2024 Sailing Plan

Overnight one-way taster sail May Bank Holiday Special 4th-5th May  Join Excelsior for a start of season bank holiday adventure. Come on board early Saturday morning for a briefing and familiarisation with the boat, then set off for an exciting overnight adventure north.This is a non-stop voyage round the coast of East Anglia to Grimsby, the north east's first port, for those who are looking for an introduction to a more challenging sailing experience. Expect colder weather, wild seas, and some serious team spirit. Age 15+ (open to young people and adults)

SOLD OUT

Schools adventure 6th-11th May  

Sail up the east coast of England and Scotland, making for Scotland's historic capital. Chances of puffins, castles, and islands. Weather permitting, stop on the way for a visit to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Itinerary subject to changes to allow for weather and tides.

Scottish Expedition 13th-19th May  

Sail from Scotland's spectacular capital to Stromness, one of the gems of the northern isles. Experience an offshore sailing adventure in the wake of the old east coast fishermen, calling in fishing ports along the way and exploring the splendour of Orkney. Expect dramatic coastline, wide open sea, and magnificent islands.

Itinerary subject to changes to allow for weather and tides.

Open to all ages 15+, suitable for Gold DofE residential

Keep a look out for pop-up events

23rd May - 11th June:  A voyage from Orkney-Faroe-Shetland as part of an exciting intergenerational residency led by Original Errant.  Applications are invited from young innovators aged 18-24, and professional artists of any age. Deadline 3rd March 2024.

More information about how to apply click

Join Excelsior for a unique 2-week expedition (13th-27th June) from one the UK's most northern outposts ( Lerwick), to the heart of the Baltic ( Klaipeda). Depending on wind direction and sea conditions, we will call in on the southwest coast of Norway, and pass by Denmark, Sweden and Poland, before making our final port in Lithuania. Weather and time permitting, we plan to make the party of the decade as we pay a visit to the small Norwegian island that had formerly been Excelsior's home, Svinør.  Expect several nights at sea and a real sense of adventure.

Not ready to do 2 weeks? We have an option to do half the trip, via our halfway stop in Gothenburg, See other listings for more information

13th-20th June. A North Sea crossing like no other with Excelsior, we'll set out from Lerwick, Shetland, heading for the coast of Norway (expect to spend 2-3 nights at sea). Weather and time permitting, we plan to make the party of the decade as we pay a visit to the small Norwegian island that had formerly been Excelsior's home, Svinør. Expect a warm Scandinavian welcome for the homecoming hero. From there we will cross the Skagerrak to Sweden's famous port of Gothenburg  to end our journey of Nordic Adventure and serious offshore sailing.

This trip open to all ages 15+ and is suitable for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award residential. Contact us to find out more! 

20th-27th June. Journey from west Sweden ( Gothenburg) into the southern Baltic as we cruise through this eastern sailing jewel. Ports of call are weather-dependent, but might include the likes of Copenhagen, Gdynia or the island of Bornholm. Expect sheltered seas and summer cruising, with a nice offshore crossing to finish off the trip. Your arrival destination is the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda, where the world's most impressive Tall Ships will be gathering for the famous Tall Ships Races.

This trip is open to all ages 14+, and is suitable for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award residential. Contact us to find out more! 

SOLD OUT, please contact for waiting list

The first leg of the spectacular Tall Ships Races event. (29th Jun - 6th July) This year we are competing in the wide waters of the Baltic Sea accompanied by the biggest and most beautiful sailing tall ships on the planet. Ports provide unforgettable crew parties, concerts and youth events. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Lithuanian and Finnish culture along with meeting new friends from all over the world. Stunning coastline and islands to explore, amazing pictures to take and the adventure of a lifetime to accomplish .

The prefered age of the participants is 15-25 due to racing rules requirements. 

SOLD OUT - contact for waiting list

Cruise-in-Company leg of the spectacular Tall Ships Races event. (6th - 13th July) This year we are competing in the wide waters of the Baltic Sea accompanied by the biggest and most beautiful sailing tall ships on the planet. Cruise-in-Company is not a racing leg. It has been designed to allow all the boats to sail together, side by side to allow the whole fleet to promote sail training and enjoy the "historic vessels on the water" experience. Ports provide unforgettable crew parties, concerts and youth events. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Estonian and Finnish culture along with meeting new friends from all over the world. Stunning coastline and islands to explore, amazing pictures to take and the adventure of a lifetime to accomplish.

The prefered age of the participants is 15-25 due to racing rules requirements.

SOLD OUT

The second leg of the spectacular Tall Ships Races event. (13th - 20th July)  This year we are competing in the wide waters of the Baltic Sea accompanied by the biggest and most beautiful sailing tall ships on the planet. Ports provide unforgettable crew parties, concerts and youth events. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Estonian and Finnish culture along with meeting new friends from all over the world. Stunning coastline and islands to explore, amazing pictures to take and the adventure of a lifetime to accomplish.

The preferred age of the participants is 15-25 due to racing rules requirements.

SPACES AVAILABLE

Cruise-in-Company leg of the spectacular Tall Ships Races event. ( 20th - 26th July) This year we are competing in the wide waters of the Baltic Sea accompanied by the biggest and most beautiful sailing tall ships on the planet. Cruise-in-Company is not a racing leg. It has been designed to allow all the boats to sail together, side by side to allow the whole fleet to promote sail training and enjoy the "historic vessels on the water" experience. Ports provide unforgettable crew parties, concerts and youth events. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Estonian and Finnish culture along with meeting new friends from all over the world. Stunning coastline and islands to explore, amazing pictures to take and the adventure of a lifetime to accomplish.

The prefered age of the participants is 15-25 due to racing rules requirements.

SPACES AVAILABLE

The third leg of the spectacular Tall Ships Races event. ( 26th  July - 4th Aug) This year we are competing in the wide waters of the Baltic Sea accompanied by the biggest and most beautiful sailing tall ships on the planet. Ports provide unforgettable crew parties, concerts and youth events. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Polish and Finnish culture along with meeting new friends from all over the world. Stunning coastline and islands to explore, amazing pictures to take and the adventure of a lifetime to accomplish.

The preferred age of the participants is 15-25 due to racing rules requirements.

One of the best adult individual adventures available for the 2024 season. Join us ( 8th - 22 Aug) in the historic city of Szczecin (Poland) to explore the western Baltic Sea including the Danish Straits and the unforgettable Kiel Canal passage. The North Sea will welcome you in the Duty-Free haven of Helgoland to get ready for an adventurous crossing. Our destination is Lowestoft, home port of the Excelsior and the most Easterly point of United Kingdom.

Offshore sailing experience. The itinerary is subject to changes to allow for weather and tides.

Leaving from Lowestoft's Heritage Quay, by the South Pier, we set out to sea to experience a day sailing this historic wooden ship. Join in with hauling out the bowsprit, hoisting the sails, take charge of the tiller or simply sit and enjoy the salty air and the sound of the wind in the sails. Tea, coffee and refreshments are provided throughout the day. Lunch will be provided but if you are concerned about sea sickness please feel free to bring your own packed lunch and snacks which you feel will not upset your stomach.

A great day trip to complete your Suffolk holiday or to experience Excelsior for the first time. Average voyage time: 6-7 hours

*Please note that this voyage is suitable for ages 14+ due to the size of our safety equipment – some exceptions can apply.

Dates available in September 2024. See calendar for more details

Leaving from Ipswich Haven Marina, join us for an enjoyable cruise along the Orwell on board this historic vessel. You'll have the opportunity to hoist the sails and got hands-on with all it takes to sail onboard Excelsior.

Tea, coffee and refreshments are provided throughout the day with lunch provided.

A unique day out for the family or memorable trip with friends. A great day trip to complete your Suffolk holiday or to experience Excelsior for the first time. Average voyage time: 6-7 hours

*Please note that this voyage is suitable for ages 14+ due to the size of our safety equipment – some exceptions can apply.

Dates available in September 2024. See calendar for more details

Experience the infamous Harwich International Shanty Festival with Excelsior ( 10th - 14th October). An amazing opportunity for a unique long weekend aboard our historic fishing vessel. Enjoy the sea, sailing and the music, at the heart of the festival action. With several booking options on offer, there are a variety of ways to be part of this event with us. 

Sail with  us overnight to the festival from Lowestoft to Harwich 10th-11th Oct  or an overnight return from Harwich to Lowestoft 13th / 14th Oct       £150 each way.

Stay aboard: Excelsior  in Harwich for 2 nights, Bed & Breakfast 11th & 12th Oct. £110 per person

Festival package: all of the above for a 5-day extravaganza of sailing and shanties £400 per person

As Excelsior is a heritage vessel the accommodation is basic reflecting her age and authenticity. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow case. A full Kit List will be provided on booking.