When it comes to sailing, Dorset is world renowned.
Chosen as host for the 2012 Olympic Sailing events the seas around Weymouth and Portland
are recognised as being as good for elite sailors and competitions as they are for
absolute beginners.
Those looking for a taster in small boats can sign-up for sessions at the National
Sailing Academy at Portland, the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre (WOEC) or try
contacting one of the local sailing clubs. But what if you fancy sailing something
a bit bigger? A tall ship, maybe?
If “Hornblower” or “The Onedin Line” is what floats your boat and you hanker for
the days when trade and naval power both travelled by sail, then help is at hand.
“The TS Pelican” offers anyone the chance to sail a proper square rigged sailing
ship for a day - or more.
Sailing out of Weymouth Harbour TS Pelican gives complete novices, from age 12 upwards,
the chance to get hands on as deck hands. Although youngsters from 12 to 16 must
be accompanied by an adult, £99 per person buys your passage from Weymouth for the
day (leaving at 0930 and returning at 1700).
“Vittles” are included so there’s no fear of being stuck with a ration of ships biscuits
and water. Nor need you worry that you’ll find yourself facing a few lashes from
the cat-o-nine-tails if you don’t pull your weight. Whilst participation in the running
of the ship is encouraged, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to do anything at
all except sit back and enjoy the experience and enjoy the view!
In fact you can do as much or as little as you like from steering the ship to climbing
the rigging! Keel-hauling other members of the crew is probably out, but other than
that, the idea is to give people the chance to experience what it’s like to sail
the types of ship that the world once relied on.
Tall ships were the instruments of discovery and the engines of trade before the
world became dependent on oil and other fossil fuels. With the rate the world’s fuel
tank is approaching “E” for empty, a day on a training ship like the Pelican might
not just be an interesting and fun day out. For the younger generation it could be
a cool career move too! Who knows if or when canvas sails will again be the way the
world moves its cargoes from nation to nation.
And if you try a day on the Pelican and enjoy it, you can sign up for longer trips
too! For full details, visit the TS Pelican’s web site.
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