Jump on board Maybe sailing for 7 nights from Greenock to Bristol. Learn all the skills necessary to sail a traditional gaff rigged sailing boat. By the end of your journey you should be able to steer the ship, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in the day to day duties on board.
Voyage
Vessel
Ideal Voyage for …..
Plenty of sailing and so many options of the route between Greenock and Bristol you could spend a lifetime and never repeat yourself.
During this 7 night voyage on Maybe sailing from Greenock to Bristol you can learn lots of the skills necessary to sail a traditional gaff rigged sailing boat. By the end of your journey you should be able to steer the ship, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in the day to day duties on board.
Leaving Greenock you will pass down the Clyde on a departure route followed by thousands of tall ships in the past.
Not before long you will enter the North Channel that joins the Atlantic to the Irish Sea, you should have the strong south going tide helping you along leaving the hills of Galloway to port.
The Isles of Man.
This is always an interesting island to visit with its own laws and currency, the Manx pound, don’t worry it’s the same value as a UK £. It is an odd mixture of international finance and local customs and culture.
Anglesey and Wales
Further south there are options to visit ports in Anglesey and Northern Wales but not much between there and South West Wales in Pembrokeshire
Ireland beckons
Another option is to head a little bit west and sail along the East coat of Ireland. Here there are some amazing options from Belfast, Strangford Loch, Dublin, and Rosslare.
The Bristol Channel
As you round the islands just to the west of Pembroke, Skomer, Skokholm look out for the nautical birds that breed on these island. Your journey now heads east and there are some options in Milford Haven, Swansea and Cardiff before your final leg to Bristol.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage.
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 01872 58 00 22 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
Start & End Port
Greenock, Scotland
Maybe is normally in the James Watts Dock
Greenock
Greenock is a historic industrial town and port beside the Firth of Clyde, some 25 miles west of Glasgow.
Art and poetry.
Greenock was first of all a fishing community that become the site of the first dock on the Clyde in 1711. The town’s long maritime history is celebrated at the Custom House Museum.
Much of the west end of Greenock retains its impressive Victorian buildings, not least the 245-foot Victoria Tower which remains incomplete.
Other attractions include McLean Museum and Art Gallery and the Old West Kirk, which dates from 1591 and features stained glass by artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Robert Burns lover Mary Campbell (Highland Mary) is buried in Greenock Cemetery.
Bristol, UK
Often, the exact location in Bristol won’t be confirmed until much closer to the time. Make sure you make a note of the ship’s phone number found in your final confirmation for any problems on the day.
Below is the likely joining location for voyages with Irene in 2018.
Kit List
Kit List for Maybe
Included
Sailing instruction
Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
All meals to include cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments throughout the day.
Pillow
What's Not Included
Waterproof jacket and trousers (Except for Youths on Youth Only Voyages)
Towels and pillow case
Travel to and from the start and end port.
Optional trips or tours taken ashore
Meals ashore
Alcoholic Beverages
Sleeping bag
What to bring
There is limited storage space on Maybe so please pack all you belongings in a soft rucksack or bag.
Sleeping Bag
Pillow Case
Footwear: Shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. (Sandals are great for beaches but you do need toe protection for sailing). Agnes has solid wood decks so waterproof walking boots are fine at sea in moderate winds and dry conditions and great for voyages where you might do some rough terrain walking like Scillies or Scotland voyages.
Rubber Boots or second pair of shoes for wet weather or getting in/out of dinghies.
Swim suit & beach towel
Suntan lotion & sunglasses
Sun hat / warm hat, scarves, gloves
Clothes that dry quickly like fleeces and thermals. Mix of warm, waterproof & windproof layers. Wool jumpers are warm, even when wet, but can take a while to dry. Merino wool type shirts are good for under layers.
Small rucksack for going ashore
Travel insurance documents/any travel tickets
Passport for French Voyages, Ireland or any 6 day voyage like Scillies where Brittany might be an alternative option. On French voyages Reciprocal Free Health Care Card for Europe.
Personal medicines/ spectacles/ seasick tablets –check which brand if you suffer from asthma or are on regular medication.
Camera/binoculars etc
Modest quantity of alcohol for evening meals
You are welcome to bring musical instruments
Review
"The crew were awesome. Led by Seb they were full of energy and enthusiasm and lots of patience for explaining what needed tobe done or what was happening. Maybe is a beautiful boat. we were well fed and had lots of fun as well as learning. would highly recommend a two night trip if you're a novice sailor." Liz M. Maybe 13 Sept 2019
What did you enjoy the most?
The general atmosphere on board was excellent and the journey along the Caledonian canal was fantastic.
The worst bits? - don't think there was one.
Why do your sail?
Travel, meeting new and interesting people, experience and learning more about sailing.
George M Maybe June 2019
Sailing in Scotland
What was the best bit?
Sailing between Islay and Jura: sun shining, music playing and interesting winds rolling down from the hills.
What was the worst bit?
Getting up for my watch after the first wave of seasickness.
Why do you sail?
This was my first trip. Wanted to experience the landscape from a different perspective and get to places I couldn’t easily reach otherwise.
Any other comments
The experience was very much enhanced by the attitudes and actions of the crew (including the volunteers), who combined technical and people skills with their love of sailing to create something more rewarding than I had anticipated.
By Lynne G. Guest crew on Maybe from Liverpool to Scotland
Learnt so much!
I learned so much and it was a pleasure and rewarding experience achieving my RYA Competent Crew cert. I didn't want the trip to end, I would have happily sailed on and enjoyed the beautiful ship Maybe with her crew and my new friends! Thank you for a wonderful experience, I hope to put my new skills to use soon."
Amazing!
I recently joined MAYBE on a delivery voyage from South Portugal to West Wales. I have had some amazing experiences in life but this topped it for me. Not only having an opportunity to sails a much bigger boat than I am used to but also dealing with much more challenging seas than I am used to. Thanks to the experienced knowledge the permanent crew we had the chance to sail MAYBE in 57 knots of wind and athough it was hairy at times the whole crew felt safe on the resiliant MAYBE.
This has been a life changer or affirminator, see you on the water." Sayed Almaghrabi, April 2017
The Bay of Biscay
Joseph D April 2019 Crossing the Bay of Biscay which is always a challenging voyage!
You enjoyed the most –
Dolphins chasing the bow at 6am
A small songbird resting on our boat just after we crossed Biscay
How the crew came together and supported each other through the rougher weather of our Biscay Crossing.
Least enjoyed –
Seeing all the beautiful cooked food and not being able to eat much because of the sea sickness
Why do you sail?
I sail because it’s completely different from any experience on land.
I can't fault those three guys
"I really enjoyed my sail on Maybe, Seb Ben and Phil were fantastic. A great combination of knowledge, skill, enthusiasm, ability to teach, fun and patience - I can't fault those three guys.
Delivery Trip
TS Maybe delivery trip Portimao, Portugal to Cork, Ireland (in the end) was an amazing experience. Having always wanted to do longer sailing passages, experience ocean sailing and push myself with challenging experiences, this lived up to everything I expected. It was a shame we were plagued with non-stop N/NE winds that meant we couldn't sail without motor as much as I would have liked...but that's the nature of the trip. A massive thank you to all the rest of the crew who were great folk and hats off, praise & thanks to Skipper Seb, Helen, Jessie & Mo who guided us on the passage. An incredible voyage, a great memory and a taste for more of the same. And at times it was like Bake Off at sea!
Anthony S 14-03-19
Anthony S Voyage on Maybe Spring 2019
Loved it!
Hi everyone on Maybe! I loved my week sailing with you. Now that I'm home it all feels so special to have done this. The experience certainly changed my attitudes to so many things and I can see how the teamwork made everyone work beyond their usual comfort zones. We had so many laughs, I can hardly believe it was that much fun. Now I have to try to settle into 'normal' life but I can feel the pull of future voyages - Maybe? love to you all......Valerie S. 5 star facebook review 30 July 2018
Tall Ships Races
"Very nervous before the trip because I have not sailed before. Staff very experienced so made me feel safe and I could relax and enjoy a great experience. Highlights - millions of stars at night, dolphin pod, viewing land from another aspect, new and different experience. Thank you for a great trip 10/10." Jacqui Robinson, aged 53, Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta
Rekindling my love of sailing
"At the end of this trip I was asked if there had been anything negative about the experience, I can only think of one, that is, the trip is over, I am no longer sailing aboard Maybe, and yet I so desperately which that I were. Till next time. P.s Thanks for rekindling my love of sailing and the oceans." Will Clutton, Cornwall, 20.10.2014
Totally different experience
"Had a brilliant time on board Maybe for the 2nd time!! You didn't scare me away the first time and I hope to be back on board in the furture! You have introduced me to a totally different experience and alternative lifestyle living on a boat. Thanks for all your hard work and patient teaching. Keep up the brilliant work as it is truly life changing." Matthew Ireland. Liverpool. Apprentice Ship Cup
Trip of a lifetime
Had a great time upon the maybe boat, trip of a lifetime that I shall never forget! Big thanks to all the crew members and for looking after us so well and teaching us so much!! And all the trainees for making it such a memorable trip! Highly recommend to all." Rodney Moorehead, Northern Ireland, Tall Ships Races
Vessel Gallery
Wooden Gaff Ketch Maybe is an excellent vessel to learn to sail on and develop your skills. Photos from Classic Sailing customers, ships crew and professional photographers. We hope it gives a flavour of her sailing, life on board, the people that come, her beautiful sailing grounds and what it is like to live below decks.
