TALL SHIP EXPERIENCE

Tall Ship Experiences

developing your skills and knowledge

So why does Tall Ship sailing help build resilience and confidence? The skills and knowledge involved in crewing a Tall Ship has been seen to improve the mental and physical development of those participating in the voyage.

This resilience is forged through the shared pleasures, hardships and responsibilities needed to sail. Underpinning all of this is a development of mutual respect, building new friendships, new skills, camaraderie and experiencing new places from a seaward, ship based aspect – only achievable through crewing.

What will I

learn?

Participating in a MAST voyage provides the individual with the opportunity to achieve Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Competent Crew and Duke of Edinburgh (Gold) Residential. Learning activities are complemented by a learning environment where skills are gained in speaking with confidence, working as part of a team, communication, and through life coaching and activities that help them recognise a wider potential for their future.

what Can I

Expect?

Your experience begins Pre-Voyage where participants will be fully briefed on what to expect. You will be part of a professional crew learning sailing and nautical skills and expanding your knowledge of the Maritime environment. To achieve these outcomes the voyage includes classroom based briefings sessions on all aspects of sailing, and as much opportunity for young people to learn on board ship through supervised practice.

Academic Research

Top level academic research reveals that sailing on a Tall Ship is an unparalleled means of strengthening character, fortitude and self-confidence.

The research also showed that being aboard a sailing ship, facing the sea and elements promotes an enhanced sense of existence, self-discovery and accomplishment.

what you'll be doing

A typical Day on Board

Though every day is different we maintain a routine which is important and so a typical day on board a tall ship consists of the following

AM

Wake up early for watch duty
Join friends in the mess for a hearty cooked breakfast
Happy hour! – clean the ship (but to music!)
Climb 100 feet high to the yards to set the sails
Admire the beautiful view and maybe spot dolphins on the bow

MIDDAY

Join friends in the mess again for a feast to set you up for the afternoon.

PM

Time to take the helm and steer the ship!
Off watch now, so relax with friends on the bow of the boat
Take in the sights and chat with new found friends on board
Start planning your tactics to win the next inter-watch challenge!
Watch the sunset over the horizon
Climb into bunk for a well earned rest before the next watch!

connect with the high seas

Britain is an island and historically we are a maritime nation. MAST’s sail training experience allows young people to reconnect with this sense of history and place.

Watches & Routines

morning, afternoon, evening & night

Watches

The ship’s day is divided into 7 watches which are kept according to a rota:

0001 – 0400

Middle watch

0400 – 0800

Morning watch

0800 – 1200

Forenoon watch

1200 – 1600

Afternoon watch

1600 – 1800

First Dog watch

1800 – 2000

Second Dog watch

2000 – 2400

First watch

Routine

Superimposed on the watch keeping rota is a daily routine, similar to this:

0720 – 0840

Breakfast in two sittings

0850 – 0900

Chief officer’s briefing

0900 – 0950

‘Happy hour’ (cleaning)

1000 – 1030

Practical training

1220 – 1330

Lunch in two sittings

1330 – 1530

Quiet time / maintenance

1600 – 1700

Practical training

1720 – 1840

Supper in two sittings

pre & post

voyage

PROfESSIONAL CREW

They will ensure that the voyage is professionally operated within UK and International Maritime Law and Practice and delivered to MAST standards and objectives.

PRE-VOYAGE

Participants briefed on expectations and objectives along with what happens during the voyage. Logbook issued. Mentors appointed to provide guidance and support.

Post-Voyage

In addition to an Awards ceremony we ask for feedback e.g. How did the experience match expectation? Did experience deliver the expected development? What could MAST develop, maintain or discard in the future?

QUALIFICATIONS

RYA qualification or DofE Gold (Residential) can be achieved. Participants, in addition to nautical skills, learn the importance of the Ocean and Maritime environment via practical experiments and lectures

benefits to you

what benefits can a young person acquire?

01.

confidence

Increased confidence levels and communication skills from interacting and working with people from outside their normal social circle and Peer group.

02.

self-awareness

Increasing self-awareness and enabling them to recognise new skills and broaden their view of available opportunities.

03.

team-working

Improved team working skills including the ability to give and take instructions, an awareness for the safety and well-being of themselves and others, and to appreciate the benefits of working as a team.

04.

value

A key benefit for our young people is helping them to recognise the valuable contribution they can make to their communities.

05.

fitness

Increased physical and mental fitness through the work needed to crew and maintain a Tall Ship.

06.

skills

A sense of achievement through learning unique skills, – including the some of the more technical aspects of sailing such as navigation and sail handling.