What is a transport sailing?
A transport sailing is simply all about us needing to move (transport) the ship Elida between various locations for our work (e.g. between Sweden and southern Spain) and where we have opened up to the public to join us to try ”sailing life” for shorter period.
These sailings tend to be really nice voyages with lots of warm fellowship and people in various ages.
Do I need to join for the whole voyage?
No, that’s why we divide the voyage into different legs, for those who, for various reasons, don’t have the opportunity, or don’t want, to join us for the whole stretch. You can choose to join us for one, two or more legs.
Who can join?
Anyone over the age of 18 who can manage to live and move around on a ship is welcome to join. Children are also welcome, but then in the company of an adult. We have no upper age limit.
Anyone who wants to sail with us will need to bring a signed health certificate (see here). This does not mean that you can’t have any chronic diseases, such as diabetes, allergies or other or must have a top-shape body, but simply that you are healthy enough to be able to manage on your own and stay on a ship for a limited time.
The certificate also does not require a medical examination, but only that a nurse/doctor can assess that the person is believed to be able to sail.
Do you have to be a Christian to join?
No, not at all! In fact, the majority of our transport sailors tend to have no church background whatsoever.
However, we will have a lunchtime prayer each day, which is entirely voluntary, with some singing and someone sharing a word.
What prior knowledge is required?
No prior knowledge is required; everyone help out according to ability and interest to learn.
What does it mean more practically?
In short, during the sailing means you join a watch team that is on duty 2 x 4 hours per day (e.g. 8–12 morning and evening), when you help out with steering, sailing, kitchen chores, etc. This is then followed by eight hours off.
However, in case of major sail changes (hoisting/taking down sails) or an emergency situation, you may need to assist during your free hours.
When signing on, we wish that you arrive to the ship the day before the scheduled departure; this so we have the possibility to sail out early in the morning if that is more favorable in regards to weather and winds.
Similarly, we wish that you don’t book a trip home until at least the day after the set arrival date (usually Elida stays overnight at leg switch).
Do we stop anywhere along the way?
Yes, we generally try to make shorter stops along the voyage –for some ice cream, stocking-up on groceries and to stretch our legs. (Exception for the Gran Canaria–Portugal leg, which is usually done in one long stretch.) But don’t take it for granted.
In the event of a little longer time ashore, normally no joint meals will be prepared onboard, but it is up to each and everyone to see to themselves for food – either buy ashore or cook left-overs onboard (just make sure to clean up the dishes and kitchen afterwards).
How reliable are the dates and locations given for the different legs?
Life at sea is always dependent on weather and winds! Therefore, it’s a good thing to be flexible from the start. This might sometimes mean spending a night in a hostel/B&B if the ship is late for a leg switch, or while waiting for a flight home. Or maybe you need to get to a nearby location due to the weather.
But most of the time the dates and locations we have set out are correct.
(If we need to change the location and/or day close to a leg switch, we will notify all transport sailors.)
Does Elida arrange and pay for my travels to and from the ship?
No, each traveler is responsible for all costs of travel to and from Elida (including any extra bus/train ride if we quickly need to change the place of embarkation).
What should I pack?
This is of course very personal, but below we have listed some things that are good to bring:
• Clothes & shoes suitable for the leg – if it gets really cold we have warm survival suits to borrow on board, but ’longjohns’, hats and mittens are usually nice for the North Sea, while legs further south usually mean more of shorts and t-shirt. Make sure your shoes have a good grip sole.
• Rain gear/windbreaker/sailing gear.
• Swimwear.
• Sunscreen and/or cap.
• Towel and sheets – bring a under sheet, top sheet and pillowcase; nb! sleeping bags are prohibited as they are very flammable (we provide pillows and blankets).
• Valid passport.
• Signed health certificate (see here) – you need to keep this along with your passport in case we have a coast guard or port authority check (i.e. you don’t need to send it to us). You can read more about this under the question ”Who can join?”.
• Book or other occupation for your free time.
Preferably pack in a soft bag, which is easier to stow on board. We might be many, so think through what to bring and pack wisely.
We have life jackets to borrow, as well as insurance that covers all on board.
Where do we sleep on board?
On the Elida, we have four different cabin sections for transport sailors. Each section has four cabins with two berths each; thus eight beds per section. For your convenience, we don’t mix men and women in the different sections.
Two of the sections have shower & toilet, but this is also available on deck.
It’s a bit cramped and simple, but functional.
Is there electricity and wifi on board?
All electricity on board is produced by either solar panels or a generator. When it comes to charging electronic equipment, we have sockets (220 V) in our saloon, but we are only allowed to charge if we are going by engine, have the generator running or are moored with power from land. So if you need to charge often, it may be a good idea to bring a power bank or solar charger.
As for internet connection, we have no available wifi on board, but it is up to each and everyone to connect via their own mobile network when we get close to land. Out at sea there will be no reception.
How much does it cost to join, and what is included?
The sailing itself doesn’t cost anything, but we all pitch in to cover food (breakfast, lunch, coffee, dinner and “night food” for the night watches) and accommodation: €45 per person per day (€35 for pensioners and children/students).
This is preferably paid in cash (euros).
How do I register?
E-mail your interest to Karin Nytomt (karin@elida.se ), who will know how many spots are left for each leg and who will be your contact person.
Sometimes there are spots left right before the sail – but sometimes they go fast. So it’s a good thing to register early.