Grand Turk, now one of the world’s most famous sailing ships is making a welcome return to Chatham this summer, arriving on Thursday 5 July and departing on Wednesday 11 July.

The full size replica of an eighteenth-century Royal Navy frigate, Grand Turk is probably best known for her starring role as Captain Horatio Hornblower’s flagship ‘HMS Indefatigable’ in the popular TV series, and from many other films and TV programmes.   In 2005, she escorted HM The Queen for review of the fleets assembled at Spithead and later that day led a small flotilla of sailing ships to recreate the Battle of Trafalgar - an event watched on television by over 500 million people across ther world.

During her visit Grand Turk will be providing an opportunity for the public to experience sailing on board a real "man'o'war" with, for the first time, short evening trips - departing at 5 pm and returning at 9pm.

The ship is truly remarkable as externally she accurately represents a typical warship of Nelson’s day, and below decks there is an exhibition vividly depicting the rigours of life at sea in those days.  The 26-man crew are in period costume and demonstrate traditional nautical skills such as sail repair, rope making, knots and ‘slinging’ hammocks - with passengers welcome to try for themselves. There’s also a chance to learn how cannons work that includes seeing - and hearing, the ship’s cannons firing.

Evening sailing trips are scheduled from Friday 6 July until Tuesday 10 July (except Sunday) with an extra morning trip on Saturday 7 July, departing at 10 am and returning at 2 pm.   Passengers can, if they wish, help with the ropes to sail the ship or simply sit back, relax, and watch as the ship glides silently through the water. Tea and coffee is provided during the trip and below decks there’s a souvenir shop and a bar where passengers can purchase much more than the ‘tot of rum and a ship’s biscuit’ that eighteenth century sailors received!

Sailing trips cost £50 per adult, £30 for children and must be booked in advance.

Tickets and more information is obtainable from either:

Visitor Information Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester,  ME1 1LX Tel 01634 843666

or

European Maritime Events, Crews Quarter Building, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham ME4 4TE Telephone 01634 827600