Frequently Asked Questions

We encourage all passengers to get involved in working the ship, although you are free to sit back and enjoy the view if you’d rather. Sailing Ruth is an enjoyable experience where small numbers can work as a team. There are two permanent crew always there to assist.

“We will look back on days of good food, good company, fine sailing and plenty of laughter.”
Debbie Rodger

“I also got to have my first steer (or helm) of the boat for a while before our watch ended and the starboard watch came on duty. I was told I was a natural…”
Matt Bishop, 17 (Diary Extract)

Good home-cooked food. All our ingredients are fresh and the food is served three times a day. In between meals tea, coffee, and soft drinks are available and home-made cake is served in the afternoon. We have included a sample menu in our Living Aboard section.

“Thank you to everyone for a brilliant trip. The food was great, thank you for doing so much vegetarian food.” Jennifer Jopson

There are opportunities for both these activities for those that wish to do so. Some sails are handled from out on the bowsprit by the permanent crew and help is welcome. Many passengers find sail handling on the bowsprit the most exciting part of the sailing experience. Safety harnesses are worn permanently by all passengers taking part in these activities.

Ruth is fully accredited by the Marine Coastguard Agency and the crew qualified to the relevant standards.

Ruth’s berths are a mixture of single and twin cabins. They have an old world feel to them with lots of varnished oak and traditional fittings. Each cabin has space to store your personal belongings. The cabins give a level of privacy unusual on this type of vessel, meaning your space is your own.

Last season, Ruth experienced a huge variety of wildlife. The ship is an ideal stable platform to view basking sharks, dolphins, porpoise, sunfish and jelly fish. In addition, we see a myriad of birdlife too numerous to list. The highlights often include leather back turtles.

“The wildlife is incredible, even after just leaving and getting into open water we have seen loads of jelly fish and birds, the sea turned red at one point… there were so many jellyfish!! It was incredible.” Matt Bishop, 17 (Diary Extract)

Ruth has onboard shower facilities with permanent hot water. There is also a bathroom with hand basin.

Most certainly. Many of our passengers are single people and many have received their sailing holiday as a birthday or anniversary present. We are a friendly family-run crew and all passengers feel welcome.

“What a treat for my special day. We were even joined by the Coastguard helicopter”.
Andrew

Passengers on Ruth tend to come from all walks of life and from different backgrounds. There are always people to make friends with. There are no age restrictions and so far we have had passengers aboard of between 2 and 85 years of age.

“Great day, it will keep the father-in-law talking for days”.
Neil Dewing

When booking you can request a single cabin, which will be provided subject to availability. No cabin has more than two people sharing and we will endeavour to keep the cabins same sex if requested.

Once you have made your booking you will receive joining instructions which will include medication to tackle seasickness. In addition, Ruth carries seasick tablets. We do not sail in rough weather and Ruth is a very stable sailing ship due to her size.

All passengers are required to tell us of any illnesses they have or medication that they take. Should you wish to participate in working the ship, a reasonable level of fitness is anticipated.

Unfortunately, Ruth does not have any disabled facilities. There are, however, traditional ships which do offer these facilities. For more information contact the Jubilee Sailing Trust on 0870 4435781.

Four permanent crew hold all the relevant qualifications. Take a look at the About Us section to meet the crew.