About

Join us for Bird Watching on the River Blackwater 3- 5 November! Learn about the nesting and feeding sites of sea and shore birds around the Blackwater Estuary in collaboration with Bird Aware Essex Coast, whilst enjoying sailing onboard our Bermudan ketch, Faramir.

Every winter, thousands of protected waders and wildfowl travel thousands of miles to the Essex coast estuaries. By participating in this voyage, you can help collect data for Bird Aware that will help protect these species.

We are pleased to welcome onboard Lea Merclova, Coastal Ranger from Bird Aware Essex Coast. Lea will be providing their knowledge and expertise on the local bird life throughout the weekend.. Food, waterproofs and lifejackets are included in the price. Age 18+

Cirdan Trust is a registered charity that has been operating since 1983 to provide groups of disadvantaged young people with personal development opportunities through the challenge and adventure of life at sea aboard large sailing vessels. Whilst working with young people is our area of speciality, the voyages are also available for corporate training, friends and family groups.

Not only is a voyage aboard one of our traditional sailing vessels exciting and fun, it is the ideal adventurous activity for promoting self discovery and enhancing social interaction. Once on board, everyone is encouraged to take an active part in all aspects of life on board, both above and below decks, including sail work, helming, navigating and scrubbing the decks.

Cirdan operates a small fleet of vessels which differ in style and size and can accommodate groups from 7 to 16 people from 12 years and upwards. The vessels sail from various ports around the UK including Ipswich, Lowestoft and Burnham. Voyages can be for a weekend, a week or longer and participants can undertake basic RYA training.

All voyages can be tailored to suit the needs of the group and financial assistance to help with the cost of a voyage is available from our Voyage of Discovery Fund for groups of disadvantaged young people and special needs adults. The vessels are an ideal venue for training and other corporate events.