0340

I'm being gently woken up to join my shipmates to take over the deck for my morning watch 0400 to 0800.  It's really early, but a cup of tea and the fresh breeze soon shakes me awake.

It's my turn first on the wheel.  I listen carefully as the Officer of the Watch explains what to do and tentatively take the wheel.  The feel of the ship under sail in the fresh easterly wind is amazing and soon all nerves are forgotten as I revel in driving this wonderful ship.  Our course is 160 degrees heading from Weymouth to Cherbourg in France and we are making about 7 knots - sometimes even a bit more - under almost full sail.

After the excitement of my first go on the wheel its my turn for a break and I go and have a cup of tea and some biscuits in the mess room.  Back on deck again it is my turn for lookout duty.  I go up to the foredeck to keep watch and enjoy the sparkling in the bow wave and the millions of stars that are strewn across the sky.  I've never seen this many from land!  Dawn breaking and the sun coming up is another spectacular sight - I'm not usually up at this time of day!

0800

I've been smelling the mouthwatering aromas of breakfast wafting over the deck for the last half hour or so.  Mmmm, bacon!  At last we are relieved by the next watch and can go into the mess for a well earned breakfast with cereals, bacon, scrambled egg and fried bread, toast and marmalade. Yummy!

0845

Its time for the morning meeting with the Captain and the Mate, the plan for the day is discussed.

0900

Happy Hour.  No that's not cheap drinks time, it's all hands to clean the ship!  Surprisingly I discover that with some music on and everyone working, laughing and talking together that housework (shipwork?) can be fun!

1000

Happy hour over, it's time for 'smoko' - morning tea break.  It's one of the voyage crew's birthday and Cookie has made a splendid chocolate cake complete with candles and lots of gooey icing.  I had thought I might lose weight on this trip but it's looking unlikely!

1030

The second Mate gives us all a talk on Celestial navigation; out come the sextants and we measure the altitude of the Sun, great fun - and if our position wasn't quite as accurate as the GPS well at least we were in the Channel.  Not bad for a first attempt!

1200

Lunch is served in the mess room.  It's my turn to be one of the 'galley slaves' today, so I eat on the first sitting of lunch and then I help serve second sitting lunch.  After we've washed up there is some preparation to do for dinner.  While we are peeling and chopping Cookie talks us through what it takes to cook for 38 hungry sailors in a galley (kitchen) that is often less than steady!

1330

Afternoon quiet time.  I take my book on deck to read but find it is enough just to sit back and watch the sea and the sails.  It's warm and sunny with occasional drops of sea spray coming over the side - very refreshing!  The lookout spies some dolphins and they come to play in our bow wave. How fabulous to see those glorious creatures playing in their natural environment.

1600

After afternoon smoko - of scones with jam and cream - the Bosun teaches us how to tie the basic seafaring knots.  We are all very proud of ourselves when we master the bowline - we really are turning into sailors!

1700

It's time for me to help with the evening meal.  There is a seemingly huge pile of washing up to do but singing along to some great songs on the CD player it gets done in no time!  As galley slave I am excused watch tonight but when we've finished washing up I go on deck anyway to help hand (take in) the sails ready to come in to the huge harbour of Cherbourg where we are going to anchor overnight.

1930

Quietly at anchor in the outer harbour at Cherbourg it turns out that we have quite a few musicians onboard, so we gather around the main deck hatch and have a good sing song and a glass of wine.

2200

It's been a great evening - after a fabulous day but I think it's time for bed!  We are going alongside in Cherbourg tomorrow and we are all looking forward to the french bread and cheese Cookie has promised to buy for lunch.  In the afternoon we hope to explore and find a restaurant we can all go to for moules and frites - and maybe a glass of wine or two - tomorrow evening.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CHANNEL SAILS

What does a Channel Sail include?

The Channel Sail is a short voyage on board T S Pelican visiting ports within the English Channel.  Usually a Channel Sail will visit a foreign port or one of the Channel Islands.

What will I do on board?

As part of the crew you will undergo some initial training whilst alongside which covers your personal safety and prepares you for your adventure ahead.  Once complete, Pelican will then set sail and as a member of your watch (team) you will pull on ropes to set the ship's sails, steer the ship and keep lookout.  When not on watch you can relax and enjoy the sea air, whilst on standby, ready for a call to action.

You will be supported by the Captain and our experienced Permanent Crew, who will share their skill and knowledge whilst you are part of a sailing experience from a bygone era and you will learn things you didn't know before!

Where do we go?

A sailing ship relies on the weather and tides to move from one location to another.  Weather permitting, a Channel Sail on T S Pelican will visit at least one French port, for example Cherborg, Barfleur, St Vaast etc. or possibly one of the Channel Island harbours.  The ship aims to arrive in the early evening, departing in the evening of the following day giving you an opportunity to explore the port you have visited.

TALL SHIPS RACES

What does a Tall Ship Race include?

The Tall Ships Races are an International Youth Festival organised by Sail Training international.  Ships from all over the world will converge to bring together young people from different continents to take part in the event aimed at encouraging global friendships and understanding.  Between the ports the ships will race each other, a spectacle to behold!  T S Pelican has a reputation for being very competitive in the Tall Ships Races.

In port, the crews are encouraged to represent their ship in a number of free activities organised by the host ports.  This includes the crew parade, sports events such as 5-aside football and other local sports, cultural events, museum and cultural visits as well as the crew parties. You will also have the opportunity to visit all of the other ships.  Usually, each ship holds an event onboard and you may get an opportunity to attend on of these.  Previous crew from Pelican have been invited to an Arabian breakfast, a Mexican Lunch and Russian Beef and Chocolate Goulash.

Where do the Tall Ships Races go?

The Tall Ships Races 2010 circuit is predetermined.  This year the fleet will be visiting the west Baltic and Southern Norway before crossing the north Sea to Hartlepool in the UK.  From Hartlepool, the North Sea Regatta takes the ships to Ijmuiden in Holland before continuing to the Festival of the Sea in Amsterdam.  To see details of the route, click here.

What is a Race leg?

A Race leg is a section of the programme, during which vessels can no longer use the engine for propulsion, but must use the sails irrespective of the weather conditions.  Be prepared for hard work, but great fun on the Tall Ships Race legs as each ship will be jostling for position, trying to get the next tack in, to stay ahead of another Tall Ship under full sail!

The Cruise in Company legs are much more sedate where, along with other ships in the fleet, T S Pelican will visit a number of selected ports to participate in locally organised events.

GENERAL FAQ's

When should I/We arrive?  When will I / We depart?

For Day Sails - Please arrive between 0900 and 0930  Depart between 1630 and 1700.

For Voyages - please arrive between 1300 and 1400.  Depart between 1000 and 1100.

Times may vary, please consult your Booking Confirmation for full details.

What should I wear?

A full kit list will be sent out with your Booking Confirmation, but please bring with you a sleeping bag, pillow case, sun cream, towel, at least two warm jumpers, T-shirts, trousers or leggings (not jeans) a woolly hat and shore clothes.

The ship has wet weather gear, but  for your comfort, we recommend that you bring your own if you have them.  A strong, flat shoe is essential and walking boots are ideal.  We also recommend that you have several layers, as it can get cold in the evening and on night watches.

These should all be packed into a 'squashy' or 'hold-all' type bag as space is limited on board.

Are there any restrictions?

Smoking is only permitted on the Well Deck.

It normally takes people 24 hours to find their sea legs.  Consult your GP or pharmacist if you require seasickness medication.

Minimum age to sail unaccompanied is 15.  Children 12 - 15 to be accompanied by a parent / guardian.

There is no upper age limit.  We may ask for confirmation from your GP that you are considered medically fit to sail.

What about the weather?

Poor weather will not normally result in cancellation of a voyage.  It will, however, determine the route and possibly the destination of the ship.  The Captain, who has ultimate responsibility for the ship, her crew and it trainees or passengers, will determine the route based on programme versus weather.

In the unlikely event that any day sail / voyage is postponed, an alternative date will be offered.

What else do I / We need to know?

Quality food and beverages whilst on board are included in your voyage fee.  Goodies from the tuck shop, soft and alcoholic drinks are chargeable.  Souvenir clothing and other items are available to purchase both during and after your voyage.  Full details will be given as part of the briefing given on joining day.

Your Ticket

Tickets will be sent by 1st Class post, or you can request our 48 Hour Guaranteed Delivery service for an additional charge.  Please allow 4 - 7 working days for 1st Class delivery and 2 working days for the 48 Hour service.

I am worried about Sea Sickness?

The Permanent Crew on board are used to looking after anyone blighted by sea sickness, which usually passes after 24 hours as your body gets used to the motion.  The secret is to take sea sickness medication 24 hours before you depart and to keep yourself busy during periods when you feel sick.  Remember, it will soon pass.

We recommend that if you are on any other medication that you check with your GP before taking over the counter sea sickness remedies.

How do I get to the ship?

You will be given details of where the ship will be located as part of your Joining Information.  This will include a contact number for the ship should you get really lost.  Your voyage fee does not include travel.  Staff at our booking office can advise you of flights used by fellow travellers.  Please note the ship joining times as these are important.

On youth voyages, we will recommend a flight.  A representative of Adventure Under Sail will meet this flight and escort you to the ship.

What is a watch system?

When you join the ship, the officer in charge will ask you to 'sign on' as a member of the ship's crew.  You will be allocated a bunk and placed in a watch (or team).

There are usually 3 or 4 Watches on board the ship and you will remain a member of the watch for the duration of your voyage.  During the daily routine your watch will either be on duty, resting and sleeping, eating or doing domestic duties.

Do I get any rest?

When you are not on watch (on duty) your time is free to do your own thing.  A member of crew is always on standby on a sailing ship should they be needed to assist with handling the sails.  It's that chance to read a book, sit on the bow watching the dolphins or just chill-out.

If you play a musical instrument that can be easily carried consider bringing it along.  A night under the stars playing your music with the crew is part of the nostalgia of sailing a tall ship.

Ipods and other Personal Equipment

We cannot guarantee the safety of personal equipment such as Ipods, Laptops and Mobile Phones.  Whilst we actively discourage their use on board ship, we understand why you might want to bring them with you.  The Captain will brief you on the appropriate times to be using mobile phones.  You are reminded to consider others when using mobile phones, Ipods etc.

How long do I have in Port?

Shore leave is granted by the Captain for all crew in each port.  We always aim to arrive in a port by early evening and depart the following evening to give you plenty of time to explore the local area.  However, you are requested not to leave the ship until permission is granted and to be back on the ship at the allotted time or for watch duty.

What the hell am I doing here?

This is the question we guarantee you will ask yourself at least once.  You will always be encouraged to ask questions and to use the support of our experienced Permanent Crew.  They asked the question once - and made it their career!

I am worried about Travelling Alone

The majority of our voyage crew will join the ship independently but leave the ship with friends that often last a lifetime.  We believe that T S Pelican has a unique atmosphere on board and we have the reputation for being one of the friendliest tall ships on the water.

You will be made welcome from the moment you step on board.  How much time you spend with your new group of friends or spend alone in that part of the ship you find to spend some time to yourself, is up to you!

Do I need Travel Insurance?

Yes.  You will need cover which specifically includes participating in all aspects of sailing a Tall Ship, to ensure that you have adequate protection.

Training

I am doing my Duke of Edinburgh Award, does a voyage on T S Pelican count?

A voyage on board T S Pelican can count as your residential element in the Gold Award or the Queen's Scout Award.  It can also be used as your organised activity.  Please bring your D of E or Scout log book and the Captain will sign this off for you at the end of the voyage.

Can I gain any qualifications on board?

A voyage on T S Pelican can count towards sea time and sea miles for both RYA and MCA qualifications.  Log books can be signed by the captain for crew who have them.

RYA Competent Crew courses can be conducted on voyages of 5 days or more.  T S Pelican is a registered Theory Course teaching establishment and can offer RYA Basic Navigation Courses on 5 day trips as well as Day Skipper and Yachtmaster / Coastal Theory on our longer voyages of more than a month on board.  These take some commitment and are a separate charge.  Full details of the RYA course available will be briefed on board.

On long voyages crew are encouraged to complete the Pelican Workbook which can lead to MCA Yacht Deck Rating certification, for those who might decide to pursue a career at Sea, on Sail Training Vessels or Super Yachts.