Leave dry land behind and make the sea your home for five unforgettable nights aboard a traditional wooden sailing vessel. This is private whole-boat hire with everything included – from freshly cooked meals to waterproofs – so you and your group can focus on sailing, laughing, and soaking up life on the water. Whether you go for the elegance of Moosk or the impressive scale of Johanna Lucretia, the adventure is yours to share.
Your week begins the moment you step aboard, meet the crew, and get settled into your cabins. After a safety briefing, sails are hoisted and you’ll soon be out on the water, learning how to handle ropes, take the helm, and work together to keep the vessel moving. The crew will guide you through every stage, meaning you can get involved as much or as little as you like.
Each day at sea has its own rhythm – from planning passages and navigating, to sharing food in the galley and enjoying quiet moments watching the coastline drift by. Evenings might be spent anchored in a sheltered harbour, swapping stories on deck, or watching the sunset over the water. By the end of the week, you’ll have more than just memories – you’ll have experienced real sailing life on a classic wooden ship.
Moosk
Moosk is a graceful gaff yawl first launched in 1906 and still turning heads more than a century later. Once a gentleman’s cruising yacht, today she’s perfect for adventure sailing, youth expeditions, and smaller group charters. Her modest size makes her highly manageable under sail, yet she still carries the strength, balance, and seaworthiness that yawls are famous for.
Inside, Moosk is cosy and characterful, giving groups a true taste of traditional sailing life. She has raced in Tall Ships events, sailed countless coastal passages, and remains a fantastic choice for those who want a hands-on sailing experience aboard a boat with real history.
Johanna Lucretia
Johanna Lucretia is a topsail schooner – tall, commanding, and beautifully built. She’s the only UK-flagged vessel of her kind in sail training and never fails to turn heads in harbour. With her two masts and impressive sail plan, there’s always plenty to do on deck, making her perfect for groups who want to get fully involved in the sailing.
Below deck she’s surprisingly comfortable, with a range of cabin layouts and a large saloon for group meals. Her size makes her feel safe and spacious, and she has a track record of long-distance voyages, film appearances, and Tall Ships races. For larger groups, she’s an unbeatable choice.
Your voyage begins and ends in Plymouth, Devon, a city long linked to Britain’s maritime history. From here, you’ll set sail along the south coast, where sheltered estuaries, fishing towns, and wide bays offer the perfect mix of sailing challenges and chances to relax.
Depending on the conditions, your route might take you east past Salcombe and Dartmouth, or west along the Cornish coast to Fowey or Falmouth. Every harbour has its own character, and every stretch of water brings a new perspective of this beautiful coastline.
Life on board is part of the adventure. Both vessels provide bunks in shared cabins, with everything you need for a comfortable stay at sea. Living spaces include a galley where meals are cooked fresh, a saloon for relaxing together, and plenty of deck space to watch the world go by.
Johanna Lucretia’s larger size means more cabin options and room to spread out, making her ideal for bigger groups. Moosk offers a cosier, more intimate setting – perfect for small groups who want to feel part of the sailing in every sense. Either way, you’ll quickly settle into the rhythm of shipboard life.
You don’t need to have sailed before – the crew will teach you everything and make sure you feel safe and confident. All the equipment you need, including waterproofs and life jackets, is provided.
This private hire works for school groups, youth organisations, families, or friends. While no experience is required, a reasonable level of fitness helps with the active parts of sailing, though tasks are shared out and there’s a role for everyone.
For over 50 years, this charity has been using sailing to inspire, teach, and support young people, breaking down barriers so that anyone can access the sea. With a focus on inclusion, opportunity, and confidence building, their voyages have long-lasting impact beyond the time spent on board.
Sailing on these historic vessels is not just a holiday – it’s an authentic experience that combines heritage, teamwork, and personal growth. By booking a private whole-boat hire, you’re also helping to support their charitable mission, keeping traditional sailing alive and accessible for future generations.
About the centre
Mount Batten, Plymouth
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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Devon, United Kingdom
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Devon, United Kingdom
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Devon, United Kingdom
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Devon, United Kingdom
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Devon, United Kingdom
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Devon, United Kingdom
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Devon, United Kingdom
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
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