Preparation for the Journey
This page is here to help — for both volunteers and defenders.
You’ll find everything you need to know before the journey: what to pack, how to prepare, and how to feel more confident before heading to sea.
Can I Do This?
Yes — even if you’ve never been on a sailing trip before. These 7 days are made for our Titans and volunteers who need time to recharge, reconnect with others, and open up to new experiences. This is not a cruise. It’s a shared rehabilitation journey at sea — where each day is lived side by side with strong, brave people.
You’ll sail, dock, cook, and make decisions together with your crew. This is what gives the trip its true power: a sense of teamwork, trust, and support. You’ll also have quiet moments to reflect and find balance — in your thoughts and your body. And most importantly, you’ll come back with this feeling: “I did it. And now I can do even more.variant
About Our Sailing Trips
We take care of every step — from logistics and documents to communication and building trust. Because for us, recovery starts on land, and the team begins to form long before we set sail.
Our journeys start well before the catamaran leaves the marina. Getting ready is already part of the adventure. From the very first call to the moment the crew meets at the same spot on the map — every step matters.
Filling Out the Form
Everything starts with a simple step — filling out the participant form. After that, our team will contact you to share more about the trip, answer your questions, and get to know you. This first talk is important — it helps us understand if this journey is right for you.
Group Chat
Next, we create a group chat with all the people going on the trip a few weeks before departure. We talk about everything there — travel details, daily life, what to pack, and how to prepare. Sometimes we also organize short meetings — online or in person (usually in Lviv). It’s a nice way to say hello and see some friendly faces before sailing together.
Organizing Travel and Documents
Our team starts preparing the travel documents and renting catamarans. We also organize transportation to the country where the sailing rehabilitation trip will take place. We go through all details early — so the trip feels as easy and safe as possible, for both defenders and volunteers.
Pre-Departure Meeting
We always hold a final meeting before departure — in person (in Lviv) or online if you live in another city. This meeting is more than just a briefing. It’s a moment to see the people you’ll live with for the next seven days at sea, to hear their voices, share your thoughts, and talk openly about any hopes, questions, or worries you may have.
Getting on the Road
We usually start the journey in Lviv. From there, our team organizes group transport to the airport, and then we fly to the country where the sailing trip begins. We always plan the trip carefully — with comfort and safety in mind. Whether you use crutches, a wheelchair, or a prosthetic — we take that into account. If you need to stop and rest, no problem — everything is agreed in advance. If you are joining from another country, we will help you with the travel plan too — so you can easily connect with the group.
Sailing Trip (7 Days)
This is the heart of our journey — seven days of sailing, living together, learning new things, and slowly finding balance again. You’ll get to know more about daily life on a catamaran in the next section. However, after our week at sea, we often stay for one or two more days in the country. These extra days are a chance to meet local communities, connect with Ukrainians abroad, or sometimes even speak to journalists. Because the voices of our defenders should be heard — not only in Ukraine, but around the world.
COMING BACK HOME
We usually return home as a group. But if you want to stay longer or travel back separately — that’s okay. Just remember: if you need official permission to leave Ukraine, you must take care of it yourself. We’ll help with the info, but not the paperwork. Also, all our trips take place in EU countries — so no visa is needed (for ukrainians). Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 more months after the trip.
Sailing Meetups
We are the Titans Under Sails community — and our story doesn’t end when the trip does. It only begins. After every journey, we meet again — to reflect, reconnect, and simply be together. We also organize meetups between participants from different trips, go sailing in Ukraine, and share what changed after the sea. Some people go on to become skippers, others support new crew members. Because our community grows stronger when we stay together.
Life on BOARD
On every sailing journey, the catamaran becomes our home — a space we create together. Each boat has its own crew: defenders, volunteers, and a skipper who takes care of safety and steering. Life on board is a shared effort. Everyone joins in — from cooking and cleaning to docking the boat. There’s no hierarchy here. Every person counts. Every role matters.
Before we set off, we do the grocery shopping together and plan meals for the week. We choose someone from the crew to keep track of our shared expenses — it’s a simple but important task. We also agree on cooking duties and take turns in the kitchen. Each person contributes €150–200 to the crew’s budget. This covers food, fuel, and marina fees.
Most catamarans have 4–5 cabins, each shared by two people — sometimes with separate beds, sometimes with one. There’s also a shared space with a small kitchen, 2–3 bathrooms with showers, and access to marina showers when we stop overnight. The comfort is simple, but enough to feel safe, relaxed, and at home — even out at sea.
The kitchen has everything we need: a fridge, freezer, gas stove, oven, kettle, and dishes. If you enjoy cooking, this is your chance to treat the crew to something special — maybe your favorite recipe, or something new with local ingredients. We often have breakfast in a quiet bays and share dinner together after we dock. These moments often become the warmest memories.
If you’re curious about sailing, there’s always space to try. You can ask the skipper anything — no question is too small. Want to take the wheel, help with docking, or learn how things work on board? We’ll show you. Step by step, at your own pace.
A Week at Sea
Every day at sea is different. But there are some things that bring rhythm, calm, and a sense of structure. Because a sailing crew is more than a group of people — it’s a living rhythm built on trust and teamwork.
Our mornings begin with a briefing. Over breakfast, we talk about the day’s route, the weather, possible stops and activities. There’s no strict schedule — only shared agreements. It’s important that everyone feels part of the team, heard and included.
Sailing between islands usually takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on the route and the wind. And this is a special time. Some people sit by the wheel or relax in the cockpit. Others stretch out on the front net or sit quietly at the bow. This is when the magic happens — conversations, silence, books you finally open, naps under the sails. It’s not just about moving through the sea — it’s about finding space inside yourself.
Sometimes we stop at anchor or in a quiet marina — to swim with a mask and fins, paddleboard, or just enjoy the sun on the shore. We plan these stops together during breakfast, based on the crew’s energy and wishes.
After we dock in a new bay or on a new island, there’s time to rest. You can stay on board, go for a walk, explore the town, or just sit in peace. Each island has its own spirit — and leaves a small part of it with you.
Dinner is something we always share. Most evenings, we cook and eat together on board — just our crew, in our own quiet rhythm. Sometimes, we join the whole flotilla (if we’re sailing with more than one boat) at a local restaurant. And sometimes, we all gather on one catamaran — to cook together, sing, and exchange stories. There’s music, quiet talks, shared laughter. These evenings bring more than just memories — they bring connection.
Care and Respect for All
We always adjust the route and activities to match the crew’s needs. If there are defenders on board with complex amputations, we adapt the plan — so everyone can join in, in a way that feels right and comfortable for them.
Each trip teaches us something new — to be more thoughtful, more caring, and better at organizing our time and space. We’re always improving the program, listening to feedback from our participants. With every new journey, we become a stronger and more supportive team for our Titans.
What to Pack
A sailing rehabilitation trip is a time to slow down, recharge, and live simply — together with others. To feel comfortable during the week on a catamaran, it’s important to bring only what you truly need. Life on board is different from what we’re used to: there’s limited space, wind or humidity, and shared living areas. So think ahead — pack comfortable clothes, basic hygiene items, and any personal medication.
We’ve prepared a packing list based on the experience of our defenders and volunteers — those who’ve already spent a week at sea. It includes only the essentials — nothing extra. This will help you get ready without stress.
BECOME PART OF THE PROJECT
Step in as a volunteer, partner, or supporter — and help rewrite the story of recovery and hope. Your support can be the wind that lifts someone's sails.
