Before you board
Everything you need to know.
Two ways to sail
Coastal cruises
From anchorage to anchorage, a week or more along the coast and between islands. Easy-going, sunny, and open to everyone.
Offshore expeditions
Days, sometimes weeks, of continuous sailing across open water. Life on board follows the rhythm of the watches. These are more committed adventures: they call for team spirit, stamina and resilience. Depending on the crossing and the weather, they can be calm under a big sun, or more sporting through a warm or cold front.
A day on board — coastal cruise
The day often begins with a swim, while the ship wakes up and breakfast is prepared. Then we sail to a lunchtime anchorage, or straight to the evening one, depending on the distance, the weather and the programme. Depending on the place, we visit an island or take to the water: paddle, snorkelling, swimming. In the evening, an aperitif is served while dinner is being prepared, as the sun goes down.
Nights are usually spent at anchor: quieter, wilder, more beautiful. Would you rather spend a night in a marina? Just say so. The first and last nights are always in a marina, for boarding and disembarking.
Life at sea — offshore expedition
We sail day and night. Everyone stands their watches alongside the crew, rests, eats, and watches the ocean go by. You don't need to be an experienced sailor, but it helps to know what you are signing up for: life as a crew, in a small space, in the middle of nature, is not for everyone. If you are unsure, write to the captain before booking.
Your cabin
Arrow of Ayr has four double cabins, each with its own bathroom: two with a double bed, two with a double bed and a bunk. On board: hot and cold water and electricity. Internet is available at set times: the idea is still to disconnect — or to reconnect, depending on how you see it. Air conditioning is there mainly to cool things down on hot evenings.
The crew
On coastal cruises, the captain is joined by a first mate who handles the cooking and helps with the sailing. Your dietary needs are always taken into account.
What's included
- Your berth, bed linen and towels
- The skipper's services and passenger insurance on board
- Paddleboard, mask and snorkel
Paid through the ship's kitty (APA): food and drinks, diesel, harbour fees — at cost, with a full statement at the end of the voyage.
Not included: getting to the ship and back, visas, travel insurance, meals and outings ashore.
Who can come aboard
- No sailing experience required. Professionals take care of everything.
- Children are welcome. Safety on board is adapted to them. Under 18s need parental consent.
- You don't need to be able to swim.
- On board, we speak English and French.
- Smoking is allowed outside, downwind of the crew.
Booking and payment
- Book a cabin or the whole ship. Travelling alone? You won't pay for two: a solo rate applies.
- Pay in fiat or in bitcoin (Lightning or on-chain), by bank transfer or card. Paying in bitcoin gets you a discount.
- Payment schedule: 40% on booking, 30% two months before departure, and the remaining 30% received at the latest the day before departure.
- The ship's kitty (APA) is paid in advance as a provision and settled at the end of the voyage.
Before you leave
- Luggage: soft bags only. A rigid suitcase is very hard to stow on board.
- Documents: a valid passport, and visas where needed, are your responsibility. We advise at least six months of validity after your return date.
- Meeting point: the exact time and place are sent to you after booking.
- Insurance: we strongly recommend flight cancellation or change insurance, and travel insurance. Especially on a voyage from one port to another, the programme can change: we keep wide safety margins, but it is part of this kind of adventure.