Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? Call a Skipper 01872 58 00 22 (Non Uk 0044 1872 58 00 22)

Classic Sailing Terms and Conditions

Are there any hidden costs?

There is a set Booking Fee of £20 per berth for voyages charged in £ Strirling and €30 for voyages charged in € Euros. (£10 per berth for a daysail)
There are no charges for the use of credit cards. Book Online

Paying

When your booking has been approved we will contact you.

Acceptable Methods of Payment

We accept payment by MasterCard, Maestro or Visa Debit or Credit Card, THERE ARE NO CHARGES for the use of any card. We also accept payment by cheque or by electronic transfer of funds in £ and €.

Are all meals included in the price?

Yes the food is included in the price, however on some voyages you may wish to eat ashore to enjoy the local food or as part of a guided tour. When eating ashore you will have to pay for your own food.

Travel Insurance.Is required on all Classic Sailing vessels. Please bring a copy of your policy on your voyage as the ships operator may require proof that you have adequate travel insurance.

Our Vessels are covered by third party liability insurance for serious injury or loss of life, but we strongly advise you take out travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday.  If you have your own annual travel insurance or a cover with your credit or debit card, please check your own policy carefully to make sure it covers sailing/ cruising/ tall shipsailing/yachting for sailing more than 12 miles from shore.

Specialist sailing travel Insurance is available from Topsail Insurance on line Click Here. Both single trip and annual policies are available. The annual policies cover you both when sailing and for your general holidays, with some policies including cover for both winter sports and business travel.

Are flights or travel to or from ports included in the price?

Sorry no, We are not travel bonded for flights. We try to provide flight information on all the ports are vessels visit. Ports

Do I have to have any previous sailing experience?

No, but on some RYA Courses previous experience is required, see RYA Courses .

On longer voyages it would be sensible to know you enjoy being at sea.

Will I be odd on my own?

No, the majority of people are solo travellers.

What privacy is there?

It would be uneconomic to provide single cabins so most accommodation is a shared open space or 2 berth or 4 berth cabins. Think of it as changing on a beach. There is privacy in the toilet and shower facilities, and on some vessels the bunks have curtains.

Local Accommodation details.

We try to provide accommodation details for all the ports we visit.  Ports 

During the voyage all accommodation and food is on board.

How do I get to the ports to join and leave?

We try to provide details of how to get to and return from your voyage Ports.

Our prices do not include travel to and from joining and leaving ports.

Will I be involved in the sailing? I do not want a cruise.

Yes, all our voyages are hands on traditional sailing. We encourage you to get involved in as many aspects of sailing as practical. Everyone is classed as a "Trainee Voyage Crew" which for our purposes is the practical training for sailing traditional vessels.

Do I need to bring my own waterproofs?

You need to take your own waterprrofs on Bark Europa and on Oosterschelde.

Are sailing boots provided?

No, other peoples wellies are not pleasant. However you could use ordinary gardening wellies or a pair of waterproof - boots.

Should I buy my own sailing gear for a first voyage?

Not really. When you have had some sailing experience take some advice to obtain something suitable for you.

Will I be seasick?

You have a 1 in 12 chance of being seasick. Generally shorter 3 and 4 day voyages are designed to sail in comparatively sheltered waters without overnight sailing. The skipper will be keeping an eye on how you feel and adapt the voyage to avoid seasickness as much as possible if it is a problem. For a first voyage always choose a 3 or 4 day voyage.

Are special diets catered for?

Yes, all our vessels are glad to help you with your dietary requirements. Please make sure you complete the section on diet on the Booking Application Form.

Can people with disability sail with Classic Sailing?

Yes we have two two tall ships designed to take people with disability on active sailing voyages. Please see Tenacious and Lord Neslon

If I have a medical condition will it be a problem?

Please telephone us for advice, have our Terms and Conditions by you so that you can see the sort of questions we will need to ask. Please note any medical information given is totally confidential.

Do I need to be very active?

No, a normal level of fitness will be adequate; you need for emergency circumstances to be able to climb a 6ft (2meter) vertical ladder unassisted.

Do I have to go aloft?

No, going aloft is always a voluntary option. On a tall ship you will be given the opportunity to go aloft in port as part of the training programme. Our advice is to go aloft if you possibly can, it is the essence of Tall Ship sailing, you will always be in a safety harness and under close supervision. Going out on the bowsprit is more popular than going aloft and you get an amazing view of the ship poewring through the sea.

If I don't go aloft what will I do?

There is plenty of work on deck and you may be able to go out on the bow sprit. This again would be with a safety harness and under supervision.

Can I charge my phone or digital camera?

On small vessels you may need a car lighter attachment; the larger vessels mostly have 240 volts square pin UK or European sockets, ask for vessel specific details.

I can't find what I need to know here?

Call a Skipper on 01872 58 00 22 or 0044 1872 580 022 from outside the UK, and we will be glad to answer your questions or email a skipper