Boat, Skipper & Crew

My Sailing Pilgrimages are privately run for pleasure & free of charge

These unique Sailing Voyages are conducted as a Pilgrimage, saturated in Prayer. We’ll visit many Holy Sites and sail along historic coastal pilgrimage routes, interacting with local communities, sharing in worship.

Crew Information

  • Friends of the Skippers’ supported charities are invited to put themselves forward for crew selection by the Skipper, using the Contact Page
  • Crew must be 18 years of age or older (16yrs + accompanied by a guardian or parent)
  • Reasonable level of health and agility required,  however no previous Sailing experience is necessary. 
  • Crews will comprise of 1-6 people (normally 4)  including skipper 
  • Information on any sailing experience or known health issues, will be required in advance. A sign up form for these details including an Activity Waiver Release will be provided in advance
  • Selected crew can participate on any part of the voyage, for 1 or more days (sleeping on board as necessary) 
  • We will try to sail to a schedule, but dates may vary due to weather, so participants asked to commit to a time slot and be flexible on ‘get on’ & ‘get off’ locations

To Bring   

  • Some wet weather clothing and sailing boots are available on the boat, better to bring your own
  • Sleeping bag & pillow for any overnight stays on board
  • Sea sick pills are a good idea (recommending Stugeron)
  • Soft soled shoes, such as trainers are good, sailing wellies if wet (I have selection of wellies size 6, 8, 9, 10, & 12
  • Boat is already fully provisioned with food & necessary safety equipment required, life jackets, life raft  etc…
Crew Costs
  • All food, marina fees , fuel, boat provisions, insurance etc is provided free of charge – £30 daily donation each would be welcomed

 Operation Type (Free of Charge Private Activity)

  • This Round Britain Sailing Pilgrimage is organised and skippered by vessel owner Russell Fairman (MCA RYA Commercial YachtMaster with 30yrs experience) and is operated for pleasure as a free voyage excursion, excepted from Merchant Shipping (Small Commercial Vessels) Regulations 2004 under Paragraph 3.1.3
  •  

The Boat

Dufour 34’ Performance 2004

(Sleeps 6, normally sail with 4) Offshore Cat B

AIS MMSI number 235026191       (use to track voyage – Vessel Finder.com)

GJW Boat Insurance in place £5,000,000 third party liability

Russ Fairman
The Skipper

MCA RYA Yachtmaster, Commercially Endorsed & Cruising Instructor. 30+ years of experience, racing & cruising globally. Big Boat Skipper for Rona Sailing Project, helping young adults grow in character and disadvantage children thrive. Round Britain Skipper for the Celebrate Mission 2019, tracked by the BBC (check out the book 'Tides of Blessing' for details) & Stella Maris Round Britain Sailing Pilgrimage

Russ Fairman
The Sports Guy

Keen sailor, cyclist, rower, scuba diver. Love to engage with nature and keep fit . Former rugby player and commercial diver. God surely gives us our bodies to experience his love, and find joy interacting with his creation

Russ Fairman
The Church Guy

Catholic Charismatic Convert, with a passion for leading people to Jesus and anything ecumenical. Loves sharing the Good News with folk where they are and on their terms. CHARIS national coordinating team England & Wales, lead coordinator of Network of Intercession (& Prophecy Group) , leadership member of WW Marriage Encounter Eng & Wales, Harvesters Men's Network Core Team, Healing On Streets Southampton. New Carmel Prophetic Hub Network (ecumenical) National Core Team, Parishioner in Southampton

Russ Fairman
The Family Guy

Married 40 years to Deirdre, 5 children , 13 grandchildren. Lives in Southampton and supports marriage as a sacrament working for Worldwide Marriage Encounter as both a national board member and weekend presenter. Led with his wife and team, the 'Light Lights (3-5 yrs)' stream at Celebrates' Family Conference for 10yrs