Sailing taster day

Today I was on board the Swan, getting a taste of sailing. The Swan is a sailing ship built in Lerwick as a herring drifter and more recently fully restored as a sail train vessel.

At 9am we set off from Albert wharf in Lerwick, sailing out the south mouth and stopping at Mousa for lunch. The other tall ship applicants and I were fully involved in the running of the ship. Roles included hauling up sails and making adjustments when tacking. There were also chances to take turns at the helm and do activities such as filling in the ship's log. After 9 hours at sea we made it back to Lerwick. The experience was hard work but still very enjoyable. Plus I didn't feel seasick! The next thing is a wait to see if I'm successful in being offered a place on a ship in the Tall Ships Races in July.Read more