Hands on Classic Sailing Experience
UK and Scotland
Ullapool, Scotland - Newcastle, UK
Join Tall Ship Blue Clipper on this hands on practical sailing adventure. Become a member of crew for this 7 night sail from Ullapool to Newcastle learning all the skills necessary to sail a 3 masted Schooner. By the end of the journey you should be able to steer the ship, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in the day to day duties on board.
| Ship | Per Person Twin En-Suite |
|---|---|
| Blue Clipper | £1,225.00 |
| Embarkation | Disembarkation | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| September 8, 2021 | September 15, 2021 | 7 |
Hands on Classic Sailing Experience
8th September 2021 - 15th September 2021
Voyage Highlights:
- Learn to sail a 3 masted Schooner
- Become a crew member
- Learn new skills
- Northumbrian coastline
- Mile builder
Voyage Description
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights describe, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. If the following voyage description is not fulfilled for any reason, Maybe Sailing and Maybe Sailing Youth Initiative cannot be held responsible.
HANDS ON CLASSIC SAILING ADVENTURE
Set sail from Ullapool to Newcastle on this 7 night classic hands on sailing adventure.
During this trip we want you to develop a love of sailing, and the best way to make a start on any boat is to feel you are a vital and competent part of the crew. We will teach you the seamanship skills of steering, setting sails, reefing, and tying knots with conviction! The skills you learn will be relevant for modern yachts, but you should also feel at home on traditional boats and tall ships with blocks and tackles.
There is a whole new language to learn and by the end of the week you won’t be fazed by terms like sheet, fender, windlass or ‘bear away’ and all the things that make going on board a yacht a bit bewildering and intimidating.
Previous experience :
None. You can be a complete beginner that has never stepped on a boat before.
It is also good for those who have done a bit of yacht, keel boat or dinghy sailing and want to be sure they have the basics to sail bigger boats where you can go cruising and live on board.
Skills that you will cherish:
Knowledge of sea terms and parts of the boat, her rigging and sails.
Sufficient knowledge to understand orders concerning the sailing and day to day running of the boat.
Sail handling
Bending on, setting, reefing and handling of sails. Use of sheets and halyards and their associated winches.
Ropework
Handling ropes, including coiling, stowing, securing to cleats and single and double bollards. Handling warps. Ability to tie the following knots and know their correct use: figure of eight, clove hitch, rolling hitch, bowline, round turn and two half hitches, single and double sheet bend, reef knot.
Fire precautions and fighting.
Awareness of the hazards of fire and the precautions necessary to prevent fire. Knowledge of the action taken in the event of fire.
Personal safety equipment
Understands and complies with the rules for wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids.
Man overboard
Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard.
Emergency equipment
Can operate distress flares and knows how they should be used. Understands how to launch and board a liferaft.
Manners and customs
Understands the accepted practice with regard to: use of burgees and ensigns, prevention of unnecessary noise or disturbance in harbour including courtesies to other craft berthed alongside. Aware of the responsibility of yacht skippers to protect the environment.
Rules of the Road
Is able to keep an efficient lookout at sea.
Dinghies
Understands and complies with loading rules. Is able to handle a dinghy under oars.
Meteorology
Awareness of forecasting and the Beaufort Scale.
Seasickness
Working efficiency unaffected/ partially affected / severely affected by seasickness (delete as applicable).
Helmsmanship and Sailing.
Understands the basic principles of sailing and can steer and trim sails on all points of sailing. Can steer a compass course, under sail and motor.
What is included in the voyage cost:
- All meals on board Blue Clipper – including daily breakfast, lunch and evening meal
- Refreshments throughout the day
- Use of safety equipment
- Accommodation in a twin ensuite cabin
- All instruction and lectures on board by fully qualified crew
What is not included:
- Travel to and from the boat
- Personal travel insurance. Check out Top Sail for specialist Tall Ship sailing travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks (a TAB system is in place during your voyage. Payable at the end of your voyage in cash (GBP or EUROS) on board.
- Any shore excursions and meals on shore (unless otherwise stated)
- VISA fees
Ullapool, Scotland
Newcastle, UK
Embark Travel Information
Ullapool, Scotland
While Ullapool may appear to be a long way from everywhere – it’s relatively easy to reach by air, by coach, by rail/coach and by road.
Public Transport
Every effort is made to ensure that the details on public transport are correct and up to date, however details do change depending on weather, ferry requirements, time of year etc. Please check with the operator prior to traveling to ensure you have the correct information. A useful website for travel in Scotland is www.traveline.org.uk
Bus Companies
Citylink Coaches operate a bus service from Inverness to Ullapool. This runs in conjunction with the ferry service so times should be checked and tickets booked in advance.
D & E coaches also operate a service from Inverness to Dingwall, through Strathpeffer to Ullapool and onwards north to Lochinver, Scourie and Durness (This also allows for bikes being taken on a trailer during summer months).
Citylink operate from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Ullapool and onwards to Stornoway.
Megabus also operate links throughout the UK to Inverness and Stagecoach operates the Jet Bus Service to Inverness Airport with up to a 30 minute service between the City of Inverness and the Airport.
The Westerbus also operates from Inverness to Gairloch connecting with an Ullapool service at Braemore Junction on a Monday, Wednesday & Saturday. For more information contact 01854 612966.
By Air
Many companies operate flights into Inverness (1 hour drive from Ullapool) & Stornoway (2 ½ hr ferry crossing from Ullapool). Check the web sites for details:
- Highlands & Islands Airports (including Inverness & Stornoway)
- Easyjet – Inverness links to London Gatwick and London Luton
- Flybe – Links to many UK cities and European destinations
- British Airways– Gatwick to Inverness, and has restarted links with Heathrow from May 2016
By Rail
There are no rail links to Ullapool, the nearest station is at Garve and this is a sub-line between Inverness and Kyle. Inverness station is linked to most of the UK, and from Inverness you can use the links above to get to Ullapool or hire a car and drive. There is also a sleeper service between London and Inverness that not only means you arrive here refreshed but can save a day of your valuable holiday time by travelling over-night.
- National Rail Enquiries – view timetables and book tickets
- Caledonian Sleeper– over night train between London (Euston) and Inverness
Disembark Travel Information
Newcastle, UK
Newcastle is easily accessible by Road, Rail and Air.
By Road
A network of major roads including the A1 and the A69 West.
By Rail
Direct routes available from London, Edinburgh and Leeds to name a few with Northern Rail, Trans-pennine Express and London North Eastern Railway.
By Air
Newcastle International Airport provides superb links to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond with direct flights to and from over 80 destinations. When arriving at Newcastle Airport, you will find a number of transport options to take you into Newcastle city centre, Gateshead, the Coast and the surrounding areas of Northumberland.
