Traditional Seafarers Certificate - coastal gaff cutter sailing

Product Info

Coastal Exploration Co – Traditional Seafarers Certificate: Coastal Gaff Cutter Sailing

The Traditional Seafarers Certificate, offered in conjunction with National Historic Ships UK, is a formal, hands-on 4 day sailing course for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and aspiring sailors aged 14+. Participants gain an immersive introduction to traditional North Sea sailing aboard the 42' Norfolk gaff cutter, Victorious, while deepening their understanding of the UK’s rich maritime heritage. This course provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on seamanship skills and experience life aboard a historic gaff-rigged vessel.

Course Overview

Delivered in partnership with National Historic Ships UK, the course combines practical experience with knowledge of traditionally rigged vessels, their history, and the skills required to sail them safely and confidently. Participants learn how historic vessels were designed for specific tasks, crew sizes, and conditions at sea.

What Will You Learn?

Module One – Traditional Sailing Vessels:
Explore the variety of gaff-rigged and traditionally rigged vessels, including Victorious, and gain practical experience working at the mast and handling sails.

Module Two – The Seafarer’s Life:
Understand the lives of historic crews, their daily routines, and the challenges of extended periods at sea.

Module Three – Know Your Vessel & Stay Safe:
Learn vessel terminology, rigging, and essential safety procedures to confidently operate a traditional sailing vessel.

Module Four – Operating a Traditional Vessel:
Experience leaving port, mooring or anchoring, preparing and hoisting sails, steering, and performing manoeuvres, concluding with stowing sails and securing the vessel.

Costs: £600 for 4 days, including food.

Coastal Exploration Co Learning & Adventure

The course also covers:

• Sailing and handling a gaff cutter

• Reading tides and tidal patterns

• Coastal navigation and shallow water techniques

• Working with lines and knots

• Water safety and emergency procedures

• Choosing and using personal kit for coastal sailing

• Wild swimming techniques and safety

• Local flora and fauna identification

• Wildlife observation and natural history

Trips include wildlife observation, gentle wild swimming, and mindful exploration, offering a balance of practical learning, adventure, and relaxation.

Typical Itinerary

• Day 1: Start in Wells-Next-the-Sea, with an introduction to Victorious, standing lug rig sailing, and sculling. Time to get to know fellow participants and understand the Norfolk coast.

• Day 2: Sail to Scolt Head Island (2–3 hours), followed by an afternoon and evening practicing skills and exploring the island.

• Day 3: Longer day sail crossing the Wash to Fosdyke or Kings Lynn, depending on wind and weather.

• Day 4: Return sail to Wells-Next-the-Sea.

Certification & Logbook

Participants receive a logbook to track learning and voyage details. Upon successful completion, they are awarded a National Historic Ships UK certificate, recognising their skills and knowledge of traditional vessel operation.

Led by experienced Coastal Exploration Co skippers, the course develops hands-on seamanship, fosters a connection with the natural world, and provides an authentic, safe, and low-impact experience of North Sea sailing aboard Victorious.