Sailing the galley has given a great deal of pleasure to the hundreds who have sailed on her. She has enabled us to explore how to sail a boat not used for centuries - and to discover she has many advantages over modern yachts. The islands and skerries which make up the Hebrides are laced with rocky channels and inlets where a boat of shallow draft can escape from the weather or - in the past - from a pursuing enemy galley. Aileach can reach places no ordinary boat can reach! Historically galleys could be pulled or carried over a narrow isthmus (in Gaelic Tairbeart) with the help of the local villagers.
When Aileach was launched she was carried to the pier on the backs of 40 villagers of Moville, Co Donegal from the shed where she was built.It is the Trust' s policy to encourage as many people as possible to experience life aboard this unique vessel. No previous sailing or rowing experience is required for inshore passages, since Aileach always carries a core crew experienced at handling her.
Experience is very welcome of course, but the lack of it should not deter those who would like a taste of medieval Celtic sailing. The only real requirements are some Celtic characteristics - reasonable hardiness and a sense of humour.
If you are interested, contact Aileach's Executive Committee by e-mail at: galley@kinnear-road.co.uk , or by telephone at (++31) (0)131 552 1070,
or e-mail the webmaster.
