A Breton Explorer with Cargo to Boot…

Full Voyage Description

Noirmoutier is a beautiful place to start a mini-seafaring adventure! Salt marsh, sand dunes and evergreen oak trees, as well as its state of uninterrupted human habitation since prehistory, make this island a fascinating place to visit. Stepping on board, the captain and crew will greet you with a tour and a briefing covering safety information, the latest weather forecast and the itinerary. There’ll be time to settle in and get to know your fellow sailors. De Tukker will be finishing the loading of additional cargo of Noirmoutier salt, which you’re encouraged to help with.

The island’s humid marshes were transformed into salt pans as far back as the 5th century by Benedictine monks, with the traditional methods of harvesting passed down through the generations. With just wind, sun and sea, water evaporates to leave a fine layer of white crystals of salt. These are hand-harvested daily in the summer months by the ‘saunier’. It is then drained and air-dried for a year before the salt is packaged. Precious cargo indeed, with this load bound for the UK and the Netherlands.

This trip hasn’t far to go, with Saint Nazaire as the next stop only 20 or so nautical miles from Noirmoutier. This makes it a perfect addition to a land-based Breton holiday. With 6 days on board you’ll enjoy learning the ropes with the professional crew, while exploring the stunning Breton coastline.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

This part of Brittany borders the bay of Biscay, which is notorious for a reason, and conditions can get a little choppy, although there are plenty of lovely harbours and bays along the coast in which to shelter from any strong winds. This is a cargo voyage, and so use of the engine will be kept to an absolute minimum to reduce emissions. This means that there has been plenty of time allowed for the trip to allow the Skipper to make the absolute most of the weather and wind available.

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. A cargo voyage adds an extra dimension to this, as you help load and unload cargo. A bit of a workout, and great fun!

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's Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals on board & refreshments throughout the day
• A real adventure!

What is not included

• Bedding
• Toiletries
• Alcoholic beverages
• Towels
• Wellie boots
• Waterproof jackets & trousers 

What to Bring

Valid travel documents and papers
If you're a European citizen traveling within Europe, make sure to bring your European Identity card or a valid passport (check the rear side of your ID card for the list of countries where it's accepted). On the other hand, if you're a Non-European citizen or an EU citizen traveling outside of Europe, a passport that's valid for at least 6 months after your trip is necessary.

Insurance
Don't forget to bring your insurance card and a copy of your policy, including liability, health, and travel insurance. If you're unsure about the required travel documents for your destination country, it's always best to check with the embassy/consulate beforehand. This may include obtaining a visa, so it's important to double-check the necessary requirements. You are required to carry the following insurances: 1. Medical insurance, for your home country. 2. Travel insurance which covers medical expenses abroad, loss of luggage and third party liability.

Medication 
Please be advised that the possession of any drugs (including all prohibited items) on board is strictly prohibited.
However, we understand the importance of personal medication. Prior to embarkation, kindly inform us about any medical condition you may have by
completing the health statement. We assure you that only the responsible officer on board will be briefed on your medical needs for privacy and confidentiality.

Bedding

Pillows are provided, but make sure you pack a pillowcase and a sleeping bag or bed sheets. Don't forget a towel!

Clothing and toiletries

Make sure to pack comfortable shoes with low heels and non-slippery soles to keep your feet happy during your trip. It's also recommended to bring waterproof boots or shoes, as well as sandals that stay on your feet (and don’t expose your toes if possible).

Since weather can be unpredictable, make sure to pack enough clothing for all weather circumstances. This includes a waterproof jacket and trousers (which don't need to be sailing gear: hiking clothes are usually much cheaper and are absolutely fine), as well as warm sweaters, T-shirts, and other clothing items. Don't forget to bring socks, underwear, and nightwear/pyjamas too.

If you plan on taking a dip in the water, pack your swimming gear. Additionally, it's important to bring a hat or cap, scarf, and gloves to protect yourself from the sun, wind, and cold weather. And of course, don't forget to pack your toiletries, including your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, and any other necessary items.

When packing for your trip, don't forget to bring essential items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, spare glasses, and personal medication. If you're into photography, pack your camera, but make sure you have a waterproof bag or case for it. Remember, charging on board will be limited, so bring spare batteries if you can. If you're musically inclined, consider bringing your instrument for some impromptu jamming sessions!

A small backpack can come in handy for carrying essentials, while board games and postcards can provide entertainment and a way to keep in touch with loved ones back home. Don't forget to bring a pen and paper to jot down notes and memories, and if you want to share some of your country's sweets, bring along some special candy or cookies. It's recommended to leave valuable jewellery at home to avoid the risk of losing it while traveling.
Please limit yourself to one soft bag or rucksack as there is limited storage space on board. No hard suitcases please, as these are difficult to stow on board.

How to pack
Before you set sail, it’s important to pack wisely and consider the limited space available on board.
Instead of a bulky suitcase, opt for a foldable bag that is easier to store. Pack clothes that are comfortable and practical, but avoid bringing your favorite white t-shirts as work and life on board can get messy.

Electricity on board
De Tukker operates on a 220Volt/50 Hertz system, so it’s essential to bring standard European plugs with two circular metal pins. If you come from a country with a different voltage system, be sure to pack a wall socket adapter to charge your mobile phone and other devices.

Lost and found
To ensure your luggage doesn't get lost in transit, label it clearly with your name, destination, and mobile number on both the outside and inside of your bag. This will make it easier to identify your belongings and return them to you if they get misplaced during your journey.

Seasickness
It's common for individuals to experience seasickness while others remain unaffected. The degree of seasickness usually hinges on the weather conditions encountered during the first few days at sea. To mitigate the chances of seasickness, ensure you're well-rested and feeling fresh on the morning of departure. Refrain from consuming excessive alcohol the night before and make sure to have a substantial meal before setting off. Continue to eat throughout the voyage and avoid drinking coffee once the initial symptoms of seasickness set in. In the event that you are prone to seasickness, it would be prudent to talk to your pharmacist and get some travel-sickness pills as a precautionary measure. Read our article about combatting seasickness if you're at all worried.

 

De Tukker is currently in a major refit before she starts her new life as a Sail Cargo vessel for EcoClipper. We'll add more photos as soon as we get them!