Seamanship For centuries, tall ships have sailed the oceans. They have conducted commerce, engaged in warfare, and embarked on voyages of discovery. The crews of tall ships were hearty souls that longed for adventure. The men who joined the ship’s crew (or were pressed into service) soon learned the ways of the sea and the skills required to sail the ship. The old square-rigged ships required huge crews, and the ship needed every hand to perform their duties well for the ship to sail. This was the earliest form of sail training. Today, sailing aboard a modern tall ship is much different, but the skills involved and the quest for adventure remain. All shipmates must perform their duties to make the ship sail. When a young person steps aboard the Tole Mour, they become part of the crew, and have the opportunity to learn traditional tall ship sailing skills. There is a sense of pride that all shipmates develop as they perform their assigned duties.
The Ship Each camper will learn the parts of the ship, the names of the sails, and the name and function of each line. They will learn to set and strike each of the 15 sails and be in charge of at least one of them. They will also learn their role in emergency drills. The sailing of the ship is under the direction of the captain, and the campers soon learn the importance of following instructions. The crew must act as one for the ship to sail smoothly. Each camper is given extensive line handling classes. They are also taught how to set, strike, and furl the sails. These skills will become second nature by the end of the expedition.
Taking The Helm Steering the ship is an important responsibility. Shipmates will take the helm during their watch. This requires focus to follow the compass heading and keep the ship on course.
Sea Watches The crew is divided into three watches with one mate, one instructor, one deckhand, and several campers assigned to each watch. When the Tole Mour is underway, the watch on duty has the responsibility to man the helm, navigate, tend the sails, conduct hourly boat checks, stand bow watch, and ensure the overall safety of the ship. During an expedition, the Tole Mour will make several overnight passages that require campers to stand sea watches. Sailing the ship through a bioluminescent sea with stars twinkling overhead is an unforgettable experience.
Navigation Campers on board the TOLE MOUR will become skilled at taking a variety of measurements used in the aid of navigating the ship. The TOLE MOUR is equipped with its own GPS system and campers will learn and become familiar with plotting bearings, taking compass positions, and reading a fixing chart.
Going Aloft  Climbing into the bowsprit and up the rigging is part of the work of the ship. It is an exciting experience that each camper will undertake at their own pace and within their own level of comfort. All campers receive the proper orientation from the crew, and are required to wear harnesses before leaving the deck. These harnesses are attached to the ship at every step of the way with a prussick knot. This is a special knot that only allows controlled climbing but arrests anything uncontrolled. This system ensures 100% safety at all times. As campers become more comfortable with going aloft they will be able to climb out onto the yards to loose and furl squaresails.
Marlinspiking Marlinspiking skills encompass the traditional sailor’s skills in working with rope and canvas. Campers will have plenty of opportunities to learn knots, splicing, whipping, sewing, and more. These skills will be used daily in the operation of the ship and maintaining its numerous sails and line.
|
