FAQs

Where will I sleep? 

If sailing aboard Lady of Avenel, you will be given a berth in a double cabin. Bunks are comfortable and sizeable. Cabins are allocated on a same-sex basis - if you are travelling with someone else it is possible to reserve a cabin, subject to availability. 

What will I eat? 

Scotland is famous for its produce and we will have a full-time chef on board who will prepare meals making full use of the exceptional ingredients available to us.

Will I get seasick?

On music trips, we aim to be anchored in a sheltered spot every night. Some of the longer passage voyages (Orkney to the West Coast, or Mallaig to Ullapool) may include one night passage - contact us for more info.

On these trips we aim to prioritise the music over making any heroic sea crossings. This means that crossings or time spent in open water is limited - if you do feel queasy, it will not be for long!

What footwear should I bring?

If you're on Lady of Avenel, we'd recommend either hiking boots or work boots (waterproof) to wear on deck. Yacht-style boots or wellies aren't necessary on our deck and yacht boots can actually be very slippery.

We'd then recommend a pair of trainers or smarter functional shoes for going ashore (your hiking boots may be better for the wilder places we visit). 

Sometimes we land on beaches from the dinghy - then, we recommend stepping ashore barefoot (or a pair of sandals that can get wet), and putting your shoes on once you're ashore.

Is there a bar on board?

Yes - the ship has a bar, which runs on an honesty system - simply put a mark next to your name if you take a drink; and pay at the end of the trip. The bar is not run for profit - we only aim to make enough to replenish stock. at present, prices of £3.00 for any alcoholic drink, or £1.00 for a soft drink, allow us to do this.

You are welcome to bring your own preferred drink as well - we don't operate like a licensed premises.

Can you give me more information on what to pack?

Yes! - here's a handy summary from our regular tutor Tim MacDonald that may be helpful…

An Unofficial Sessions & Sail Packing List

• A soft bag (not hard suitcase) since it will need to be rolled up and shoved under your bunk. Space is at an absolute premium in the cabins.
• An appropriate number of basic clothes (shirts, trousers, underwear, socks, etc.)
  • Some folk like to dress slightly smarter when going ashore (as in wearing fresh blue jeans instead of salty hiking trousers, nothing too formal!)
• Toiletries; the ship only provides hand soap.
• Shower gear (soap, shampoo, conditioner, a washcloth…)
• Shoes for working the ship; most people use waterproof hiking boots
• Shoes you don’t mind submerging in the water while getting out of the dinghy during a beach landing (sandals or wellies, depending on if you mind getting wet!)
• You may like less-rugged shoes for going ashore (e.g., to a session at the pub) or wandering around the ship once she’s anchored or moored.
• You may like sandals for wearing in the shower, etc.
• Phone charger, etc. The ship has standard British wall outlets and also USB ports.
• I like to bring a torch so that I don’t pester my sleeping cabinmate (but the cabins do have overhead lights and reading lights). Walks back to the ship after a session on shore can be dark as well. Your phone (or walking with a friend) works too!
• Warm clothes: jumper or fleece, wind- and water-proof jacket, probably wind- and water-proof trousers and long underwear (thermals), wool socks, maybe a warm hat.
  •  Fleece-lined softshell hiking trousers are popular.
  • The key is to be ready for a huge range of temperatures, wind speeds, and precipitation—dress in layers! While the ship is under way it’s almost guaranteed to seem windier (and colder) than conditions on land.
  • The ship has heavy waterproof jackets and trousers available, but you will probably be happier in your own kit.
• Sunglasses and/or a hat with a brim and maybe a lanyard to keep them from blowing away
• Suncream
• Some folk like to bring something for seasickness, such as Stugeron or ginger chews
• Cash (for settling the on-board bar tab, getting drinks or souvenirs on shore if cards aren’t accepted, and/or buying CDs from the crew!)
• An RYA log book if you’re pursuing certification
• Your instrument(s)! Conditions on board are about as safe as a non-rowdy pub. I personally bring my “nice” fiddle and haven’t had problems (but am watchful).
• A book, journal, craft project, or whatever you like for quieter moments lounging around on deck or in the saloon.
• A plan for moving your instrument case around in the wind and rain (a waterproof case, rain cover, poncho, plastic bag…)
• Swimming gear, if you fancy taking a dip!
• I found it much easier to stay organised by using “packing cubes” (regularly-sized zip-up mesh bags inside of my larger bag)

Anti-packing List

• Towels are provided, although I bring a quick-dry camping towel since it dries both me and itself more efficiently.
• Bedding is provided. Extra blankets are available on request. The ship has central heating.
• Boat shoes: they can be slippery, they’re not warm, and in general they aren’t useful for a working tall ship
• Lots of spare clothing: there are laundry machines on board, and while you shouldn’t plan to use them, if you have a clothing emergency they can probably be made available.
• Gloves are not necessary (in fact, are discouraged) for handling the lines.
• The ship has a first aid kit, including basics such as plasters.
• The galley is very well-stocked with food, meals are large, snacks are frequent, and the cook can always find you something to nibble on, so bringing your own snacks is probably unnecessary (but allowed, if you’d like to)
• Similarly, the ship’s bar is well-stocked with very reasonably-priced drinks (beer, wine, liquor, tonic, alcohol-free beer, various soft drinks) and Barry will usually ask about any particular requests before the voyage. There is always free coffee, tea, and herbal tea ready to be made (and making a whole pot of tea or coffee is a good way to make friends!). However, bringing personal drinks is certainly allowed, and bringing a bottle to share is another great way to make friends :)