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EXCELSIOR

Vessel stats

Class B
Nationality UK
Year Built 1921
Rig Gaff Ketch

Excelsior.

Excelsior.

Excelsior.

Excelsior.

Excelsior.

Specification

  • Name: EXCELSIOR
  • Class: B
  • Nationality: UK
  • Year built: 1921
  • Home port: Lowestoft, UK
  • Rig: Gaff Ketch
  • Height: 23.17 m
  • Length: 23.30 m
  • Entered by: Excelsior Trust

About

  • Areas of operation: Northern Europe, Baltic, Skagerrak/Kattegat, North Sea
  • Number of trainees: 12
  • Number of permanent crew: 5
  • Berth types: Bunks, Cabins, Single, Mixed
  • Operational language(s) on board: English
  • Other language(s) spoken on board: Polish
  • Special diets catered for: Yes
  • Special needs catered for: Yes
Find out more

Biography

Excelsior is a Lowestoft Smack which was built in 1921 to fish in the North Sea in all weathers as one of a fleet of 300 similar vessels. She was fully restored in 1989 to maintain her tough construction and is now a regular competitor in major maritime events, having taken part in the Cutty Sark Tall Ships’ Races since 1989.

Excelsior can take up to 12 at a time and sails an average of 5,000 miles a year.

Reasons To Sail

Excelsior LT472 is a very special historic vessel offering memorable sailing experiences. On board you’ll find good company, excellent food, quiet time for reflection plus the sheer enjoyment that comes from helping to sail a fully restored traditional sailing vessel. For those with a sense of adventure, Excelsior offers a rewarding way of getting away from it all.

Sail Training Programme

Once the ship is set up and on its way the watch system starts. The on-watch take turns on the helm and are taught how to steer by compass, wind, sea and points of reference. Any sail-handling is also done by the on-watch. The importance of looking-out is explained and what to look for. The off-watch may be preparing food at this point or cleaning or chilling out or sleeping, though if they would like to help out on the deck watch duties they are almost always welcome! Watches are normally three hours long then rotate and there are normally three watches with a crew member as watch leader. There will be hard work involved when you sail onboard Excelsior, not to mention mundane tasks such as washing up and deck scrubbing, but the experience will be one you carry with you forever! The skipper and his crew will ensure you have a superb time onboard Excelsior. We have an exceptional safety record so you can rest assured that whether you or a member of your family is sailing with us, passenger care is paramount at all times.
Find your adventure