Christmas list ideas traditionally consist of wishes for the latest gadgets, technology and entertainment gifts. There are many other options out there for your festive requests though, including a fantastic adventure under sail on a Tall Ship…
Here at Sail On Board, we are big fans of adventures under sail… as you can imagine. So we’ve put together a list of the top five reasons you should be adding a Tall Ships adventure under sail to your Christmas list in 2017.
Climbing the mast is one of many unique experiences on board.
IT’S A TRULY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
A Tall Ships voyage is a truly unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else, so its a great idea for your Christmas wish list. Many people have seen the oceans on a cruise ship, but a voyage on a Tall Ship allows you to really experience the elements and be an active member of the crew. As part of the annual Tall Ships Races 2018 you have the opportunity to exploring various parts of Europe from different perspectives. It’s an experience with a difference – from climbing the mast up to the Crow’s Nest, to learning what life is like as a true sailor.
There’s so much to learn and do on board a Tall Ships voyage.
YOU’LL LEARN LOTS OF NEW SKILLS
As well as experiencing what it’s like to live and work on a Tall Ship you also gain and develop lots of new skills. The chance to sail is often a once in a lifetime opportunity and there’s lots to learn through watch duty, setting the sails and helping out more generally on the ship with cleaning and maintenance. You’ll never run out of things to do and there’s always something new to learn or get stuck in with as you acquire valuable technical sailing knowledge.
Swimming dolphins are just one of the breathtaking sights you are likely to see on a Tall Ships voyage.
THERE’S AMAZING WILDLIFE ALL AROUND YOU
Whilst learning everything there is to know about sailing, you can also take in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that can be found at sea. Whales and dolphins are just some of the sea creatures you might encounter while on a Tall Ships adventure, not to mention the sea stretching out around you and on to the horizon. It’s an amazing experience to get to see everything up close – from beautiful sunsets , to wildlife in its natural habitat. There’s always something to take in or see, making it a great addition to your Christmas List.
International crews take part in the Boston Crew Parade in 2017.
YOU’LL MEET NEW PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE WORLD
While you’re learning new things and taking in your new surroundings, you’ll also get the chance to meet new people and make new friends. A big part of sailing on a Tall Ship is teamwork and working together helps you bond with the people in your crew. The Tall Ships Races and Regattas attract people from all over the world, from many different walks of life, giving you the opportunity to meet people you may not have met otherwise.
Since 2011, we have worked with the Foundation for Environmental Education to encourage vessels to sign up to the Sail Training Blue Flag scheme
IT’S ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
A Tall Ships adventure also makes a great ethical Christmas wish list idea. Sailing is an emission free form of transport, so is naturally environmentally friendly. As well as this many vessels have signed a Code of Conduct to protect the environment even more by not throwing anything over board, recycling and using environmentally safe products on board. You may have seen or heard of Blue Flag beaches, but there is also a part of the scheme for sail training vessels. Fifty eight of the vessels that take part in the Tall Ships Races and Regattas are part of the Sail Training Blue Flag scheme which encompasses the idea of protecting the ocean and reducing the impact on the environment.You can find the list of these commitments on our The Environment and Blue Flag pages.
What Now?
Has our top five list convinced you to put a Tall Ships adventure on you Christmas list? Here at Sail on Board you can find a sailing adventure anytime and anywhere. Just head over to our Events page to find details of the Tall Ships Races and Regattas coming up, their routes and the vessels taking part – or use our Find Your Adventure page to find more adventures around the world!
An adventure on a Tall Ship is like nothing you have ever experienced. The perfect addition to any Christmas list!