Excelsior

Excelsior is a 1921 ex-fishing boat recommissioned in the 1980s as a sail training vessel. She has been operating as such consistently since then. They work primarily with young people, but they’re delighted to sail with all age groups.

The Ship operates primarily out of Lowestoft, with trips along the English coast or North Sea crossings to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. Excelsior has also previously sailed all round Norway and the Baltic. The upcoming voyages include Northern Scotland, the Faroe Islands, and then the Baltic.

The vessel is distinctive in that she is still rigged, maintained, and sailed authentically to when she was built. Trainees learn to sail just as the fishermen from the 1920s would have sailed. Nothing has been changed on deck, except for the addition of modern safety equipment. (Her helm is 1 very large tiller!)

On board a watch system of 3 4-hour watches is led by the 3 full-time professional crew. Within this watch you will navigate and operate the ship, cook for everyone, and clean. Afterwards you get to relax on deck, and enjoy being out in nature, with no distractions.

Excelsior can accommodate up to 12 trainees and 5 crew members. There is 1 private cabin with 2 bunks, 4 bunks in the forward section of the boat, and 6 bunks with curtains in the galley/saloon. The bunks are very wide and spacious.

The galley/saloon is the common space – very cosy, and heated by the diesel cooker. This is where most people sleep. There are 2 heads (toilets) on board, but no showers (you will get access to showers when in port.) Each bunk has its own light, and a curtain for privacy. Throughout the ship you will find electrical outlets (the British kind!) and some UBS ports where you can charge your device.