Speightstown · Barbados · Since the age of sail
Three hours under canvas on the leeward coast.
The Barbados-built schooner RUTH sails again. Twenty-five guests, working sail, and a crew of young Bajan trainees learning the sea the old way. New season opens 1 December 2026.
- 3 hrs
- Each cruise
- 25
- Guests aboard
- 2
- Departure ports
- $120
- Adult fare
The vessel
A Barbados-built schooner, sailed by Barbadians.
RUTH belongs to a line of island trading schooners that once carried cargo and people between the Antilles. Built in Barbados and rigged for inter-island, fossil-fuel-free cargo operations and youth sail training, she now works the leeward coast as a living classroom — steel decks, hemp lines, bronze fittings and canvas that still has to be hauled by hand.
Every guest berth you book helps pay for a young person's place aboard through The Schooner RUTH Youth Seamanship Skills Training Programme.
Working tallship
Traditional gaff schooner rig
Coastal passage
Leeward Barbados under sail
Small company
Never more than 25 guests
Craftsmanship
Steel decks. Bronze fittings.
Built for a working life at sea: RUTH carries welded steel decks underfoot and hand-cast bronze fittings at every block, cleat and rail — solid metal where a lesser ship wears wood, kept bright by the hands of our trainees.
- · Steel decks throughout
- · Bronze fittings & hardware
- · Traditional gaff schooner rig
Where we sail from
Two ports, one coastline
Speightstown Jetty
St. Peter
The schooner's home waters. We slip the jetty and run south along the leeward coast under sail.
Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure at the jetty head.
Bridgetown Careenage
St. Michael
Departing the working harbour, we clear the breakwater and stand north past Carlisle Bay.
Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure at the Bridgetown Careenage berth.
Opening the season
First sailings of December 2026
Every ticket trains a young sailor
The Youth Seamanship Skills Training Programme takes Barbadian teenagers from first knot to standing watch — discipline, teamwork, navigation and respect for the sea.
About the programmeBefore you step aboard
All guests attend a short safety briefing on the jetty 15 minutes before departure. Please arrive 30 minutes early with photo ID for the lead guest.
- · RUTH is a dry ship. She is a youth training vessel, so no alcohol is carried, served or permitted aboard.
- · Lifejackets are issued and fitted for every guest.
- · Flat, non-marking soles. Decks are steel and can be wet.
- · Sun protection, a hat and water are strongly advised.
- · Guests under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- · Sailings may be rescheduled for weather at the Master's discretion.
Fares
Prices per guest, per three-hour cruise. Children under 7 are not carried.
Partners & sponsorship
Put your name on the mainsail
Corporate charters, berth sponsorship and programme partnerships support young Barbadians at sea.