Sail Training aboard

The modern "HMS" Rose has a long history of providing at sail training to adventurers of all ages. For over 15 years the public was able to live aboard a true tall ship and work side by side with professional deck hands learning square-rig seamanship. The Rose is currently owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego and isn't conducting sail training right now, but that could change in the future. Subscribe to the Rose Newsletter to keep informed on the status of sail training on Rose, and review the Frequently Asked Questions to find out about alternative sail training opportunities. "Sail Training" Means Education & Adventure For a few days once every decade or so the gathering of the world's Tall Ships in American waters ignites our national imagination. But the educational experience of sailing aboard these vessels has remained largely inaccessible to the average person. In the United States the opportunity to actually embark aboard a Tall Ship has been limited to the students and personnel of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy who sail the Bark Eagle. For several years Europeans of all ages have had the chance to sail aboard former Soviet Tall Ships. Now Americans have a true Tall Ship on which they may put to sea. Today, the full-rigged sailing ship Rose, largest active wooden Tall Ship in the world, provides an adventure education experience for people of all ages. Inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard as America's only Class-A size Sailing School Vessel, Rose signs on participants of all ages to 'learn the ropes' as she sails to various ports. Sail training sessions are moderately priced and may be of several days, weeks or longer. You can come alone or with family or friends. Group inquiries are invited. In the past, participants have ranged from age ten to seventy-four and have been mechanics, business women, students, librarians, teachers, retirees and lawyers. After signing aboard the full-rigged ship you may find yourself on deck bracing the yards on a starboard tack, or taking your turn at the helm, perhaps steering the ship towards a blazing sunset or riding the crest of a following sea. Or maybe aloft, one hundred and thirty feet above the rolling swells, furling sail in a freshening breeze. Aboard Rose the focus is on learning 'from sailing' rather than learning 'to sail.' No prior experience is necessary; no extraordinary fitness is required. Time spent at sea can be a period of great personal challenge, introspection and growth often resulting in the discovery of a new sense of responsibility and confidence. You'll come to know your shipmates well-some will become enduring friends with whom you have spent the adventure of a lifetime. Together you'll feel a sailor's pride as you make Rose your ship and as you experience life at sea under sail - an adventure that few people are privileged to know. Life at Sea Aboard the Tall Ship Rose A voyage aboard the Tall Ship Rose is safe-and it can be exhilarating. But while sailing aboard Rose is an adventure, it is also comfortable: our professional chef prepares three fine meals each day, bunks are furnished with all-cotton futon mattresses , and there is ample hot water for showers (although we must conserve our fresh water supply on longer passages). A washer and dryer are available for in port use. Accommodations are arranged in three compartments of twelve bunks each. Every bunk is equipped with a reading lamp and a privacy curtain.

Aboard Rose, you'll learn the timeless skills of seafaring, including: Basic line handling Manning the helm Safety drills Vernacular of square-rig Masts, yards and sails Square-rig evolutions Knots and splices Introduction to navigation Advanced sailing Working aloft

Each individual participates to the best of their ability within the rotating watch system and the efforts of every member of the ship's company are vital to the voyage. More About Sailing Aboard Rose To find out more about the experience of being aboard Rose, you can read some features contributed by trainees about their experience, or look over some excerpts of Captain Bailey's log. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions if you have any questions.