The Sir Ken & Lady Dodd Tall Ship ExperiencE
The Sir Ken & Lady Dodd Tall Ship Experience gives young people the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable sailing adventure, exploring new places, learning new skills and working together as part of a team.
Life on board is about much more than sailing. From helping to navigate and handle the sails to cooking, problem-solving and supporting one another, every young person has a role to play. Along the way, they develop confidence, resilience, independence and a sense of belonging, often discovering strengths they never knew they had.
It’s an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, build lasting friendships and experience the pride that comes from achieving something together. Above all, it’s an adventure that creates memories, opens up possibilities and stays with you long after you’ve stepped ashore.
A MAST voyage offers the opportunity to work towards recognised achievements, including the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Competent Crew qualification and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Residential. Alongside developing practical sailing and maritime skills, you’ll build confidence, improve communication, learn to work as part of a team and develop problem-solving skills. Through shared experiences, challenges and personal development activities, you’ll also discover new strengths and possibilities for your future.
Your experience starts before you step aboard, with a pre-voyage briefing to help you prepare for life at sea. Once on board, you’ll become part of a professional crew, learning the ropes and getting hands-on experience of sailing and the maritime environment. A combination of shore-based learning, practical demonstrations and supervised activities on board will give you the opportunity to put your new skills into practice, get involved and make the most of every moment.
A Typical Day At Sea
At Sea
Life on board runs around a watch system, with the crew divided into three groups, known as watches. Each watch takes turns carrying out duties such as sailing the ship, keeping lookout and helping with day-to-day tasks. Working on a rota means everyone gets the opportunity to take part, learn different responsibilities and experience life at sea, while also having time to rest, eat and enjoy being on board.
Alongside
Life on board follows a daily routine, with everyone sharing responsibilities and working together as a crew. Days will vary depending on whether you’re sailing or alongside in harbour, but there’s always plenty to get involved in.
When joining the ship or arriving in harbour, the day will usually follow a routine similar to this:
Participants briefed on expectations and objectives along with what happens during the voyage. Logbook issued. Mentors appointed to provide guidance and support.
After your voyage, we’ll invite you to share your feedback, tell us what you enjoyed and what we could do even better. Then it’s time for our Awards Evening, a special celebration bringing everyone together to recognise our young people, share their experiences and celebrate their achievements throughout the year.
Hear From Our Young People
And Their Parents & Guardians
I had so much fun and was put out of my comfort zone but it was amazing and I would definitely do it again!
Being out on the open water was an absolute privilege. From learning new skills and meeting new people, seeing the wildlife along the way it sure is an experience I’d choose to do again any day.
The experience was great. It allowed me to explore new places and try different things that I wouldn’t have the chance to normally do!
A lot of fun had, with knowledge gained. A great experienced I would definitely recommend to others.
There’s no better way of self development than to surround yourself with a crew of people you’ve never met and live with them for a week.
A week away with the best people, learning new things and making friends for life!
Incredible experience with life long impact which enabled him to look at things differently, manage difficulties, increase peer interaction and massively improve his communication skills. Unforgettable trip that he has repeatedly shared with his family.
Brilliant experience, new life skills made, fantastic memories locked in and a new look on life unfolded.