Sail as a participant
The perfect plan for an active holiday
What do we do on board?
Atyla and her crew are prepared so that you can participate in all the activities on board with the necessary guidance. Some of them are:
- The docking/undocking manoeuvres
- Sail manoeuvres (this includes climbing the masts –if you can–)
- Navigational watches (this includes taking the helm)
- Welcoming people on board during open doors
- Happy hour (everyone cleaning the ship)
These activities, plus the coexistence with the others and some challenges proposed by the crew, are used to work on 8 life skills:
- Intercultural communication
- Emotional intelligence
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Responsibility
- Courage
- Resilience (ability to adapt)
Of course, some parts of the experience are just a pleasure:
- Disconnecting: A bit of “digital detox”, turning off the phone and forgetting about every day worries.
- Open sky: Seeing unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, and having time to appreciate them. Contemplating the stars without any type of light pollution.
- Seeing marine fauna: Dolphins and other cetaceans that swim next to the boat, luminescent plankton in the middle of the night, turtles, whales, etc.
- Being on a unique ship: Sailing on a wooden boat that looks like a piece of art.
- Swimming: Jumping into the water in the middle of the sea (this is only possible on some trips, as it depends on the weather and the sailing area).
- Playing and cuddling with Olivia: The ship’s dog, she sometimes is on board during the trips (and she’s a waterdog, so she doesn’t cause allergy).
- Improving your English skills: In a relaxed atmosphere, and with a mixture of native and non-native speakers.
- Delicious food: Prepared by our professional cook.
- Connecting: With people very different from you, united by the bond of the shared adventure.
- Exploring: New places, new cities, with the ship as a home and a group of shipmates to explore with you.
Watch this video about the experience on board:
Read more about the experience
Frequently asked questions:
How long is a trip?
Normally between 5 and 10 days (check each trip for exact dates). Some people book several trips in a row if they want a longer adventure.
What language is spoken on board?
The official language is English, although having a medium level is enough. If you speak too little English you can sign up as a premium participant so that you can “zone out” if the conversation gets too complicated.
What types of people come on board?
Atyla is super multicultural, so normally we have people from many different countries and ages. Each person has different life stories and the context on board helps to share experiences and learn from this diversity.
Is there a minimum/maximum age to join?
There is no maximum age, it is enough to be fit.
The minimum age is 15 years, although sometimes we can make exceptions if the minors are accompanied by a legal guardian.
The minimum age is 15 years, although sometimes we can make exceptions if the minors are accompanied by a legal guardian.
Where does the trip start?
Each trip starts and ends in a different place. The description of each trip includes locations, dates and all the necessary information.
Can I get a certificate of my experience?
Yes, just let us know at the end of your trip and we will give you a participation certificate with your name and the dates of your trip.
Please note that, since our focus is on personal development, we don’t do official sailing courses (like RYA or similar). But if you have a seaman’s book/professional logbook, we can stamp it for the time and miles you did on board.
How are the cabins and the spaces on board?
You can see pictures of the cabins and the interiors on this page.
People love it! Check these transparent reviews
Frin Wolter
12:42 14 Oct 22
Worth every Penny. Not a cruise-ship but an experience for adventurers ! I enjoyed it very much.The crew members are great people, super friendly and helpful. They teach you how to manage everyday... on the boat and are full of advice for life at sea. On Atyla, you are likely to have a once in a lifetime experience, that is challenging but also rewarding.You don't need prior experience to fit in, it can be your first time at sea. You will learn how to steer the boat, climb the masts, pull the ropes, make knots, fishing, deck scrubbing, and much more.read more
Noor A. B.
11:06 29 Jul 22
Sin duda alguna es una experiencia inolvidable, te formas en navegación y a la vez personalmente. Es una semana de desconexión, donde conoces personas increíbles disfrutando de la vida a bordo, de la... tripulación y de los lugares que vas visitando. Cabe destacar que la tripulación demuestra gran profesionalidad, amabilidad y están a tu disposición en todo momento.read more
Mauricio Salinas
13:17 27 Jul 22
Para mi fue una experiencia que superó todas mis expectativas, por lo que aprendí (navegación, y social). La vida en el mar genera unos vínculos especiales, es una capsula atemporal que te permite... desarrollar vínculos sin interferencias. Desde lo formal, la relación con los líderes amigable y cordial. Desde que que pisé cubierta me sentí parte eso que es mucho mas que un barco.read more
Celia
11:06 27 Jul 22
Es una experiencia inolvidable, la tripulación es simpática, amable y encantadora. Conoces a mucha gente de distintas edades, lugares...aprendes sobre navegación, visitas sitios preciosos... Ha sido... una semana increíble.Una experiencia muyyyy recomendable 100% !!! 🙂read more
Kate C (Kat)
15:03 13 Jan 22
Atyla is a beautiful ship managed by wonderful people. My 17 year old son went on his own from Canada, this past summer for a UK to Spain sail. Travelling during the pandemic was stressful but... everyone was incredibly helpful and he had an amazing time. We hope you have another fantastic sailing year! ⛵️read more
Iñigo Leon
12:48 22 Oct 21
Recomiendo quitar el miedo y animarse a formar parte de la tripu del Atyla. Conoceréis gente estupenda, disfrutaréis de la naturaleza como nunca y aprenderéis de navegación a vela.
Veera Uski
21:24 31 Jan 19
Atyla is an amazing ship and project going on all year long. In winter they have volunteers to repair the ship and during Summer they teach people of all ages to sail on a traditional sailing ship,... what she is.read more
Noor A. B.
11:06 29 Jul 22
Sin duda alguna es una experiencia inolvidable, te formas en navegación y a la vez personalmente. Es una semana de desconexión, donde conoces personas increíbles disfrutando de la vida a bordo, de la tripulación y de los lugares que vas visitando. Cabe destacar que la tripulación demuestra gran profesionalidad, amabilidad y están a tu disposición en todo momento.
Mauricio Salinas
13:17 27 Jul 22
Para mi fue una experiencia que superó todas mis expectativas, por lo que aprendí (navegación, y social). La vida en el mar genera unos vínculos especiales, es una capsula atemporal que te permite desarrollar vínculos sin interferencias. Desde lo formal, la relación con los líderes amigable y cordial. Desde que que pisé cubierta me sentí parte eso que es mucho mas que un barco.
Celia
11:06 27 Jul 22
Es una experiencia inolvidable, la tripulación es simpática, amable y encantadora. Conoces a mucha gente de distintas edades, lugares...aprendes sobre navegación, visitas sitios preciosos... Ha sido una semana increíble.Una experiencia muyyyy recomendable 100% !!! 🙂
Iñigo Leon
12:48 22 Oct 21
Recomiendo quitar el miedo y animarse a formar parte de la tripu del Atyla. Conoceréis gente estupenda, disfrutaréis de la naturaleza como nunca y aprenderéis de navegación a vela.
Gerry Doria
2022-12-12T10:33:50+0000
Vivir completamente en un barco, no "veranear", es una esperiencia que te enseña la esencia de la vida. La verdadera filosofía de la vida. Y en esta... goleta tuve suerte y oportunidad de compartirla. Esta goleta es un recuerdo de una etapa de mi vida que repetiría ahora mismo! Compartí momento inolvidables con una tripulación inigualable!read more
Eric Martínez Anadón
2022-11-29T20:17:27+0000
Excelente experiencia a bordo! La tripulación muy profesional siempre me ha enseñado mucho...Con muchas ganas de volver a bordo y disfrutar de... navegar en esta goleta que tiene una historia tan bonita!Lo recomiendó a discreción!!!read more
Laura Mestre Clemente
2022-11-29T20:06:56+0000
Ha sido un viaje inolbidable, me he sentido como en casa!!! Magnifica tripulación que ha sido muy profesional y ha cuidado mucho de nosotros.Lo... recomiendo a todo el mundo, no importa la edad!Hasta pronto familia!read more
Ethel Rosenfeldt
2022-11-29T18:42:48+0000
Sailing experience with Atyla was just life changing! Its not only the freedom of the sea, the awesome places visited and the gorgeous ship itself,... but the people on it, running it and experiencing it. The soul of Atyla is its people and they are for life! And of course the most magical food, sail training, playful dolphins, glowing waters (bioluminescence), swimming in random places while anchoring and all the hard work with the loveliest people sums up as the best memories for life. If you are in doubt to choose, then this is your sign and it is time for your Atyla adventure story to tell others!! LOVE LOVE LOVE for this ship and humans! 🥰😍🥰read more
Virginia Sosa Torres
2021-04-06T20:21:51+0000
Excelente experiencia , recomendable 100%, todos los tripulantes muy amables y cercanos, nos explicaron todo muy bien , vistas increíbles , los niños... se lo pasaron en grande y los adultos también ! Repetiremos sin duda !read more
Tony Franklin
2020-01-07T15:05:36+0000
2020 is looking very promising, four voyages booked so far including one on Atyla of course (Amsterdam to Bremerhaven). Last year’s trip from Bilbao... was so much fun how could I resist another trip on her?read more
Susan Ryan
2019-10-28T14:53:11+0000
My son , Charlie went on this ship and it was a trip of a lifetime . He was 15/16 years and I was nervous . The crew were so professional . He made... friends with the girls and boys , learned some sailing and cooking too . At the end of the leg there was a party on shore where he had a great time . I drove through Spain to Cadiz to collect him . He walked off the ship taller and more importantly gained confidence as it was such a positive experience and one of the best decisions I ever made for him . 👍👍👍read more
Yngve van der Meeren
2019-04-19T22:11:55+0000
Sailed with this ship a few years ago. Great experience, a lot to learn, and an amazing crew
CoastalSafety Uae-Lanka
2019-04-19T10:37:53+0000
Very special experience onboard a traditional sailing ship. Myself and Wing would have enjoyed this!
Rebeca Iglesias
2018-09-19T22:07:07+0000
Agradecer a toda la tripulación por su buen hacer y el buen trato que nos dieron, nosotros disfrutamos un montón del pasein en el Atyla hoy en Gijón... (primer viaje por mar de esta servidora).... e incluso quedamos con las ganas de más ! 😊read more
Ramona Deerfield
2018-07-20T21:45:30+0000
Beautiful ship and very fun and kind crew. ATYLA has been family built and run ever since and you can feel that she‘s very well loved �
Fañch Reulier
2018-05-05T14:06:08+0000
very nice ship ! when will you be back to brest ? to see you again?
Maialen Kltzkrt
2018-04-27T12:18:07+0000
Espectacular proyecto,mejores personas y mucho amor y respeto! Experiencias recomendadisimas para la vida, el alma. Vernos más allá de lo que somos.... Gracias Atyla!read more
Peter Loschko
2018-03-08T22:00:45+0000
It's not only the Sailing, but as well that people learn more about themselves, what they can achieve and even how to help to reach it (on your own... or with help).For the sailing: just unforgettable experience. �����read more
BP Gonzalo
2017-06-26T10:03:27+0000
The best way to share great experiences with great people. Everyday is a new adventure onboard.Stop thinking about it and join the next trip!!
Mamen Vicente Jimenez
2017-05-22T01:31:03+0000
Sueño con volver!!! No se pueden contar las sensaciones y experiencias a bordo de esta magnifica, única e irrepetible goleta. Hay que navegar en... ella, ver los amaneceres y quedarte atonit@ cuando los delfines te sonríen desde la proa. Compartir con gente maravillosa las horas de guardia mientras tomas un café y charlas de.... lo que quierasUna esperiencia única. Doy Fe!!!!read more
Ann O. Andersson
2017-05-21T20:24:13+0000
ATYLA, Obra maestra de ESTEBAN VICENTE, Capitán, carpintero y artista. No hay otra goleta igual, es una experiencia única! Enhorabuena si consigues... navegar con ella!read more
Edurne Arrasate Lauzirika
2017-04-23T17:59:35+0000
El pasado lunes nuestro hijo Odei embarcó en el Atyla con ganas de iniciar su aventura pero preocupado de si se encontraría cómodo durante la... travesìa.... Hoy q ha llegado a Oporto, no quiere desembarcar y le encantaría seguir en el Atyla. Así que no me queda otra que agradeceros enormemente el haber conseguido que se sienta como en casa.Eskerrik asko!!!!!read more
Want a bit more comfort?
You can join as a premium participant
Who else is on board?
About the crew and their roles
You could never afford this?
About our Scholarship Fund