
• Tech chargers (USB sockets are available in all the bunks) and waterproof cases for any electronics. A rechargeable battery pack for your phone / camera can be really helpful, as the power supply on board is not 24 hours.

N.B. BOATS HAVE LIMITED STORAGE SPACE SO PLEASE LIMIT YOURSELF TO ONE SOFT BAG OR RUCKSACK. Please don't use a rigid suitcase or a bag with a rigid frame. Soft bags are much easier to fold up and stow.