The Crew of Tall Ship Phoenix

Phoenix has a young but highly experienced crew who are dedicated to sailing the ship as much and as well as possible, and getting you involved at every stage! 

Whenever we do charter, our natural chemistry as a crew spills over to the guests which really does create some great memories, and ultimately makes the entire experience for the guests and crew alike something quite special. We have a highly skilled, charismatic crew.

The minimum manning for the ship is 4+ a deck/chef, their accommodation is outlined on the interior plan. 

All crew have a minimum of a STCW and ENG 1, though many have additional qualifications such as power boat, Yachtmaster theory etc. At the start of the season the entire crew visit the local lifeboat station for a safety talk covering the practicalities of casualty recovery at sea and how they could assist in case of an emergency.

As of 2023 we will also be doing a casualty recovery drill with the ILB for mutual training benefit. This is in addition to monthly fire, flooding, and man overboard drills.

Captain Joel

Joel is a light-hearted Cornish skipper. Sailing since childhood he likes to infuse the delights of traditional seamanship with a modern naval standard.

Crew welfare is very much at the heart of his operation as guests have an even better time with happy crew.

He knows the ship well having worked as mate on board Phoenix since 2018, as well as a host of other traditionally rigged ships.

Mate Ffin

Ffin is from Gweek in Cornwall and is a very capable sailor and boatbuilder. Often found smiling whilst operating the tender and is a quick up the mast as he is at splicing and fabricating. Want to brush up on your marlinspike seamanship? Ffin will be more than happy to help.

Bosun Daithi

David hails from Ireland and was new to the ship in 2021. The former teacher has travelled the world and most recently worked with the tallships trust in Scotland. David is a wise and considerate member of the crew with a keen eye!

Able Seaman Vito

Chef Maria

In addition to the crew detailed above, Phoenix has some fantastic cooks who join during the season, churning out exciting food and sweet treats, and jumping in to help with sail handling while dinner’s in the oven.

We have an excellent chef onboard. She comes qualified with a lot of experience in hospitality as well as her ENG 1 STCW and Food Hygiene level three. She has absolutely no issue cooking for a fully booked ship and will often unprompted assist on deck and with mooring.

On charter she does a cooked breakfast every morning, sandwiches and snacks for lunch and a hearty mariners dinner which is often packed with flavour. She bakes regularly too, cookies, brownies and cakes are a common surprise when you venture below deck.