When you arrive, you will be met by a member of staff who will introduce you to your skipper. When you go aboard, you will be made welcome and the other leaders on our yacht called the afterguard will introduce themselves. You will be signed aboard and assigned to your watch (team). You will also be allocated a bunk. Please note that the yacht does not have individual cabins - but the accommodation layout is dormitory style with up to 12 crew members in one area.

Your Watch Leader will show you how and where to stow your gear and give you a tour of the yacht. Before departing for sea, you will receive a short introductory chat including a safety and deck equipment briefing. The key thing is to encourage you to make the most of the voyage: whatever energy and enthusiasm you put in, the sea staff will match and beat it! We then have a quick lunch and after doing the dishes will set out to sea and begin learning how to sail the yacht! (You do not need to have any prior sailing knowledge.

This completely depends on wind and weather, and what the crew wants to do. It's no good planning to go somewhere if the wind is in exactly the wrong direction – or if the forecast says the wind would be wrong for coming back!

Everyone helps with the cooking but don't worry if you can't cook – you won't have to do it on your own. We eat things like roast meals, cooked ham, spaghetti bolognese, pasties and beans, homemade pizza or curry. Make sure you tell us in advance if you are allergic to anything vegetarian/vegan, or can't eat certain foods for religious reasons.

All of the afterguard are trained in dealing with simple injuries at sea; and we'll get you to a doctor ashore as quickly as possible if necessary. You do need to tell us in advance about any condition you already have. Bring any medication, inhalers (and spares) which you need - and tell the staff what you are taking.

Most trainees will feel some sort of seasickness for the first 24hrs, the best thing to do is to keep busy, watch the horizon, and get involved. Helming is a great cure!

Boat toilets look just like normal ones but are flushed in a different way to toilets ashore, don't worry it will all be explained when you arrive. There are no showers on board but there are showers you can use in many harbours we visit.

Everyone will be expected to help keep the boat clean during your voyage including cleaning the heads!

Some people may be seasick but it hardly ever lasts beyond the first day or two. If you are worried, bring your own seasick pills (ask your chemist which is the best brand for you, especially if you are taking other medication). Several varieties can make you drowsy. Read the instructions: when to take the pills, how many and how often, make sure you tell the staff on board what you are taking.