WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

This depends upon the type of voyage, so let's start with the shortest and work up. We carry full safety gear, including life jackets for children. Vigilance is a very seaworthy vessel and it takes a rough sea before water splashes on the deck - our suggestions for waterproofs, etc., are because rain is a more frequent occurence!

Half day trips.

Wear shoes with a soft good grip sole and a flat heel. (Trainers are fine.) It is usually cooler and windier at sea, so always bring an extra pullover, waterproofs (to also act as windcheaters), gloves and hat. But don't forget shorts, sun glasses, creme and sun hat! Most visitors bring all these things in a small grip bag. We provide hot drinks and a snack. (biscuits, donut, tea-cake etc.) Half day trips do not span meal times, but if you think you will need more to eat, bring your own sandwiches.

Full day trips returning to Brixham.

Meal arrangements will be advised when you book.

Clothing for voyages involving overnight.

(Either at sea or in port.) Sleeping bag or duvet & sheet, pillow, towel(s), wash bag. Extra set of dry warm clothing (3 layers), 2 pairs of thick socks. Sailing boots (or wellies) and good wet weather gear if you have them. Jeans are OK but they take a long time to dry - cotton and synthetics dry faster. Please pack in a holdall or similar as rigid cases are difficult to stow.

Catering for voyages involving main meals on board.

We provide the fully equipped galley, with all cookware, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, wine glasses, tea towels, cleaning items, etc. As these voyages will usually be whole boat charters, (and so you will probably all know each other) we find the best way is for your group to bring (or buy locally) the food that you like, rather than the crew trying to guess. (Usually one person acts as co-ordinator and assigns each person to bring specific items.) Favourites seem to be hot-pots, bourguignonne's, casseroles, coq au vin's etc., with jacket potatoes and various salads. For longer trips, passengers usually choose to contribute to a shared 'kitty' from which all food is purchased. When in France, locally bought seafood is always popular. As far as wine and other drinks are concerned, please bring your own. We do not charge corkage. Vigilance carries emergency rations should you run out!

Voyages to France or Channel Islands.

We require all passengers to bring a valid passport for either of these destinations. (Non EU citizens may also require a visa). We recommend taking a European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) for France and proof of UK residence for the Channel Islands. An EHIC is the successor to the discontinued form E111. We recommend taking private travel insurance for all voyages outside the UK.

Pontoon only events.

These are private functions aboard whilst on a pontoon, usually evenings. Please wear practical footwear (no stilettoes). As it gets much cooler after sunset always bring something warm to put on, such as a fleece.