Team Building

1 Day

Bring your team together in a unique way. Everyone will need to work together as they step out of their comfort zone to manage a 45′ yacht. Develop your communication and soft skills from a professional trainer.

Corporate Outing

Test and hone your skills as a team, while enjoying some great experiences together. The term ‘We’re all in this together’ takes on a whole new meaning when you are stuck in a small space, with nowhere to run. There is no place for heroes or lone rangers in a large yacht; everyone must synchronise their tasks to turn the boat through the wind properly. With a little bit of preparation and clear communication, even the most daunting manoeuvres can be handled with ease.  

 

Highlights

  • When the team pulls off their first tack and the boat sails off on her new course at full speed, with the crew quietly going about their business. It's like the crew silently changing the set in a theatre between acts. They're all part of the performance.

More Details

With Covid-19 almost behind us, it is time to get the team back together and revitalised. What better way to do it than by taking on a new adventure together? We begin the day by getting to know one another over some homemade wheaten bread and scones with Causeway Coffee of course! There will be a couple of games to test your patience and communication skills before we set off. Once we’ve figured out the talkers from the listeners, the brave from the timid, the reckless from the prudent, it’s time to get underway. After a simple safety briefing, everyone will be assigned tasks and we’ll slip out of the marina with minimum of fuss.

Seven dwarfs boatWe expect the team to take control of the boat immediately, with Bashful at the helm, while Grumpy and Dopey remove fenders from the side and pass them to Happy and Sleepy. Doc will make sure the clove hitches are secure while Sneezy makes sure we’re going in the right direction.

 

Before long, we will head into the wind to hoist the mainsail, before setting the genoa and making our way out of Belfast Lough towards Whitehead or Bangor. If the team has worked well, there will be a chance to sit out on the rail for an epic photo opportunity. While underway, we will prepare a light lunch to refuel tired minds. When it comes time to head for home, it all seems so different; you are already moving around the boat with confidence and handling her with ease. When you realise how quickly a good team can learn new skills, the impossible doesn’t seem so daunting any more… There will be a small presentation and (not so) surprise gift at the end for a job well done.

 

FAQ

Are there toilets aboard?

Yes, we have two heads (toilets) aboard. One electric, à la Japan 😊 and one manual. Marine toilets are a new experience for many people. You need to pump out the bowl when you’ve finished and pump fresh water back in again. Toilet roll should be kept to a minimum, or at least flush after every few sheets.

Do I need to be able to swim?

No, most of the old sailors believed it was better to die quickly if you fell overboard. Swimming would only prolong the agony.

Do I need a lifejacket?

We will provide lifejackets, but see note above about swimming. Please stay on the boat. 😊

Do we need to bring food?

Snacks and a light lunch will be provided aboard, within the package price. Evening meal and breakfast is included within the overnight package. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us beforehand, or bring your own food if you wish.

Do we need any previous experience?

No, we will sail the yacht, allowing you to look around you and enjoy the experience.

Will we be trained?

This is not a training course, but we hope that you will learn a few things along the way, even about yourself. If you think sailing could be your new hobby and you want to take it further, we will be happy to advise.

Where do we meet?

We will meet you at the gates to the marina, beside the West Marina Car Park and Windrose Bar, in Carrickfergus. If you require transport, we have a 9-seater VW Transporter and we can collect your group and luggage from anywhere in the region.

Do we need to bring any special clothes?

We would advise bringing a waterproof coat. Climate change is a slow process and Northern Ireland still has twice the rainfall of Spain. ☹ Only soft-soled, non-marking shoes please.

What if I get seasick?

Seasickness normally takes a few hours, so we should be back on dry land before it takes effect. Even Admiral Nelson got seasick, so don’t worry too much about it. If you stay warm, well rested and well hydrated you improve your chances. Anxiety is a factor too, so sit back and enjoy the trip.

Group Discount Available
From £140.00
/ adult
Sailing
Belfast2°CFair
SUNRISE8:24 am
SUNSET4:03 pm GMT
Feels like: -1°CWind: 8km/h SSEPressure: 1021mbarUV index: 0
Daily Forecast
Wed11/9°C
Thu10/3°C
Fri9/4°C
Sat6/5°C
Sun7/4°C