Polly Agatha | FAQs

FAQ Pic

What do I need to know about my day with Polly Agatha ?



Polly Agatha is a brand new replica Bristol Pilot Cutter operated by Bowsprit Sailing Ltd.

She is 45’ over deck, with up to 10 berths, a large cockpit and expansive deck, and is luxuriously appointed below.

Sails & Engine.



Polly is gaff rigged with a large easily reefed mainsail, a jib & staysail. For those light winded days she also has a main tops’l and a code 0, combined they give a fantastic but very comfortable and controllable performance whatever the wind. Polly has a 75hp Caterpillar engine pushing her along at an impressive 8 knots.

Safety.



Polly is coded to Maritime and Coastguard Agency Category 2 (60 nautical miles from a safe haven) including radar, AIS, chart plotter, auto pilot, lifejackets, life raft, EPIRB and all that is necessary to give you a comfortable and safe time on board.

Skipper.



Polly will usually be skippered by either Kim Hartley (owner) or Alex Day. Both have RYA / MCA Yachtmaster Offshore commercially endorsed qualifications. For racing or longer passages an extra qualified crew may be on board.

Will I be involved in the sailing?



Yes - All our voyages are hands on traditional sailing. Everyone is encouraged to get involved as much as they wish.

What must I bring?



Crew list with next of kin contacts.

Appropriate comfortable clothing – Fleeces & pure woollen products are excellent.

Sun cream & hats for all those good days.

No skid/non marking footwear – no heels.

Towels.

Wet weather gear, if you have it.

Will I be seasick?



There is always a chance that you might become queasy. The skipper will keep an eye on you and adapt the trip as much as possible to prevent you being sick. Most voyages are in sheltered waters and are not prolonged.

What if I have a medical problem?



You must inform us at time of booking or as soon as is possible. All discussions are strictly private. We can accommodate most problems if we know about them in advance.

What food will be on board?



Water and all the small items such as tea, coffee, salt pepper etc. Please discuss with us your requirements as we can recommend /organise a local caterer. Sail training & longer trips may include food.

Meals.



Some trips have meals included but on others you may wish to eat ashore at your own expense.

Do I need my own waterproofs?



It's always best to have your own but we can supply you with some free of charge if you don't have any. We can't supply sailing boots however.

Can I charge my phone/iPod?



Yes - Polly Agatha has a car charging point and your iPod can plug straight into our stereo.

What privacy is there?



Polly has 3 cabins so you will be sharing with some members of your party. Think of it as changing on a beach. There is privacy in the toilet and shower facilities.

Where do I find Polly?



Polly is moored at Universal Marina which has ample free parking.
Please see their website for directions. Universal Marina Website
We normally arrange to meet everyone in the Cafe Lulworth which is centrally located in the Marina.

What is the duration of a charter?



Day Charter will be from 09.00 - 17.30.

Your charter fee includes:



Professional skipper

Mooring fees & all Diesel Fuel

Wet weather gear (not footwear)

Bedding – Pillow & Pillow case.

Dinghy, outboard and outboard fuel

Cooking equipment, utensils, pots, pans,

plates, cups, and cutlery.

Are there any hidden costs?



No - but you may wish to have your own travel insurance.

How do I pay?



We prefer to issue an invoice and receive either a cheque or Internet Bank Transfer direct to our account. Please contact us for the account details.

Adverse weather.



In the event of an adverse weather forecast being issued by the Met Office ‘weather warning’ for the duration of the proposed charter, for your safety and after discussion with you ‘Polly’ will not commence the charter and an alternative date will be arranged within 6 months.

Unfortunately once a charter has commenced, no refunds will be given or compensation arranged, in the event of bad weather.

Finally...



If there is anything you wish to discuss - howerver minor, please call Kim on 07795 480254 and he will happily talk you through it.