24th July 2010

Joined the boat yesterday.  She's twice the size of what I normally sail and has some funny looking rigging.  Was shown to my cabin, was massively different to what I'm used to, running hot water and a shower!!!.  Today consisted of learning about the boat, climbing the rigging, working with rope and how to helm.  We left Aalborg at about 1300 and headed down the fjord to the Baltic parading past some massive crowds which gave the excuse to Mexican wave along the boat. 

Once we got into the sea we set some sails which was interesting; we set forward headsail, the gaff sail and the spanker.  Unfortunately, the wind was in the wrong direction so we didn't get to sail for that long before they had to be furled again. 

The Baltic is amazing - it's 2240 and the sun still hasn't set!  Hopefully tomorrow we'll get some better wind and get to climb the rigging and set some squares!

Nick Higson

The Pelican Song (Version 2)

Will I sail on the Stavros, no never, no more!

25th July 2010

New voyage crew have not completed their training and it's the first night at sea.  Our crew are a combination of Cadets and English youngsters, Danish youngsters from Aalborg and also two recycled teenagers,  The crew instantly seems a lot older and mature without the teeny bobbers as one of our watch leaders Li (from Sweden) calls them.  In fact it is quite quiet.  Although Leonie herself  only 17,  very mature German teenager with several months square rig experience from the High Seas High School programme in 2008/09, commented that she missed the noise of the rabble of English teenagers.  It's strange but the European youngsters seem so much more mature.

Night watch is busy despite travelling under power as there is a considerable amount of traffic.  Most of the fleet are a display of motoring lights as we make our way to the host ports our vessel has been invited to.  We are of to Lysekil in Sweden.  I'll hand this blog over to someone else as I should be paying more attention to the radar!

Ben Swain - 2nd Officer

12th July 2010

For the early hours of the morning we were travelling and arrived in Antwerp at 07:15.  By 8 we were onboard having been met at the cach station by Juliette, the Bosun's Mate and had a wash and some food.  Later we went to have a look round the boats and got caught in a thunder storm.  Me and Lily went off to the city as Katie and Shirley slept.  By 18:30 we ate tea, it was lovely and filling.  After tea we saw more boats and also some fireworks before some well deserved sleep.

Frankie Pearce

We were still travelling overnight to Antwerp until 07:15 this morning.  The coach journey was too lomg and tiring and we didn't get much sleep either.  But being on this long journey gave us the opportunity to meet six other people who were also joining us on the ship.  We finally got to Antwerp and were met by some of the crew and a liaison officerwho took us to the boat.nn

There were many boats of all different sizes all around the port.  I wasn't expecting there to be as many big ships as we saw.  As soon as we got onboard, we were greeted and allotted our cabins and bunks.  We were put in different cabins to most of our friends and I think this was a good thing as it gave us the chance to meet different people that we wouldn't usually meet.

As soon as we had unpacked and settled in we were given free time to look around the town and port.  We decided to go and look around all of the other ships at the port.  Some of them were massive!  As soon as we got onboard another ship, it started to thunder, lightning and pour down with rain so we got absolutely soaking.  We came back to the Pelican to dry off and explore a little more whilst others caught up on their sleep.

We then went on a tour of Antwerp and saw all the sites in the city.  Especially the Belgium chocolate bars!  We got back in time for tea to be served.  In the evening the rest of the crew arrived, one of which was in my cabin.  Later on we explored the rest of Antwerp and then made our way to the crew party and watch the fireworks.  We got back to the ship in time for my watch to take our watch.  I was on a t 01:00 with Laura.  The time passed quicker than I thought and by that time it was time for me to wake up Lily for her watch.

11th July 2010

Spent the morning wondering if I was more nervous or excited.  I bought and packed my final bits and bobs then sat and waited as my butterflies built.  I wondered who was coming and what was instore.  After wavinf farewell to my parents Dad drove us to London, however, things didn't run to plan and the traffic was so bad we missed the bus so Dad drove us down to Dover for 22:25.  We then got the ferry to Calais on the coach.

Lily Russell

We left Lily's house at 1600 after spending the duration of the morning packing and getting ready.  By this time I was getting really excited as this trip finally seemed real!  Even though we thought that four hours was enough time to get to London Victoria Coach Station, we were mistaken.  We had missed the coach!  However, Lily's Dad arranged for us to meet the coach at the Dover ferry terminal.  Thankfully this plan worked and we managed to get our seats.  We then got on the ferry to Calais and took a long coach journey overnight to Antwerp.

8th July 2010 - From Richard B

FOG

So time for a blog

Life in a tall ship is really busy

Not all hauling on ropes and swinging the rigging,

There are potatoes to peel and decks to clean

But with your shipmates all in a team

It's amazing how much you do and learn.

There's Josh and Jez, Dam and Tam,

Li the Swede, she's not a man!

Tony and Richard, Darren and Tom,

All actually signed on for a swan

But getting this vessel across the ocean

Has turned out to be an exciting notion.

Force 8

Blog 2:  7th July 2010

Josh Log:  00;00 to 04:00 watch this morning, nice and early.  It was awesome night to be on watch with clear skies and a light breeze.  I showed other members of the watch how to take weather readings which we then send off to the Met Office (in Canada funnily enough).  A few members of the watch had trouble identifyinh a vessel by its signal lights but it was a good exercise in night time watch keeping and the importance of learning the light signals.  At noon we anchored off the French pport of Calais.  We were delayed by the harbour so we missed the tide for getting into the lock.  I went up the rigging to set our courtesy flag so got some great views.  We had a Finnish yacht stop by and ask us for directions, he was a bit lost and couldn't find the port, though he was only a stone's throw away.  At 16:00 we are finally allowed into the dock.  We had a few difficulties with the heaving lines, everyone missed.  Mainly our shocking performance at throwing them, so in the evening we went onto shore for heaving practice.  It all got very competitive, with everyone wanting to get it perfect.  We got pretty good after a few hours, I wouldn't say we're professionals, but we aren't amateurs.

Blog 1: 7th July 2010 @ 15:30

My name is Dan and I am an office cadet currently serving my first sea trip on the Pelican which is on route from Weymouth to Antwerp.  Today is the fourth day of the journey and began with a watch from 00:00 to 04:00.  There was a nice calm sea, mild temperature with not a cloud in the sky and stars aplenty.  I also spent a good hour or so at the helm.  Then it was back to bed for some sleep, then up at 08:15 for second sitting of breakfast.  It's happy hour for cleaning in the galley and down below decks, everything must be ship shape.  Then some sail work and preparation to go into Calais, but we are being made to wait outside by the authorities, so helped with the laying of the anchor.  Just had lunch and while we are waiting to be let into port the other cadets and I have attempted a bit of sextant work.  I found it very hard to take sightings as I can hardly keep my balance due to the ships movements.  I haven't gained my sea legs yet.

Press Release - 29th June 2010

WEYMOUTH’S TALL SHIP PELICAN – DEPARTS FOR TALL SHIPS RACES 2010

On Monday 5th July 2010 during the Spirit of the Sea festival the Training Ship Pelican will depart from Weymouth Harbour at 13h00 to join the international Tall Ships Races.

The Mayor of Weymouth & Portland, Cllr Paul Kimber will be attending to wish the Captain and crew good luck on their voyage.  The celebrations will be complimented by the brass band Brass Tacks and Artillery fire will be heard from the neighbouring Nothe Fort.

The first voyage will take the Pelican and crew to Antwerp for the start of the Tall Ships Races which are organised by Sail Training international.

David (Ben) Swain, 2nd Mate said "This year the Tall Ships Races will visit four ports in Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the UK crossing the North Sea with all the challenges associated with such a busy shipping area, while also enjoying the fjords and archipelagos of Denmark and Norway. From 10 July through to 10 August the fleet will enjoy the usual mix of cultural visits, sports, friendly competition and international friendship."

Over 100 young people will be joining the Pelican during July and August participating in all aspects of sail training.  This adventure activity is for people of all ages and abilities. It includes instruction in all aspects of sailing but its purpose goes far, far beyond this. Sail training uses the experience of being at sea principally as a means to help people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents and understand the value of working as a team. Many of the berths have been sponsored by the Adventure Under Sail charity and other local businesses and organisations.

Lou Log Blog - 31st May 2010

A few days ago I was sitting at work, wondering if I should do this voyage or not.  I'd seen an offer on the Facebook group and was tempted to swap my rainy London weekend for an Adventure under Sail.  I read some of the blogs on the website to try and get an idea of life on board.  So just in case anyone else is reading this and thinking about sailing with Pelican, don't hesitate.  There might be times when you're on watch at 3am when you think a lie in and a quiet bank holiday weekend in front of the TV might have been a good idea.  But then again, looking around the saloon, at new found friends, sharing stories of our day at sea, climbing the rigging to look over Old Harry Rocks, really does beat a washed out bank holiday BBQ.

We're now anchored off Worbarrow bay, on the stunning Jurassic coastline, with a glass of red and the sun setting.  Seems like a pretty good way to spend a bank holiday to me.

From a force 7 on the first day to force 1's and sunshine today, we've had a varied weekend.  After trying to sail to France on Day 1, the winds were against us, and after a day of swell and sickness, Captain Francis decided on a change of plans.  So we anchored off Swanage the first night, and then came into Poole last night.  The food has been fantastic, and although I consider myself pretty culinary challenged, with Dave's guidance I survived galley duty for the day.  Permanent crew have guided us up and over the crow's nest, so things that we thought were beyong possible are now under our belts.

Being on a ship is kind of like being in a foreign country.  There's a language that you can't understand and even familiar things are just that little bit different.  But the schedules and sheets that seemed overwhelmingly confusing on Friday are now comfortable.  Pelican is a place that quickly becomes home with the patient help of the permanent crew who help us visitors to find our feet.

Pelican has seen her youngest rig monkey to date climb the rigging on this trip.  Patrick, aged 13, was presented with his certificate today, after climbing all 35 metres to the top of the yard.  Our eldest voyage crew is nearly 80, so it seems Pelican is home to everyone.  We're an ecclectic mix of first-time sailors and ancient mariners, now bonded into a team who sort of know which rope does what.

This bank holiday, I'm leaving with sunburn, rope chaffed hands, but with a clutch of vivid memories, feeling more alive than I've done in a long while.  So if you're tempted to live a life less ordinary, take a chance.  There's a place on Pelican for you.

Press Release - 27 April 2010

UP TO 50% DISCOUNTS % BURSARIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR TALL SHIPS RACES 2010

In 2010 the Tall Ship Pelican will be setting sail with a packed programme of exciting adventures.

The T S Pelican's home port of Weymouth is located on the beautiful Jurassic Coast which stretches from Exmouth, Devon throught to Swanage, Dorset.  England's first natural World Heritage Site.  All voayges not only take in the breath taking beauty of the coastline but will also view the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy which will host the 2012 Olympic Sailing competition.  All voyages aboard the Pelican are one of challenge and discovery as well as relaxation and good living.  Many Corporate events and team building coursesn are planned during the year, however, adventure and fum are at the heart of what Pelican offers.

The traditional square rigger T S Pelican is privately owned and now newly estored captures the true spirit and soul of a small and elegant clipper designed for adventure.  Setting eleven sails as a 'Mainmast Barquentine' make her lively and fast both on and off the wind.  The 2010 programme includes a variety of day sails at £89, 4 day channel voyages from £399 and the Tall Ships Races which are now available at discounted rates for under 24's.

Discounts and Bursaries for the Tall Ships Races are available from the Pelican Partnership Charity for young people under the age of 24.  Up to 50% of the fees may be available from the Pelican Partnership Charity - please call the office for details - 01305 839476.

David (Ben) Swain , 2nd Mate said "The Pelican specialises in both long haul voyages and short sailing experiences.  This enables young people to develop their talents and realsie their aspirations in an environment of challenge, excitement and teamwork.  Opportunities to work towards RYA qualifications are also possible."

The Summer Sailing programme will commence on 15th May 2010 from Weymouth Harbour.  Full details of the Sailing programme can be found on www.adventureundersail.com

For more information please call the Pelican Sales office on 01305 839476 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Tall Ships Races are primarily for young people  however, there are always spaces for the young at heart as long as you are reasonably fit and up for an adventure there is no age limit!  You will enjoy comfortable accommodation in 4-berth, en-suite cabins plus good food and great company.

Young trainees need to be between 15 and 25.  Sponsorship forms are available for fundraising.

Press Release - 22 March 2010

The Tall Ship Pelican will be setting sail in 2010 with a packed programme of exciting adventures.

The T S Pelican's home port of Weymouth is located on the beautiful Jurassic Coast which stretches from Exmouth, Devon through to Swanage, Dorset, England's first natural World Heritage Site.  All voyages not only take in the breath taking beauty of the coastline but will also view the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy which will host the 2012 Olympic Sailing competition.  All voyages aboard the Pelican are one of challenge and discovery as well as relaxation and good living.  Many Corporate events and team building courses are planned during the year, however, adventure and fun are at the heart of what Pelican offers.

The traditional square rigger T S Pelican is privately owned and now newly restored captures the true spirit and soul of a small and elegant clipper designed for adventure.  Setting eleven sails as a 'Mainmast Barquentine' make her lively and fast both on and off the wind.  The 2010 programme includes a variety of day sails, channel voyages and Tall Ships Races.  Sail away for a day or a lifetime aboard the tall ship T S Pelican.

David (Ben) Swain, 2nd Mate said "The Pelican specialises in long haul voyages enabling individuals to develop their talents and realise their aspirations in an environment of challenge, excitement and teamwork.  Opportunities to work towards RYA qualifications are also possible plus the Ship is a registered charity which offers sailing opportunities for all".