Where can I learn about sailing a tall ship?

Question

I am researching a story set on a Dutch East Indiaman and I need to understand the structure and the operation of the ship in all kinds of weather. I would even be willing to work on one, but I am around 60 and based in Cape Town. I think what I need is a coach...

Answer 1

Happy sailing. Here is a list of places from around the world to learn about Tall Ships.
http://www.apparent-wind.com/tall-ships-faq.html

Here's a site that teaches it. There are photos of people of all ages -- some look quite older than 60.
http://chrisbrady.itgo.com/tallship/wantosail.htm

There's information about a Dutch East Indiaman and Cape Town here:
http://www.cape-town.info/cape-town-information/history-of-cape-town/
http://www.shipwreck.co.za/schonenberg.html
http://www.vanhunks.com/cape1/dutchman1.html
http://www.woodstock.org.za/about/historydetail.asp?art_ID=17

And, some pics of a Dutch East Indiaman:
http://www.astro.northwestern.edu/~cjdeloye/photos/Netherlands_Trip_0705/0627/slides/Replica%20of%20Dutch%20East%20Indiaman%20at%20the%20Scheepvaart%20Museum.html

Or, how about a wreck dive and adventure tour:
http://www.infohub.com/vacation_packages/5730.html

Answer 2

First I would suggest a contemporary copy of The Encyclopedia Britannica. Lots of libraries do have copies of the 9th and 11th editions.
Second, read books that are set on sailing ships. Moby Dick, Redburn, Lord Jim and others. Modern books could include the Horatio Hornblower series and the Master and Commander series.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Windjammer Cruises and Barefoot Cruises offers trips on tall ships. I think at least Barefoot gives you the opportunity to do as little or as much of the sailing as you want, assuming you can show you're capable of it.