What to Expect

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Trainee FAQs

A sea training voyage with Trinity involves helping to crew a traditional sailing vessel on a cruise to several
destinations, and usually lasting a week - though some are shorter and others longer.

It is not necessary to have sailed before; lack of experience is not a problem. The ship’s crew show
everybody how to do things, and ensure that it is all done safely.

Most of the cruises start and finish in Brixham, South Devon, and involve visiting the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, sailing across the Channel to France and the Channel Islands, or going to the Isles of Scilly. Other cruises may involve visits to Scotland, Wales, Ireland or other European countries.

The exact route depends on the weather, and particularly the wind, as sailing vessels can sail across the wind or away from it, but not directly into it. That means we don’t decide where to go in advance, but plan the route as we go - so no two cruises are the same.

During the voyage you will learn about, and take part in, all the activities on board the ship. That includes hoisting sails, steering, keeping watch, changing course, helping to plan the voyage and decide which places to visit, preparing and cooking meals, and learning the arts of seamanship.

On arrival you are shown your berth for the cruise and have time to unpack and settle in. Before setting sail you will learn about various aspects of life aboard ship, including how to stay safe and what to do in an emergency.

Then it is all hands on deck to weigh anchor and leave harbour, hoist sails for the first time and get used to the motion of the ship and she heads for the first destination. On deck there are no mechanical aids; everything is as it was when these boats were first built, so everything is done by hand and teamwork is the order of the day. Technique is more important than strength, so everyone can “pull their weight”.

The first day’s voyage will normally be a short one, with time to explore ashore before enjoying a hearty dinner
and discussing plans for the following day. Next morning after breakfast the first long passage of the week begins. Each day, as well as sailing, there will be somewhere new to visit: quiet coves with sandy beaches, sheltered rivers, secluded islands, bustling fishing villages and picturesque ports. We aim for the most interesting and out-of-the-way places. At each there is time to swim or go beachcombing, explore up rivers in the ship’s tender, have barbecues and games on the beach, and see the local sights. There may be opportunities for night sailing under the stars, and watching the sunset and sunrise.

Sailing is a wonderful way to get away from it all, to do something different, meet new people and discover more about yourself and what you are capable of doing. Working as part of a team in new surroundings, facing and overcoming the challenges of the sea, forming new friendships with others and learning new skills is exciting and satisfying. Life on board is friendly and fun. Everybody shares in doing everything together.

Each vessel carries up to ten sail trainees, plus adult staff and professional crew.

Completing a sea voyage is a great achievement, and one  to be remembered. Everyone will get a voyage completion certificate, recording the places visited, the weather encountered and the number of miles travelled. Those who wish to do so can also complete the syllabus for a Royal Yachting Association seamanship course, and if successful will leave with an RYA certificate and personal logbook.

All of Trinity’s vessels are fully equipped to standards laid down by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and
carry the latest safety and navigation equipment. The crew are fully qualified and very experienced.

All special equipment, from oilskins and sea boots to lifejackets and safety harnesses, is provided. All you need is normal clothing. A suggested list of things to bring will be provided beforehand.