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Maybe

WELCOME TO MAYBE SAILING!

A family owned and operated company which was started by Mr Steven Swallow after he spent a number of years restoring TS Maybe, the flagship of the company. Steve often still skippers on board both TS Maybe and Blue Clipper and has a real passion for the youth development side of sail training and providing opportunities for young people to take part in life-changing sail training experiences. In 2016 we acquired our 2nd vessel, Blue Clipper and now offer voyages around the globe; from Arctic adventures to Caribbean cruises.

Maybe Sailing and Maybe Sailing Youth Initiative are both not-for-profit organisations. Their primary purposes are to supply exciting sail training adventures for underprivileged young persons and vulnerable adults, as well as to the public in general. The organisation also carries out adult sailing and sail training voyages. Any profits made from voyages are channeled back towards helping the underprivileged to be able to have great sailing experiences with us.

On behalf of all the youngsters and others who have benefitted by sailing with us, they wish to thank you for your support.

 

 

HISTORY

TS Maybe has a rather famous history, built in 1929 and owned by Jan Jacob Van Rietschoten, father of the flying Dutchman, Cornelis ‘Conny’ Van Rietschoten, the only skipper to win the Whitbread Round the World Race twice. In the hands of the Rietschoten family, TS Maybe spent many years sailing around the world.

A major milestone in Maybe’s history is that she took part in the first ever International Tall Ships Race in 1956. She is now one of the few boats that took part in that first race to still be competing in the International Tall Ship Races. A real claim to fame!

In 1962, TS Maybe was bought by the Swiss family Hans Fehr, who were experienced sailors and enjoyed sailing in warmer climates. She sailed mainly around the Mediterranean and in the 1970s regularly crossed the Atlantic between the West Indies and the Mediterranean. IN the 1980s she also sailed through the Panama Canal and up the East coast of the USA to Canada.

Tall ship Maybe was sold to her present owners in 1989 and underwent another complete restoration retuning to sailing in 2007. She returned to the International Tall Ship Races in the Baltics in 2009. In 2011, TS Maybe was restored to her original gaff rig.

ABOUT THE SHIP

TS Maybe is a gaff ketch. This means that the sails are four cornered, fore-and-aft rigged, controlled at it’s peak by a spar (pole) called the gaff. The distinguishing characteristic of a Ketch is that the forward of the two masts (the mainmast) is larger than the after mast (mizzen). TS Maybe has 7 sails.

The ship is 28m in length overall, the deck measuring 22 metres. The height of the main mast is 25m. TS Maybe is a strong sea worthy vessel build with extra strength by using steel frames, a hardwood hull and teak decking.

Below deck TS Maybe has three main areas. The furthest forward is the forepeak, where there is a 6-berth cabin and shower room. In the midships area are the galley, saloon, 4 further cabins and another shower room. Furthest aft is the ‘dog house’. This is where 2 crew members sleep along with all the navigations and radio equipment and the engine room.

TS Maybe sails with a total of 14 trainees and 4 crew members. All crew are experienced in their relevant field and are here to make sure you have a safe and fantastic time during your voyage.

 

 

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Uploaded on May 7, 2019
Taken on May 7, 2019