Tall Ships are not just the great square riggers, but are vessels of all classes dedicated to sail training and adventure. Some are specially adapted for those with disabilities. You are never too old for a sailing adventure.
Sailing on a tall ship is an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, conditions are much improved on those of our intrepid forefathers, but the expectation of what lies over the horizon is just as exhilarating.
Arriving on board for the first time can be daunting. As you stand on the dock looking up at the magnificent vessel, your emotions will be in turmoil! This is when a permanent crew member introduces him or herself, you place your foot on the gang- plank and the challenge begins.
Once on board you will meet the crew and be eager to set sail but before that you will be trained in all aspects of ship safety, going aloft and the twenty-four hour watch system. Meals will be taken in a congenial atmosphere - so practise your old sea dog jokes and brush up on your sea shanties!
In the days that follow you will be sailing the ship and finding muscles you never knew existed. The sun will rise and set as you sit in the bowsprit net with only dolphins to keep you company.
Reading the compass will become second nature. You will always work as a team, but there is nothing like taking the helm and thinking to yourself, "I am sailing this ship!"
And when the last port of call is reached you will have found hidden strengths, inner confidence and good friends from all walks of life.
When it is time to leave you will have experienced the spirit of adventure and taken the ultimate Tall Ships Challenge. Life will never be the same again.
There's a land where the mountains are nameless
And the rivers all run god knows where
There are lives that are erring and aimless
And deaths that just hang by a hair
There are hardships that nobody reckons
There are valleys unpeopled and still
There's a land oh it beckons and beckons
And I want to go back and I will
