What's it like for New Crew?

By James.

You want to go sailing, so you sign up for a trip onboard. What actually happens?

Ready to begin

Alistair and Kevin were both new to sailing, but arrived ready for adventure and keen to learn. Getting onboard the first night we all had supper, started to get to know each other, got kit into cabins, and settled in. That first evening always makes for a gentle start and an easing into the new environment of a sailing boat (and the 4 hour drive down there certainly helped people get to know each other too!).

The next morning after Lisa's awesome bacon and sausages we had a look through the boat and had a safety briefing as we went, with the new crew asking questions as we looked over the equipment onboard. There is a lot to learn but I often just advise people who have never been to sea before to just 'enjoy the ride and learn at their own pace'. Due to the late tide everybody had time to feel acquainted with the deck gear, and practice some moves. Then with the life jackets handed out and fitted, final checks made, and a quick refuel, we were soon motoring through the locks and heading out into the Haven.

Goose Winged into the afternoon

The first thing new crew get to learn is how to tie and untie the lines holding the boat, how to get the fenders in, and how to make sure the boat is safe and ready to start sailing. After that Alan got the sails up, the engine gets switched off, and the real thing begins.

We managed to get plenty of tacking, gybing, sailing on different points of sail, and generally had a great time for the next couple of days. From a big swell at the sea entrance to the gentle countryside of being far up river, there was plenty of different environments to sail through and enjoy. Everybody got to handle the sails and the lines, helm (steer) the boat, and get through plenty of food, tea and biscuits on our trip, and everybody by the end of each day was helping to get the boat back into the lock and the berth.

Lisa kept us all warm and full of great food whenever we needed it including some inspiring dinners, and by the time we had finished each day everybody was ready for it! Chilling in the evenings allowed everybody to relax and talk through the day, talk boats (and just about everything else), and even go for a walk, see the town, or just rest. The boat is your home once you come onboard.

Finally, it is over all too soon, but only until the next time. People at this point have either had there sailing experience and ticked that box, or are - understandably - addicted...

“I don't know the future. I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it's going to begin. I’m going to show you a world without rules and controls, without borders or boundaries. A world where anything is possible. Where we go from there is a choice I leave to you.”

Thomas Anderson (Neo) – The Matrix