Life on board
Provident is very much a sailing vessel. In fact, when she was first launched, and during her fishing years, there was no engine so sailing was the only option. This being so, you can probably imagine that a Brixham trawler like Provident sails rather well.
We welcome everyone on board whether you are an old tar or a complete novice. Prior knowledge or experience is not required. Just being on board a vessel like this, as she powers through the waves, is a great experience. There’s absolutely no pressure on anyone to do any rope pulling. You might rather hone your navigation skills or spot the seabirds as they cruise past us.
We think that sailing should be accessible to everyone. There is really no need for athletics and we will always find a role that suits you. If you have any doubts about your physical ability give us a ring and we’ll see if we can find a way to make it work.
The ethos on Provident is for everyone to work together and soon we will be operating as a team. Changing direction on a sailing boat is called a tack - a well executed tack is one of life’s great pleasures and pleasure is what it’s all about.
Provident may have a traditional rig, but she has all the latest safety and navigational equipment maintained to the highest standards.
Sailing
Heading down from the shelter of the deck house, a companionway leads to the main saloon and galley. Originally built to hold a giant haul of fresh fish, there’s plenty of room down below. The saloon has seating for everyone around a beautifully varnished wooden table. This is where we share meals and while away the evenings with stories.
There are four guest cabins, three have twin bunks. The forecabin is a little different. This is larger and accessible to anyone who may have limited mobility or other special needs. It has one large bunk which could be a friendly double, and two single bunks. All the bunks have varnished wooden front panels to keep you safely tucked in, even when the boat is moving. On our regular trips we drop anchor or tie up in a harbour over night. Guests who have previously sailed on fibreglass yachts may be surprised to find that life below deck on a sturdy wooden boat is much quieter.
For her new life in Scotland, central heating has been installed. At any time while you’re on board you’ll be able to find somewhere comfortable to relax. There’s always something to be done on a sailing boat but there’s rarely anything particularity urgent.
More pictures here
Below deck
Food and Drink
Food is an important part of sailing on Provident. Both Steve and Morag like to cook. Meals are planned according to the weather and the itinerary. We usually have a continental breakfast, porridge and something hot to set us up for the day.
Lunch will depend on whether you are going ashore or sailing. Its usually something we can eat on the move or on deck and will be a mixture of hot and cold. Morag is well known for her “soupe du jour” and her sausage rolls.
Tea and coffee and other drinks will be available all day. Cakes and puddings are important and are generally regarded as Steve’s department.
We will always sit down to a substantial meal every evening. This is the time to relax, chat about the day’s adventures and sample whatever treats we have found locally.
Beer, wine and whisky will be available for a small charge.
See some of our example menus here.
green seas
On the water we become immediately aware of the environment we occupy and the limitations of our own little bubble of humanity. We are determined not to add to the problem of ocean pollution so we do everything we can to avoid single use plastic and we are very careful about what comes on board. Absolutely no inorganic matter goes over the side and as far as possible any waste that is produced on board is sorted and recycled.
Being on board a boat with a finite amount of food, water and fuel acts as a powerful reminder of our place in the universe. Thoughtful use of these resources can be critical. Particularly on a longer voyage. So, while its good to know that we have an engine and generator as back up we try to limit their use both to lower our carbon footprint and to maintain the unique peaceful passage through space that only a sailing vessel can provide.