An exciting opportunity to try a taster voyage, sailing 125 miles aboard a traditionally rigged topsail schooner.
No experience required.
You will form a real part of the crew, joining in with all aspects of life on board from helming and navigation to cooking, keeping the boat clean and tidy.
This is a real, active, immersive sailing experience! Join a navigational watch and be hands-on, mucking in with all deck work whatever the weather – and all the more fun for it!
True sailing on a proper tall ship with a chance to experience what is like to live, work, eat and sleep as part of the crew.
Embarking in Cowes
You’ll step aboard at 1600, and get to know your fellow crew, as well as being given a safety familiarisation and a briefing from the skipper based on the latest weather forecast. Departure may be immediate or there might be some time alongside, depending on the forecast. Either way you’ll soon be getting stuck in alongside the ship’s permanent crew, and getting to know your way around the lines on deck!
Along the Way
With chalk cliffs giving way to the red of the Jurassic Coast, you’ll sail the best bits of the South Coast in terms of landscape and scenery, blasting past Hurst Castle and the Needles, Portland Bill, Golden Cap, Lyme Bay and the cliffs at Ladram and Beer.
All while being fully involved in sailing Johanna Lucretia; helming, setting, trimming and stowing sails and keeping watch. You’ll be amazed how strongly a crew can gel in just 3 days!
Arrival in Plymouth
PLEASE NOTE the expected arrival time in Plymouth is not guaranteed and is weather and sea conditions dependent. To allow for a later arrival we recommend making flexible onward travel plans.
If these travel plans allow, Plymouth is a wonderfully historic port with lots to explore, so do spend some time in the city if you can! Take a walk up to the Hoe for fantastic views of Plymouth Sound, visit the Mayflower steps and the historic Barbican.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
Expect moderate sailing conditions in October, with winds predominantly from the west to southwest, typically Force 3 to 5, though stronger spells are possible. Sea state will be moderate with average waves of 1 to 2 metres.
Daytime temperatures range from 13 to 18°C, dropping to 8–10°C at night. Weather will be changeable, with a mix of cloudy periods and rain showers; a few days are likely to see precipitation, but rain often comes in squalls rather than all-day downpours. Visibility is generally moderate, though poor visibility is possible with heavier rain.
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.
Start & End Port
Cowes, Isle of Wight
Cowes Yacht Haven is the likely joining place.
Plymouth, UK
Plymouth is dubbed ‘Britain’s Ocean City’ and for good reason. It has huge significance for the UK’s maritime heritage, and the Royal Navy are still primarily based here.
Kit List
What to pack for a sailing holiday on Johanna Lucretia
Included
Bed linen, duvet and pillow
Life jackets and harness lines
Offshore waterproof jackets and trousers.
What's Not Included
Alcohol to have with meals when not sailing.
What to Bring
Please limit yourself to one soft bag or rucksack (no suitcases!) as there is limited storage space on board.
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, towel, and suntan lotion.
Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies as the sea can come over deck if rough.
(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.
Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
Passport for all Voyages. (UK Customs Vessels can do spot checks anywhere around the coast, even if the ship is not going abroad. If you don't have a passport please contact us for advice)
(an EHIC Form from Post Office - Reciprocal Free Health Care in Europe)
Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasick tablets - check with your Doctor, which brand if you suffer from asthma or are on medication.
Musical instruments are always welcome.
A small amount of alcohol to have onboard during meals, when not sailing.
Review
Meeting a wonderful professional crew. The boat was beautiful and the care taken to make the trip engaging, fun and exciting was brilliant. The catering was top notch and the dining arrangements ideal to chat, laugh and become friends with all on board.
The crew of the Johanna Lucretia could not have been better. High professional standards combined with a friendly welcoming approach. Who could ask for more? - By Susan L. Guest Crew 2019
Johanna Lucretia under sail by Susan Lazer
There was no 'best bit' - it was all marvellous! Loved the sailing, the food, the company, the time ashore - and we had really lovely weather, which helped!
The enthusiasm of the crew, both for the Johanna Lucretia and for the work of the Island Trust, was infectious. The fact that they clearly enjoyed sailing and teaching others how to sail made all the difference for us 'first timers'.
"Totally excellent. I can not praise the crew enough, rarely do you find four individuals so well suited to their occupation. What ever was happening they were more than willing to show and explain what was happening and what to do. I learnt a lot. The food was always brilliant even under some quite rough conditions.
It would be good if it could be arranged so as we could climb aloft to enhance the experience even further.
I will certainly be back for another voyage!" - Isles of Scilly Trip on Johanna Lucretia
Vessel Gallery
We would love to see your photos of Johanna Lucretia if you have sailed on her in her long life as a charter and sail training vessel
