Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Complete Your Gold DofE Residential

at Sea.

An Adventure That Builds Skills and Confidence

Take your Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Residential on board a historic wooden sailing vessel and experience life at sea as part of a working crew. You’ll meet new people, take on real responsibilities and learn the skills needed to sail this remarkable ship.


From helming and sail handling to cooking in the galley and standing night watch, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to build confidence, teamwork and resilience.


Whether sailing to Europe or around the UK, the experience is about far more than the destination—it’s about the journey, the people you meet and the skills you develop along the way.

Learn by Doing – Real Roles, Real Responsibility

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As part of a small crew, you’ll take part in all aspects of life on board Excelsior.


You’ll be placed into one of three rotating watches, working throughout the day and night to keep the ship sailing

Activities include:

  • Helming and steering the vessel
  • Raising and lowering sails
  • Cooking for the crew in the galley
  • Cleaning and maintaining the ship
  • Logging the voyage and assisting with navigation
  • Supporting sail work and deck operations

No prior sailing experience is required—just enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to get involved.


Designed for Gold Residential Participants

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This programme meets the requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Residential Award, offering a five-day, team-based experience with people from different backgrounds.


You’ll share challenges, make decisions together and develop independence in a supportive but demanding environment.


Who it’s for:

  • Gold DofE participants (typically 16+)
  • Occasional voyages for 14+ groups
  • Individuals looking for a structured, adventurous residential

The experience is designed to broaden horizons, build confidence and create lasting memories.


What’s Included

  • Food and accommodation
  • Safety equipment
  • Waterproof clothing
  • Full training and supervision

Available Voyages for 2026

Kiel to Lowestoft


📍 10th–13th August 2026 (6 days, 5 nights)


A full sailing experience with rotating watch duties, hands-on learning and real responsibility on board.


Tall Ships Races 2026

Why Choose Excelsior?


With a smaller crew of just 17 (5 professional crew and 12 trainees), you’ll be part of a close-knit team from day one. Everyone takes part in every aspect of the voyage—from sailing and navigation to cooking and teamwork.


Excelsior is authentically rigged and sailed as she was in 1921, offering a rare opportunity to experience traditional sailing in a safe, supportive environment.


Race Legs

Leg 1: Aarhus → Harlingen (26 June – 5 July)

Leg 2: Harlingen → Antwerp (5 July – 13 July)

Leg 3: Antwerp → Stavanger (13 July – 24 July)

Leg 4: Stavanger → Aalborg (24 July – 1 August)

THROUGH COMPLETING THE RESIDENTIAL SECTION YOU WILL:

• Meet new people

• Develop the confidence to thrive in an unfamiliar environment

• Build new relationships and show concern for others

• Work as part of a team towards shared goals

• Accept responsibility for yourself and others

• Develop communication skills and effective coping mechanisms

• Develop respect and understanding for others

• Show initiative

• Develop the skills and attitudes to live and work with others


In cases of hardship, we may be able to assist you to raise a bursary towards the cost of your residential!