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Description
We are a registered charity in Northern Ireland and owners of a tall ship. We run sail training voyages for young people and community groups in and around the UK and Ireland.
The ship is a 130 year old Brixham Trawler & Class B Tall Ship. She was made in 1892, and is a gaff ketch. She has 17 berths, and when at sea is usually sailed by 3 professional crew and 12 guests/trainees.
We also have a site onshore, where we run boatbuilding workshops, introducing people to traditional boatbuilding tools and skills and getting them involved in the restoration of small local boats.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We can teach you about taking care of a heritage vessel, but this really comes with lots of transferable skills you'll find useful in other areas of life. Improve your DIY skills and become more confident tackling those kinds of jobs yourself.
Get the chance to live onboard a 130 year old tall ship, its not your average hostel or hotel! Experience a taste of what life was like living and working onboard these historic vessels before steam and diesel ruled the waves.
Experience life in rural Northern Ireland, staying in a small but busy fishing port, between Carlingford Lough and the stunning mountains of Mourne.
Join our crew and other like minded volunteers to live together, eat together and enjoy the work together.
Registered charity
This host is a registered charity in the UK and is looking for help with their charity project.
Help
We need volunteers to help us with the ship's winter maintenance. There's lots to do to make sure she's in top condition and looking good for the start of the sailing season in April 2023.
We require help with tasks such as:
Sanding, scraping, priming and painting
Joinery and wood repairs
Marine plumbing and electrics
Cleaning
Maintenance of the rigging and lines
Organising stores/lifejackets/oilies
Repairing the sails
...and much more!
There are a few big jobs, like we'll be scraping the entire hull of the boat and repainting it, which will be a team effort - but also smaller tasks that one or two people can work on at a time.
No experience necessary, but enthusiasm is essential!
(If you're unsure if this is the right workaway for you but you're still interested in the project, please get in touch to see if there's a different way for you to get involved.)
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Single berth (bunk bed) in a communal living space onboard a 1892 Brixham Trawler. While there are no doors below deck (except for the bathrooms!) there are privacy curtains on the bunks and between living spaces (e.g. between the sleeping area and the saloon).
There's a large saloon, taken up mostly by a table big enough for 17 people and cushioned bench seating. This is where meals can be eaten, but if the weather is mild you can always take your food up on deck and enjoy the fresh sea air. It also provides a comfortable space to socialise, play cards, read a book...
Food is prepared in the galley, which is something we expect all volunteers to lend a hand with (don't worry if you aren't a chef! We just all pitch in to the cooking and cleaning).
The boat will be in Kilkeel Harbour. Kilkeel is a town of 6000+ people, and within walking distance of the boat you'll find shops, Post Office, bank/ATM, pubs, restaurants/cafes, internet access, doctors, laundry, and a chandlery.
There are no showers on board, but showers are available at the Nautilus Centre overlooking the harbour.
The ship will be connected to shore power for electricty, and we have UK plug sockets.
The boat will either be in the harbour basin, or up out of the water on the slipway, but crew can stay onboard the whole time.
What else ...
Kilkeel is a small port town near the Irish border. While the whole area is picturesque and full of rural charm - there are also several walking hotspots nearby for those who would like to take a hike. Close by we have: Rostrevor Forest (12.5 miles); Tollymore Forest Park (16 miles); Slieve Gullion Forest Park (23 miles) - not to mention the Mourne Mountains. The trail to the highest summit Slieve Donard begins only a half hour drive from the Harbour.
Our nearest city is Newry, where you can enjoy cultural attractions like Newry Cathedral or the Newry and Mourne museum, or take a stroll along the canal path. There's also plenty of pubs!
Just up the coast there is Newcastle, a popular tourist destination, with lots of places to eat out and amusment arcades. Take a walk along the seafront with a Mauds ice cream or buy some souvenirs at the gift shop.
Game of Thrones fan? Check out the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, located at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge. Here you can step behind the scenes of The Seven Kingdoms and explore how one of the world’s most popular TV series was created.
There is public transport, with regular routes by bus to nearby Newry and Newcastle, but connection times may vary. We can also assist with transfers from train stations or the airport if needed, just let us know if we can help!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We haven't hosted digital nomads before, but get in touch about your needs and we'll explore how we can accomodate you on the project.
Space for parking camper vans
There may be the opportunity to part in the Harbour, but we also have a secure site where you may be able to park your vehicle while living onboard.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
