As soon as you step onboard you will be starting the adventure of a lifetime! You and the rest of the crew will work under the command of a skipper and other afterguard who will work hard to settle you into the routines onboard.

Whether or not you've sailed before, when you join Helen Mary R you will be treated as a valuable member of the crew right from the start. You'll be taking part in an experience that is much different from anything you have experienced before. The ocean is a new and continually moving environment which leads the crew to pull together to work the ship and cater for hungry mouths.

You will be joining a small group of people living in a confined space. Initially others may be strangers to you, but firm friendships are quickly formed. We have found many friendships continue after the trip is over.

The crew is split into two teams called watches who take turns in sailing the ship. You will get the chance to:

• Helm or steer the ship
• Hoist, set, reef and change sails
• Navigate
• Cook for everyone
• Keep the boat clean
• Keep a lookout
• Swim, climb the mast, have a beach BBQ
• Visit new places and ports
• And much more!

At the very start you will be involved in discussions about what we do and where we go. The Skipper and Afterguard will always try and explain things, and make sure everyone understands what they are being asked to do and why. At sea, when you are not on watch, there is time to relax, chat, read or play games – as well as time to sleep!

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