Sailing with us

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering coming sailing with us, or have already booked a voyage, the FAQ below should provide you with some useful information. Please feel free to contact us if you cannot find the information you require.

Who are Adventures Offshore?

Who can sail with you?

Do I need any previous experience?

What is offshore sailing like?

Is it safe?

Will I be sea sick?

What can I expect to do whilst on board?

What is life on board like?

What should I bring with me?

Can I get my competent crew whilst sailing with you?

Can I use the voyage as a Duke of Edinburgh Gold residential?

I'm a qualified sailor; how can I get involved as afterguard?

Who are Adventures Offshore?

We are a sail training charity based on the east coast and part of the Scout movement - although we don't only cater for Scouts. For full information, please read the "About Us" pages.

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Who can sail with you?

We sail with young people and adults from a wide range of organisations and backgrounds, and of all abilities. Past groups that have taken part include Scouts & Guides, schools, youth clubs, Cadets, Social Services, Duke of Edinburgh Award Groups, etc, as well as individuals. We welcome groups of young people from the age of 12 to 25. Adults are also more than welcome to sail with us, especially during school term time and the May/June exam periods, although first priority is given to young people.

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Do I need any previous experience?

No. Many of the young people we take sailing have never set foot on a yacht before. You will be taught everything you need to know by the skipper and mate whilst on board.

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What is offshore sailing like?

Offshore sailing is physically and mentally challenging and demanding, yet fun and highly rewarding. It requires the use of a whole array of different skills, many of which you will be taught on your voyage with us. It is a team activity and so it is essential that everyone pulls together and gets involved. You will be taught everything from how to hoist and trim sails; to how to prepare a meal at sea for 14 people. Offshore sailing can be a life-changing experience for many and be warned - it is highly addictive!

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Is it safe?

As with all adventurous activities, there are certain risks associated with offshore sailing. However these risks are carefully managed and minimised, to allow young people to take part in a safe yet challenging activity. Our afterguard are highly experienced and professionally qualified, whilst our vessels carry a full set of safety equipment. Adventures Offshore has a safety record to be proud of and undertakes a regular risk assessment; click here for full details.

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Will I be sea sick?

It is impossible to say as it depends on the individual, as well as the sea conditions on any given day. Most sailors are sea sick at some point; however, some people are more prone to it than others. If you have not sailed before or know that you suffer from sea sickness, we recommend that you bring appropriate treatment with you. There are various options available from most chemists, including tablets (Stugeron or similar) and wristbands. Please note that we are not able to provide tablets for sea sickness, except in extreme circumstances.

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What can I expect to do whilst on board?

You will be a full member of the boat's crew under the instruction of the skipper and mate, and be involved in every aspect of running the boat. This includes steering, navigation, sail handling, cooking and cleaning. Offshore sailing is a team activity and so it is essential that everyone pulls together and gets involved. You will be taught everything from how to hoist and trim sails; to how to prepare a meal at sea for 14 people! You will get as much out of the trip as you put in.

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What is life on board like?

Our boats have been fitted out specifically for sail training and therefore are comfortable but not luxurious. Click here to take a tour and have a look around below deck. There is room for up to 14 people to live on board, but space is limited and so for this to work we have to be fairly disciplined. For a passage you will normally be arranged into two or more watches, each led by the skipper or one of the mates. Watch patterns vary but basically involving working in shifts, normally 3 or 4 hours long. Whilst on watch you will be responsible for sailing the boat, whilst the off-watch team perform any cooking or cleaning tasks and get some rest. The watch system allows us to operate the boat 24 hours a day on a long passage.

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What should I bring with me?

A full suggested kit list can be found here.

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Can I get my competent crew whilst sailing with you?

The competent crew qualification is done over the course of 5 days. Therefore, on voyages of five days or more in length (or, alternatively, over two separate weekends) it may be possible to work towards your Competent Crew qualification - please speak to the skipper or mate at the start of your voyage. During a single weekend, it is not possible to complete Competent Crew but we the skipper and mate will guide you through the requirements for the RYA Start Yachting certificate.

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Can I use the voyage as a Duke of Edinburgh Gold residential?

Yes - voyages of five days or more (such as Tall Ships legs) can be used as the residential section of your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Please mention this to the office when you book your voyage.

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I'm a qualified sailor; how can I get involved as afterguard?

We are always on the lookout for suitable new members of our afterguard team. You can find out more about what we do and how you could be involved here. If you think that you have what it takes, please get in touch!

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Last updated 02/05/2008