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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.
Not at all. These voyages are designed so that complete beginners can join in and feel at home on board. The professional crew will explain everything clearly, from handling ropes to taking the helm, so you’ll learn as you go. If you’d prefer to relax and let others take the lead, that’s perfectly fine too.
For those who do have sailing experience, there’s plenty to get stuck into. The vessels carry large and varied sail plans, so you’ll find opportunities to practise skills and learn traditional techniques that aren’t often found on modern yachts. It’s a great balance – accessible for newcomers while still exciting for experienced sailors.
Life on board quickly falls into a natural rhythm. Each morning begins with breakfast and a chat about the day’s passage, then everyone helps to get the sails set. During the day you might be steering, navigating, or working on deck, with breaks for meals and time to relax while the ship is underway.
Evenings are usually spent anchored or moored in a harbour. This is a chance to wind down together, share dinner, and maybe head ashore if the location allows. It’s a mix of activity, teamwork, and downtime, creating a memorable group experience.
All meals are freshly prepared on board by the crew, using hearty ingredients to keep everyone fuelled and happy. Expect hot breakfasts, filling lunches, and tasty dinners that bring everyone together around the saloon table. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available throughout the day.
Special dietary requirements can usually be catered for if mentioned in advance. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies, the crew will do their best to make sure there’s something suitable for you.
Both vessels are traditional sailing ships, so accommodation is simple but comfortable. Cabins are mainly shared, with bunks and storage space for personal belongings. The communal saloon provides a cosy area to gather, eat, or relax after a day on deck.
Johanna Lucretia offers more cabin layouts and larger spaces, making her better for bigger groups, while Moosk has a cosier, intimate feel. Either way, the experience is about living closely with your group and enjoying the unique lifestyle that comes with being at sea.
Yes, this experience is well-suited to young people, especially those keen to try something new. With full support from the crew and all safety equipment provided, it’s a safe environment for learning and adventure. For private hires, families and youth groups often make up the majority of participants.
It’s worth keeping in mind that younger participants should be comfortable living in a shared space, following instructions, and being part of a team. Parents and group leaders usually find that sailing brings out confidence and responsibility in young people.
Sailing in the UK can bring a real variety of weather conditions, from sunny, calm days to breezier stretches that really test the sails. The vessels are well equipped to handle different conditions, and the professional crew will always make decisions with safety in mind.
Waterproofs are provided for everyone, so you’ll be prepared if the rain comes in. The unpredictability of the weather is part of what makes the experience exciting – every day brings something different.
That’s completely up to you. Some groups love to throw themselves into every sailing task, from hauling ropes to steering. Others prefer to take things at a gentler pace, watching and learning while enjoying the scenery. The crew is there to support whatever level of involvement feels right for you.
Because this is whole-boat hire, you’ll be with people you know, so there’s flexibility in how you divide up the work. Many groups find that sharing roles makes the experience even more fun and rewarding.
You’ll need clothes suitable for being outside in all conditions – think warm layers, hats, and sturdy footwear. A sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, and personal items should also be packed. Space on board is limited, so a soft bag or rucksack is better than a hard suitcase.
Waterproofs and safety gear are provided, so you won’t need specialist sailing equipment. A torch, book, or small games can also be nice to have for evenings.
The key difference is the vessels themselves. Moosk and Johanna Lucretia are traditional wooden ships with long histories, carefully maintained to give you an authentic sailing experience. Being on board isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about feeling part of maritime history.
There’s also the ethos behind the voyages. The organisation running them has a strong charitable mission, using sailing to inspire and support young people. By choosing these trips, you’re not only enjoying a fantastic adventure but also helping to keep traditional sailing alive for future generations.
About the centre
Mount Batten, Plymouth
Operated by The Island Trust, a partner of adventuro.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £1020
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £765
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £720
Devon, United Kingdom
From £1430
Devon, United Kingdom
From £1240
Devon, United Kingdom
From £1650
Devon, United Kingdom
From £1155
Devon, United Kingdom
From £1070
Devon, United Kingdom
From £1070
Devon, United Kingdom
From £1028
