Safety and Welfare

Your safety and welfare is the overwhelming priority on board Irene.  Lifejackets and harnesses are provided for every guest with full instruction on their use.  We will also carry out a full safety briefing when you first hop on board.  Irene is fully coded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for use as a charter vessel and has all the required fire fighting and life saving equipment.  Our crew is fully trained in first aid and we carry a comprehensive medical kit on board.

Because of the risk of fire, we have had to prohibit smoking anywhere on board Irene, including on deck.  Electronic cigarettes are permitted to be used on deck and we have found that these can make life more comfortable for those who regularly indulge.

We do carry a stock of waterproof jackets and trousers on board but sizes are limited.  These are good quality and more than adequate for the conditions we will experience.  However, many guests prefer to bring their own as they find them more comfortable.  We strongly recommend bringing some sailing gloves if you have any aspirations to be pulling on ropes.  Blisters and rope burns can ruin a trip and are easily avoided with the right equipment.

Sea boots are ideal when the weather turns foul.  If you aren’t a regular sailor, wellington boots (or other waterproof boots) can be equally effective although we do recommend several pairs of thick socks, as cold feet can be particularly miserable on a wet night watch.  Even in great weather, night times can be chilly.  We recommend lots of layers, with material such as fleece being great for providing maximum warmth without being too bulky.  Don’t forget a good hat and warm gloves as well!

When the weather is fine, trainers or casual shoes are completely suitable as footwear.  You will also find a pair of sunglasses essential if the sun does make an appearance.  Polarised ones are particularly effective at sea although any sunglasses will do.  You may also want to bring some sun tan lotion.  At sea, the power of the sun is magnified so if you’re normally a ‘factor 20’ person, you may want to consider moving up a few levels, in terms of protection.

Finally, we must remind you that your glamorous evening wear is best left at home!  Fine jewellery has a habit of falling off and ending up over board and stiletto heels are completely forbidden since they go through our decks like a knife through butter!