Royal Southampton members are to get the opportunity to take an autumn cruise on a square rigged Brig and experience life aboard one of the most awesome tall ships in the world.
The Club has arranged a dedicated five day trip in traditional 18th century style on the 200ft Brig, Stavros S Niarchos, run by the Tall Ships Youth Trust, the world's oldest and largest sail training organisation, which was formerly known as the Sail Training Association, based in Portsmouth.
Despite her style, the Stavros S Niarchos has a modern feel and built on a modern hull is very comfortable below decks. But she is primarily designed to provide young people with the opportunity to undertake voyages as character-building exercises, yet whether training or cruising, it is intended as a practical sailing adventure enabling crew to get hands on experience and develop key skills from communication, to leadership and teamwork.
The five day adventure cruise for Royal Southampton members is from Wednesday, September 15 to around noon on Sunday, September 19. The boat will be sailing from Weymouth, and weather permitting, present plans are to cross the Channel to France and / or the Channel Islands, although the final decision on the voyage will be made by the captain at the time.
The ship was commissioned ten years ago and has a modern design with plenty of showers, air conditioning and heating and a modern fitted galley. There is a large mess area for eating and socialising and plenty of space on deck. For sleeping there are six substantial cabins with eight bunks in each. Each crew member is allocated their own bank and storage area. There is a salaried crew of six for the main running of the ship and a volunteer crew of 12 to 14 to assist the voyage crew – that’s the RSYC members participating.
The cruise is open to members and friends, but only 48 berths are available. The cost will be £450. Costs are all inclusive on board. Also included is the cost of coach transport from Ocean Village to Weymouth, ready for embarkation on the morning of September 15.
With a total of 18 sails, she makes one of the most graceful and awesome sights on the sea. Those that have sailed on her say it is an unrivalled experience.
For more information and applications forms contact Rear Commodore Sailing, Gordon Agnew at gragnew@aol.com or call 02380 631761 or Mobile 07802501841 or Captain of Cruising, Brian Hinde at brian.hinde@rya-online.net or call on 02380 861818 or Mobile 07725174817.