Atlas Sailing in Fleetwood joined as Members of Marketing Lancashire last September and since then Director and owner Andy Dobson has been keen to show us exactly what their customers experience on one of their Half Day Packages, so that we could help promote their business more effectively to potential customers and visitors.
He suggested we waited for the spring and the calmer weather and at the beginning of May, when the team was offered the opportunity to sail with Atlas Sailing it was something that I jumped at! As a child growing up in Jersey, living so close to the sea and boats, sailing was something that I used to do regularly with my Dad but I hadn’t been for quite some time. I had certainly never sailed on the waters off Lancashire before, but having lived here now for 9 years it was high time I did.
What a superb way to start the week, a Monday morning sailing out to sea, basking in the glorious Lancashire sunshine. Our crew of 6 included hoteliers, tourism officers and some of the Marketing Lancashire team, with varied skills from beginner to experienced yachtsmen. The sea was really calm and with winds of only 3 knots we weren’t expecting bumpy ride.
Andy and his wife Julie welcomed us on board and ran through all the safety procedures, most importantly making sure we all had our life jackets on, reassuring us that no one had been overboard...yet! The hospitality was fabulous from sausage sandwiches to a fresh cup of tea and finished off with a delicious slice of lemon cake.
The sound of the boat gliding through the waves, the sun shining and the sea sparkling it really felt like a home from home for me. The buzz of taking to the helm (under the watchful eye of Andy of course) was fantastic. Andy was quick to get us all involved from tacking to steering and mooring up. To top the morning off we saw two dolphins, something I w as not expecting at all. With all the excitement I managed to get a quick snap but only captured one of the dolphins.
The panorama view of Fleetwood’s coastline was stunning and looking ahead we could see Heysham and Morecambe Bay.
The morning was extremely enjoyable and relaxing I could have sailed out to sea for the rest of the day alas, the office was calling! We got a real flavour of the great experience on offer with Atlas Sailing. Their impressive yacht, one of the largest in the North West, was comfortable and we couldn’t have felt more welcome or in safer hands. Whether you are looking for a day out with family or friends or maybe a team building experience with a difference, I can honestly say I loved every minute. I have definitely got my sea legs back and I’m now looking into the Day Skipper Course!
Laura Crabb
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