Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below a list of commonly asked questions. Should you require further clarification on any point, please ask.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
There are 5 berths (beds) including the Skipper’s berth. Most people stay onboard for the 3 nights and our yacht Leopard is alongside her pontoon at the Port Pendennis Marina in Falmouth every night.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Before we book a sail we always check the long-range weather forecast to arrange the sail for the most appropriate weather for sailing. We also check the weather in the days leading up to and the day of the sail. If the weather suddenly turns before the sail and we feel it is inappropriate to sail we will contact you and try to arrange another sail date. If while onboard the weather turns, it will be the responsibility of the Skipper to decide if the sail can continue. If it cannot, transport will arranged.
Who will assess me?
Two people will be with you for the assessment at our office in Penryn, however only one will carry out the assessment. If it is not possible for you to get to our office due to geographical limits, we can discuss a home visit for your assessment. In some cases a telephone assessment can be arranged- this is usually done when the placement is already supported by your GP or Care coordinator.
How long will the assessment take?
The assessment usually takes forty-five minutes to an hour and is an opportunity to establish if our service will be beneficial and safe for you and for you to ask any questions that you may have.
How many staff will be onboard?
During the ‘Sail Into Life’ Programme, there will be three staff members onboard Leopard with the Skipper staying onboard for the duration of the trip.
Our other programmes will have a similar number of staff onboard but this might vary depending upon the requirements of the sail.
Do I have to provide food?
All meals are provided for you whilst you are onboard however if you would like to bring any special requests or dietary requirements this is not a problem. You can also eat in Falmouth on an evening once we have docked for the night.
What does Sea Sanctuary provide?
Sea Sanctuary provides all weather jackets, trousers, lifejackets and yacht boots. All food and drink is included for the duration of your trip. Pillows and sleeping bags can be provided if needed.
What will I need to bring?
We will send you a leaflet with what you will need onboard after you are assessed and when a sail date is booked. This includes what clothes to wear, pictures of the yacht inside and out and what type of bag to pack your items in etc.
What is the general day like onboard?
The average day starts at around 8am with breakfast onboard Leopard and getting ready for the day ahead. Sailing starts around 9am for a couple of hours, where you can try your hand at sailing Leopard or just sit back and take in the stunning scenery. Once at a suitable destination, the Skipper will drop anchor and the Therapist will start the programme or activity. Lunch is usually around 12.30 for an hour followed by another hour or two of sailing allowing lunch to settle. The final part of the programme is delivered in the afternoon. You can expect to be back at the pontoon for around 5pm each day where you can have dinner on the yacht, shower and have a stroll around the harbour if you wish to do so.
Can I leave the yacht?
Of course! You are able to leave the yacht at anytime when the yacht is alongside her pontoon. We do ask respectfully, that you return to the yacht at a reasonable hour at night and that you remain sober. You will not be allowed to board the yacht if you are intoxicated through drink or drugs.
Can I smoke and drink onboard?
No. Leopard is a no smoking or drinking vessel so please don’t bring alcohol onboard. You are able to smoke on the pontoon once we are alongside. If you wish to do so, we ask that you be careful when wearing Sea Sanctuary kit, to ensure it is fit for use for the next client.
Can I access this service again if I like it?
Yes, if you like your time with Sea Sanctuary and you feel that you could benefit from more time onboard Leopard, you can access our service up to twice a year.
How much does it cost?
Sea Sanctuary provides a number of different services and the funding of these placements varies greatly. We would encourage you to telephone or email the office for clarification.
As a guide, some of Sea Sanctuary’s costs are covered by grants (the Big Lottery) and the NHS commissions us for some of the placements we can offer (within Cornwall). The funding does not however cover our full running costs and as a result, we are asking all our client sailors for a contribution to be paid for our service, which will meet the costs not funded by our grants and enable us to offer more placements to people. This contribution is based on the income you receive.
Rest assured; we always aim to keep our costs to an absolute minimum whilst providing a fantastic experience- an experience that saw us nominated for the “Innovation Award” last year!
People wishing to use our service that currently have support from a Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) might have their placement funded through the ‘Sanctuary’ budget. You will need to discuss this matter with your Care Coordinator.
Can I spend longer at sea?
We are currently looking into the possibility of longer sails. We will update the website as soon as we have completed our research.
Is Sea Sanctuary getting a larger yacht?
Yes. We are currently looking into larger yachts at the moment!
Can I donate money to Sea Sanctuary?
Yes. Please go to the ‘Donate’ button on the website.
Can I make suggestions and/or comments about the Sea Sanctuary service?
Yes. Your views are important to us. We routinely conduct research into how effective we are, but we are always open to further suggestions.
