Tall Ship Sailing For Beginners

Our Taster Weekends have recently been featured in 'Coast Magazine'

Some people like to try a taster weekend first before committing to a longer voyage but there is no obligation to do so and many first time sailors go straight for something more challenging.

If you are not sure what any of our voyages will involve just give us a ring on 07977 594649.
 
On a big multi masted schooner we need you, our guest sailors, to be involved in everything that goes on onboard from setting sail to coming up to anchor. It's best for us to teach you as much as possible, the boat sails better, we get competent crew and you enjoy the sailing more. There is always a mix of abilities on board from beginners to experienced sailors so whatever level you're at you won't be alone.
 
So what can you expect to learn when you sail on a 'Taster Weekend' or sailing holiday on board?
For starters you are definitely going to learn plenty of nautical jargon!
 
Rope handling
 
You will get plenty of practice coiling ropes and cleating them off on the pinrails when we hoist sails. There are five basic knots to learn; many people know a few of them already. These are the reef knot, clove hitch, round turn and two half hitches,  bowline, and figure of eight. Trinovante has winches for the jib sheets but all the sails are hoisted with ropes and blocks. So we cover the rough theory on how this all works.

Set sail
 
Everyone gets involved in sail hoists. By the end of a week you will have a pretty good idea of how to hoist, trim, lower and furl a gaff sail.
Our schooner also carries a selection of jibs and the very powerful fishermans staysail which are set flying.
Learning the names of the different sails and the parts of the sails comes naturally as you get used to handling them.  
 
Standing your watch
On passages we operate on a watch system. Everyone stands a watch taking it in turns to steer, trim   the sails and keep a good look out. One of the real delights is to see the sun come up on the early morning watch and its great to be off watch reading a book or relaxing in the sun on deck knowing you’ve done your bit..
 
Feeling the wind
 
It's amazing that we can sail into the wind. On land we hardly notice the wind – at sea on a sailing vessel we notice every tiny change in direction and speed. What is it doing now, what is it going to do next in 12 hours or 5 days?  Understanding why we  tack or gybe or sailing the best course to windward are all part of the ongoing learning experience.
 
Steer by the stars (or compass)
 
There's no shortage of opportunity to steer and learning to steer a compass course or the best course for a particular wind direction is an important core skill you can master.
 
The Shipping Forecast
 
Be warned you may become a keen listener!
 
Anchoring and mooring alongside
 
We do a lot of anchoring under sail. It's something not many boats do these days.  How much chain do you let out, how do you know your anchor is holding, how do you choose your anchorage in the first place?
Read articles written by the skipper about sailing on and off anchor.

Learn To Sail A Schooner No.2 Anchoring Under Sail on the Run
Learn To Sail A Schooner No.1 Getting Under Way From Anchor Under Sail
 
When we go alongside there is always a job for everyone.
Then it's time to explore ashore or just chill out onboard