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During the season we sometimes find the need to move the yacht quickly from one cruising ground to another. This then demands a different type of sailing, one where making the miles is important, sailing her safely but swiftly to the next destination. Guests on board these cruises will need to have quite a lot of skill and expertise in passage making and be prepared to crew the yacht and be treated as one of the crew. It is great for young people trying to get their qualifying miles up or folk who want to see Halcyon at her best, gobbling up the miles as we go for two or three day passages, operating a watch system where everybody pulls their weight. The sense of satisfaction having crossed the North Sea, or made a passage from Wales to Ireland for instance is terrific. In her time Halcyon has taken many people on great voyages and she and your fellow crew will give you an experience to remember. A typical day for a Passage Maker The crew will probably join the ship in harbour the night before the voyage and help stow the necessary food and supplies and ready her for her crossing. Covers will be put out on the upholstery and any loose gear stowed securely. A skippers briefing will allocate the watch rota according to the strengths of the crew. All hands are usually up for departure from port but after a few hours the watchkeeping routine sets in and then the serious business of passage making begins. Halcyon has all the modern electronics and communications needed for safe passage making and you will find your time on watch passes quickly as you scan the horizon for ships, the radar and AIS for any contacts, see to the trim of the sails, write up the ship’s log and yarn with your companions about great trips you have been on before. Halcyon’s deckhouse is a godsend on such trips, allowing you to be ready to spring into action at a moments notice, but sheltered from the elements. Time off watch is precious, eating and sleeping are the order here, sometimes only sleeping! Arrival in port, whether it is after a single day or three days of passage making is invariably a great experience. You have been tested on the passage and arrived safely, everybody is a great seaman and the delights of port beckon. |
What Passage Makers say about Halcyon... “I saw Halcyon many years ago in Milford Docks and wanted to sail on her. Many thanks for making a dream come true. Wonderful!” Neville “I loved having the opportunity to share in this unique adventure with special friends and a wonderful host. Great compliments to Annette, Rob and Andre for their professional and personal touch - it was very much respected and appreciated.” Glenda Lewin |