Sailing
Our passengers agree with us that the actual sailing on a Tussock yacht is quite spectacular; the best part of the journey. In fact, many of our regular passengers do not feel the need to go ashore as they want to enjoy the sailing as much as possible.
As soon as they weigh anchor and depart from the harbour or bay, the captain turns the yacht with the bow to the wind then the sails are hoisted and the excitement grows. On some Tussock yachts the sails are more than 700m2 and it is sensational to see the crew hoist these, in no time at all.
The rigging
Tussock has a reputation for being the only company actually really sailing in this region. This has been the case from Tussock's beginning and still stands today and the crew love the challenge of sailing as much as possible during the week. In 1993 Tussock commissioned special Dutch-designed rigging for the fleet (with the exception of the 6 person yacht); it is schooner rigging, which is particular with its special wishbone boom to steer some extra sails. 
Another difference compared to other yachts is that the mast at the back is higher than the front mast. Each yacht has five sails; mizzen, mainsail, fisherman sail, foresail and Genoa and the surface area of the sails varies for each yacht from 400m2 to 750m2.
The yachts weigh between 45 and 100 tons and they can reach a speed of around 12 knots when sailing. This unique design has proved to be the best possible in order to sail. For passengers who join us for the first time it is sometimes hard to believe that the yachts can really sail. However after the first few minutes, after the sails have been hoisted, they sit back and enjoy the thrill of it all.
Our experienced crew
When, back in 1993, the special rigging was designed for Tussock, it was necessary to instruct crew on how to handle this, so a professional Dutch sailing instructor was brought in to teach the captains and crew. Since then, it's been a matter of fine-tuning and the benefit of years of experience. All Tussock captains know how to get the best out of their yacht and their expertise is now systematically passed on to the young sailors. Of course, all our captains and crew have the correct documentation and certificates.
The teams
We employ our crew all year round and the majority of them have been working for Tussock for many years. The teams are completely used to each other's ways; the captain gives his commands to the crew with barely discernable nods, simple gestures and occasionally, the odd one word. The chef will step out of his galley to act as sailor and every crew member knows exactly what move they have to make.
The sensation of sailing
Every sailor knows that feeling of freedom when you are on the water and it is no different on a Tussock yacht however, the feeling is that little bit stronger. With the classic design, the size of the yacht and the fact it is a wooden yacht and you have the wonderful sensation of sailing as they did centuries ago, without modern equipment. You really experience being a traveller on a classic sailing yacht, lying on the sun deck or sitting on the aft deck with the sails flapping in the wind, admiring the rugged coastline and the sheer expanse of the sea, not knowing exactly where you are going as the robust yacht pounds through the waves and knowing that you are truly sailing.
Bodrum Cup
Tussock was one of the founders of the Bodrum Cup, the regatta that is held annually, in October, in the Bodrum area. Around 80 classic yachts participate in this race. For a number of years Tussock Cruising has won this race; most recently with our yachts Randa and Grandi.
The coastline
Rest assured that we do keep the wishes of our passengers in mind and we do not sail continuously in 'regatta mode'! And the coastline is always within sight and reach.
Tussock's sailing heritage
Even in winter our captains sail, although not with their own Tussock yacht. One of our captains has built his own wooden sailing boat and during winter he often participates in regattas accompanied by his colleagues, the other Tussock captains, and they have managed to win a cup on several occasions. Actually, everybody at Tussock is involved in sailing in some way. At our office in Bodrum the "Women's Cup" is organised and our nautical director's teenage daughter, Meleknaz, who has been sailing since early childhood is an active sailor, attending weekly regattas in the optimist class.
Tussock Cruising UK, 42 Hacon Square, Richmond Road,
London E8 3QR, Phone +44(0)20 85109292, E-mail info@tussock.eu.
