A Day Aboard a Square Rigger

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• View the coast of the Isle of Man
• Ideal gift for a friend or treat for yourself
• Work the sails on a veritable film star of a ship!
• Friendly crew who are keen to get you involved

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

As you approach Port Erin for your day trip, you’ll spot Phoenix immediately, and you’ll be transported to the set of Poldark, Taboo or Frontier as you climb aboard!

Please note that Phoenix will be anchored off Port Erin when you arrive, and you will be transferred out to the ship via the RIB that acts as ship’s tender.

The crew will greet you with a safety briefing before you slip the lines and set sail, getting to grips with Phoenix’s cross-braces, having a go at helming and, if the conditions allow, having a go at climbing the rigging!

That’ll work up your appetite, and the freshly cooked lunch on deck will be most welcome, before its hands to the sheets again for a few more hours exciting sailing back to Port Erin.

The crew will pick the best route to make the most of the conditions on the day, so no two day sails are ever the same. The aim is always to maximise sailing time, educational opportunities and fun.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

The Isle of Man can be quite exposed to weather funnelling up or down the Irish Sea, but if winds are stronger, the crew can aim to sail mostly in the lee of the island, where conditions will be calmer. In fine weather you can head as far offshore as you want for more wind and a good blast.  

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. This is as true for a day sail as it is for a longer residential voyage.

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.

Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals on board & refreshments throughout the day
• Soft drinks on board
• Bed linen, duvet, pillows
• A real adventure!

What is not included

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

What to Bring

Please limit yourself to one soft bag or rucksack as there is limited storage space on board. No hard suitcases please!

Phoenix does not provide waterproof jacket and trousers to guest sailors, so please bring a properly waterproof jacket and trousers on all voyages. These don't have to be expensive sailing oilskins, walking and cycling waterproofs are usually adequate and much lighter to pack, so there really is no need to buy a coastal sailing jacket (unless you really want an excuse to invest in your future sailing). If you need any advice, or lack of a jacket is preventing you participating, contact Classic Sailing.

• Proof of Covid 19 vaccination dates & status (See our terms & conditions: Basically to be safe for all guests and crew in a confined space we ask that you keep your covid vaccination status up to date with appropriate boosters. All crew and volunteers will be expected to be vaccinated too). This is especially important for any trips outside UK waters.
• Passport for European or Ireland Voyages, Reciprocal Free Health Care card in Europe.
• 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. If you'd like to climb the rig, make sure you bring some clothes that you don't mind getting a little tar-stained!
• Swim suit, towel, and suntan lotion.
• A wetsuit for wild swimming if you would like to bring one.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes.
• Sailing boots or wellies 
• (An alternative to boots in summer is to bring another pair of flat shoes with a good grip in case the first pair get wet).
• All terrain type sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
• Walking boots are useful and can be these can be worn on deck too
• A small rucksack is useful for going ashore
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets and/or pressure point wristbands- check with your Doctor, which brand if you suffer asthma or are on medication.
• RYA Cruising Logbook or similar if you want to log your sailing experience e.g. sea miles, night hours
• Musical instruments are always welcome!

Alcohol

Phoenix does not provide alcohol, or have alcohol for sale on board. You are welcome to bring modest quantities of alcohol, (unless it is specifically an alcohol free voyage) e.g. to drink with evening meals, but drinking whilst sailing is not allowed.