Trinovante Weekend Taster

ABOUT THE THAMES ESTUARY

The Thames Estuary is a fascinating area to take a break for a weekend sailing in the UK. Here you can enjoy a world of contrasts.

In quiet river anchorages, the tide ebbs and flows, as it has done for thousands of years.
We often have the place almost to ourselves. It’s a perfect location to hear oystercatchers and other wading birds calling as they feed on the mudflats.

A short day sail up the coast is the hustle and bustle of commercial activity on the River Orwell at Felixstowe. Here is one of the busiest container ports in the UK where big tugs manoeuver ships arriving from all over the world.

Steeped in sailing history and tradition, the Thames Estuary is one of the last places in the UK where traditional boats are still a common sight. You are almost certain to see a Thames Sailing Barge or two,  along with some of the local fishing smacks

This is also Trinovante’s ‘home’ and where our schooner was built so we know it well.

WHERE DOES TRINOVANTE GO IN A WEEKEND?

Remember this is only a rough guide. on the actual weekend, we will be tailoring what we do to fit with the wind, the weather, and the tides

UK Sailing Weekend Day One

You arrive at Ipswich at 4 pm. Trinovante will leave Ipswich as soon as possible to head straight down the River Orwell.

Under the bridge, through the moorings, along wooded banks past Pin Mill, and onto Felixtowe.  An anchorage in the River Stour awaits before dinner and maybe a couple of beers on deck.

On the first evening, you will learn enough to feel comfortable onboard. We’ll also cover some basic safety training.

UK Sailing Weekend Day Two

The following day Trinovante will weigh anchor, sail past Harwich and head out to sea. Sailing down the coast you will be leaving Walton-On-The-Naze and Clacton Pier on the starboard side.
The aim is to reach the River Blackwater or the River Colne to drop anchor for the night.

At the end of day two, you will have learned how to put up the sails and have had a go at helming. You may even start to feel like an old sea dog.

UK Sailing Weekend Day Three

Will we be tacking, have the wind on the beam or astern as we sail up the ‘Wallet’ past the Gunfleet wind farm to Harwich?

Trinovante often moors alongside Halfpenny Pier for the last night on these UK sailing weekends. There is the opportunity to look around and go ashore after dinner to one of the local pubs in Harwich Old Town.

UK Sailing Weekend Day Four

One possibility is to sail deep into the rolling Suffolk countryside along the River Stour.  Or we could spend some time sailing out of the River Orwell.  All too soon the weekend is over and it is time to return to  Ipswich for a 4 pm arrival in the marina.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Trinovante

Equipment Trinovante Provides

Foul Weather Waterproofs

Life Jackets

Very warm insulated water-proof flotation suits suitable for colder conditions. These will keep you toasty warm on  Offshore Night Watches  and sailing in Norway

WHAT YOU NEED TO PACK FOR A SAILING HOLIDAY

• Sleeping bag
• Clean pillow case. We provide a pillow.
• Pair of wellies. Any wellies will do. We might be able to lend you a pair – email us with your size. If you are buying some yacht wellies tend to be a bit lighter
• Passport This is needed if your sailing holiday starts and/or finishes in a non UK port and we will be in more than one country during the voyage.
  No passport, no sailing holiday.
• Non slip footwear – any non slip footwear will do, we are not a yacht so there is no need to buy expensive deck shoes.
• Warm hat and clothing. Layers work best. Thick fleece, thin fleece, shirt, tshirt is a good layer set up. Thermal underwear is a great idea and doesn’t take up much room in your bag.
• Gloves. Most people don’t bother with gloves, but if you do want to wear some, leather sailing  gloves with no fingers may be best. It can be difficult to handle ropes in full gloves.
• Towel and toiletries. Most people bring travel towels.
• Strap to hold your sunglasses/glasses on with. Essential if you wear glasses.
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and loose clothing to cover up from the sun. Trinovante sails in Northern Europe so you are not going to roast but sometimes it can get surprisingly hot even in Norway.
• Any medication that you need.
  If you think you may need sea sickness medication Stugeron seems to be the one most people take. The active ingredient is Cinnarzine. We do have Stugeron onboard.
• Travel insurance for sailing. For some of our holidays this means ‘offshore insurance’.
  We do not require that you have travel insurance for our sailing weekends in the UK.
  SchoonerSail’s  Buying Travel Insurance For Sailing Holidays has more information about travel insurance.
  One specialist sailing holiday insurer is Topsail Insurance. There are lots of other insurers and you do not have to use Topsail Insurance when you sail with us. They may or may not be the most suitable for you.
• 
  No valid travel insurance when you arrive onboard, no sailing holiday.

Pack everything for your sailing holiday in a squashable bag, not a large suitcase. Remember space onboard is limited.

Su and John (Mate and skipper) are an absolutely brilliant team. Their story of building Trinovante and her history is fascinating, enterprising and courageous. They were creative in turning a mainly windless week into an Attenborough like superb encounter with Orkney wildlife and history. When the wind arrived, they used humour and patience to turn us into a crew that almost knew what we were doing. It was a brilliant way to experience Britain's wilder places.

Richard

Great trip with fun guest crew and enthusiastic and understanding permanent crew.

Ian

Fantastic scenery Shetland and Orkney Fair Isle Westray good weather and fair winds. Instructions very clear safety in mind at all times. Food cooked by Sue was wonderful we had crab and fresh fish as a treat. Crew were also very friendly and helpful. Would love another voyage !

Lesley

I have spent most of my sailing time in modern yachts of various sizes but having the helm of a 3 masted schooner under full sail is an experience like no other.

Keith

Thanks for a truly memorable weekend! The sailing experience and tuition were first class: I enjoyed the companionship very much: all that under the leadership of two people talented and thoroughly pleasant in equal measure. It was a privilege. Thank you again. And the megastar was Trinovante – what a ship!

Mike

“Food, laughter and space were all in generous supply,
as were the opportunities to learn as much or as little as you chose.
Thanks Su and John the tapestry of life is richer for having sailed with you.”

Adam

We have loved it all from being at the helm, hoisting sail, fixing fenders and weighing the anchor.

Julie

Just a note of thanks for the fabulous time I had aboard Trinovante across the North Sea. I think it mended something in me I hadn’t realised was broken. Of course the reason it’s so good is the way you make us incompetent crew able to share a part of your life.

John

The scenery was stunning. We moored or anchored in a series of small harbours and bays keeping our eyes open for wildlife. Sharing a beer on deck as the sun slowly sank over the silent scene will be an enduring memory.

Stuart & Sara

What a great time I had with you and my fellow crew members last weekend.
I really enjoyed being part of a small and friendly group and being hands-on with the sailing manoeuvres.

Charlie

Thanks for a fantastic week..
It is the skill of a successful host to take a gang of disparate (desperate?) folk and turn them into a group of friends – Well done!
We are thoroughly bitten by the bug and would like to have another go next year

Chris & Alastair