Latest news with #NudeCruise
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Everything to expect on the UK's £22 naked cruise (hot pasties included)
Each year, more than 100 punters take a three-hour cruise down the River Exe estuary in Devon… completely naked. The Nude Cruise has just run for its 13th year in a row and one punter has revealed just what goes on onboard, spilling the details on the one golden rule that mustn't be broken. What is it? Well, this isn't a boat trip for swingers or sex parties, so, anyone caught doing anything x-rated will be banned for life. 'It's really sad that a large percentage of the population equate being naked only with sex – it's not,' cruise founder Rachel Wick told The Sun. 'If they came to our event, they would see it's clearly not what it's about. If somebody misbehaves, they will be on our banned list.' While no one has been barred from the cruise yet, Rachel, 50, is diligent because she says you can feel vulnerable when you haven't got your clothes on. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. The double-decker ship carried 120 bare passengers this year, and journalist Ben Endley revealed for The Sun the experience was 'remarkably normal'. He went so far as to say the trip could've been organised by a local village church group – although that may be a bit of a stretch. The cruise was composed largely of pensioners, and there were multiple things onboard to keep them busy, from a raffle to a naked disco. One song that got bare bodies on the dance floor was Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen. There was also a cash-only bar (how retro) which prompted many guests to wear fanny packs to carry their bank notes and phones. A free hot pasty`was also on offer for everyone on board. It sounds rather perilous when you're starkers, but luckily no injuries were reported. Rachel, who is a local authority administrator, has been organising the cruise since 2012 with her partner Nigel, but they run other nude events too, as part of the Torbay Sun Club. She loves the concept of a naked party because you can't tell who is rich or poor, working or retired. 'When you can't judge people's status, we're all on a level,' she says. While some guests on the cruise kept to themselves through fear of their bosses finding out about their naturism, one guest, Mark Carroll, explains his generation is more comfortable with it all. 'The more people hear about it, the more they want to get involved,' he says. Passenger Kevin Little, 61, has been a naturist since 1997, and tells The Sun he's a fan of being naked because it saves him paying for extra luggage on flights. Sex parties are coming to an ocean near you. Killing Kittens, the kink-positive event company, is launching a very naughty cruise promising a pretty pleasurable holiday for couples and singles alike. At a glance you might mistake it for a luxury all-inclusive trip, with the itinerary departing from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, before journeying on to Florence and Portofino. But the cruise is certainly one-of-a-kind, hosting a heady timetable of Killing Kittens events, including its popular White Party, a masked ball, the Kreatures of the Night primal soiree, the latex themed Dominion, and Hedonism, the longest-running Killing Kittens event. But just because you can let loose in one of the 'play rooms', it doesn't mean you can get lawless at sea. In fact, the Killing Kittens cruise has some very strict rules… Read here for all the juicy details. He enjoys connecting with nature, but finds the jokes about his naked preferences annoying. More Trending 'We get frustrated by the cliched, seaside-postcard, t*ts-and-willy jokes but it's been that way for so long, it's hard to get away from,' he says. Of all the guests onboard, the general consensus was the younger generation is too 'prudish' and that nudity is helpful for self-expression. So it was understandable that, when the boat returned to the dock, the passengers were a little reluctant to cover up once more. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Coastal trail crowned Britain's favourite path is a 'crown jewel' with breathtaking views MORE: I took my family on a digital detox holiday and something extraordinary happened MORE: Cruise passenger injured when water slide split while he was on it
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I attended the UK's only naked cruise - here's the strict rule all passengers must follow
A man who stripped off and set sail on the UK's only naked cruise has revealed what goes on during the three-hour annual trip - and the strict rule that all passengers must abide by. Journalist Ben Endley bared it all as he set sail on a double-decker ship along the River Exe in Devon. In a revelation that will leave some shocked, the first-timer told how the event was not attended by swingers or the sex-obsessed but rather those keen to experience the sense of freedom that comes with baring all. What's more is that there's a rule in place for those who 'misbehave' - they will be banned from future trips, according to the organisers of the double-decker 'Nude Cruise', which tours the River Exe. Ben, who was on board the Nude Cruise, described it as 'remarkably normal' and not dissimilar from a boat trip 'organised by a local village church group' in The Sun. And now, in its 13th year, the outing hasn't strayed from its organiser's original promise of creating a 'safe environment' for all participants. Rachel Wick, a local authority administrator who launched the boat trip in 2012 with her partner Nigel, said that people need not associate being naked with sex. The 50-year-old added that, should people attend the cruise, they would see that it doesn't have a sexual nature. She said: 'If somebody misbehaves, they will be on our banned list. Not that it's ever happened but we're always mindful that this has to be a safe environment because you can feel quite vulnerable when you haven't got your clothes on.' Participants, who pay £22 for a ticket, which comes with a free hot pasty, include barristers, doctors and prison officers, according to Nigel, who added that the nudist events they organise are popular with venues because guests tend to stay put and enjoy food and drink. Nigel explained: 'It is the sense of freedom and being relaxed in your own body that draws people in. It's a very friendly environment. If we go to a hotel, people generally don't go out; they stay all day.' He added that they have never experienced any fights at an event, and that the attendees are typically older. What's more, Rachel and Nigel see their naked cruise as an important leveller - precisely because people remove clothes that might signify wealth in other environments. She added that people don't have to look a certain way to attend, and that the group is made up of attendees of all different shapes and sizes. And, its not just those on board who welcome the Nude Cruise. When it sailed past pubs and restaurants in Topsham, the cruise was greeted enthusiastically by people on the shore, some of whom had turned up in fancy dress. British Naturism, the UK's national representative body for naturists, which traces its origins to 1891, has around 10,000 members. While membership isn't soaring, casual naturists are on the rise. A 2022 survey reported that more than six million people in Britain occasionally get naked recreationally, up almost 12 per cent in 20 years. In April, Daily Mail spoke to Tom Dryer-Beers about his life at Spielplatz, the UK's longest-operating naturist resort that's situated just off the M25 in the village of Bricket Wood in Hertfordshire. A professional life model for many years, Tom moved to Spielplatz - German for playground - eight years ago and lives there with his wife, Victoria. He explained: 'We used to visit naturist places because it's such a lovely experience. We love the sunshine and being outdoors and it's just a lovely social occasion. We dipped our toes for several years before we came to Spielplatz and realised there was an opportunity to enjoy the lifestyle without having to travel.' While residents at Spielplatz have the opportunity to be nude whenever they like, it isn't compulsory, said Tom. He said: 'You're free to choose whether to wear clothing or not. Most people will take advantage of the warm weather whenever it comes up. People tend to feel temperature differently so everybody takes part as they wish.' Tom is one of around 50 permanent residents at Spielplatz but the resort also has seasonal occupiers who live in caravans or chalet homes while they're there. The season tends to run from April to the end of September. Keen naturists can also visit Spielplatz for the day with Tom explaining that guests tend to 'lounge about the place' enjoying the resort's 'lovely swimming pool and sauna' as well as its fully 'licensed bar'. But while Spielplatz is keen to encourage new members, there are also some pretty stringent rules to keep out any 'voyeurs', explained Tom. He said: 'We do ask that if any visitors come, they give evidence of having had naturist experiences before, because we are looking for people who know what it is like to respect the movement and the residents. 'It's for everybody's safety and security. There are people who don't understand naturism and don't respect those who just enjoy being socially naked with friends and we don't want them visiting.' When a person applies to visit Spielplatz, the reception team will ask them to demonstrate their commitment to naturism, Tom said. This could be membership of the British Naturism Society or evidence of having visited other naturist resorts around the world. Tom added: 'If they have no background of that, they should come as a guest of someone [who lives here]as we are not looking for voyeurs.' Spielplatz also has an electric gate to provide security but Tom says the community generally doesn't 'have much trouble at all with people'. He explained: 'We tend to have neighbours who respect this place and are actually quite grateful we're here because we're good neighbours.' Visitor numbers tend to depend on the season, with Tom revealing visits have fallen for the last couple of years due to the UK's 'relatively poor summers'. And while the majority of work inside the resort is done by residents, outsiders will come in to do work that Spielplatz residents 'don't have the skills or equipment for'. Tom said: 'They wouldn't necessarily be naturists. But we don't encourage them to come during our open season. We try to reserve any work of that sort for the off times.' The majority of Spielplatz' residents are 'middle aged couples upwards to retirees', said Tom. '[That's] largely because they have the time and the interest to relax and just enjoy company. 'Younger people tend to be busy rushing around and have lots of things to do. We do get some families with young children coming in. Of course, they love the pool and running around on the grounds but the age range will generally be from 30 upwards.' Tempted to give naturism a go? Tom said: 'The most important thing is just to realise that we all have bodies. 'Everybody's body is beautiful. Respect each other, respect yourself and just have a good time. There's no need to make it more fussy than that.'
The Irish Sun
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I went on UK's only NUDE cruise where cops and docs frolic… they say it's all fun and games but there's one golden rule
The Sun was exclusively invited on the naked cruise where the £22 ticket includes a free hot pasty - for those brave enough to risk spillages! NAKED TRUTH I went on UK's only NUDE cruise where cops and docs frolic… they say it's all fun and games but there's one golden rule THE boat hadn't even moved 6ft from the dock when the shout to strip off went up - within seconds all 120 passengers were completely starkers. I had just hopped on board for the 13th annual 'Nude Cruise' - a three-hour, bare-all boat trip to celebrate naturism - and already it was NOTHING like I'd imagined... Advertisement 11 Tanis and Kevin Little were among 120 naturists who stripped off for the naked cruise along the River Exe Credit: Neil Hope 11 The trip, organised by Bare West Events, has been an annual fixture for 13 years Credit: Neil Hope 11 The Sun was invited on the trip Credit: Neil Hope As the double decker ship meandered along the River Exe estuary in Devon, dozens of smaller pleasure boats sail alongside us, their passengers cheering us on - and some of them even stripping off, too. Considering the wall-to-wall nudity involved, organisers were keen to emphasise from the outset that they are not swingers - and anybody caught trying to act inappropriately would be banned for life. Advertisement This has to be a safe environment because you can feel quite vulnerable when you haven't got your clothes on Organiser Rachel Wick Rachel Wick, 50, a local authority administrator who has organised the annual boat trip alongside her partner Nigel since 2012, said: 'It's really sad that a large percentage of the population equate being naked only with sex - it's not. 'If they came to our event, they would see it's clearly not what it's about. 'If somebody misbehaves, they will be on our banned list. Not that it's ever happened but we're always mindful that this has to be a safe environment because you can feel quite vulnerable when you haven't got your clothes on. 'One of the things I love about it is you can't tell from looking at all of us whether we are rich or poor, working or retired. When you can't judge people's status, we're all on a level. 'People think you have to be beautiful but we're all normal people of different shapes and sizes.' Advertisement Nigel said the group regularly organises nude events at a variety of venues, and businesses are always happy to accept the 'buff pound' because guests are respectful and unlikely to go elsewhere to eat and drink. He added: 'The nudist world is a real mix of people, from prison officers to barristers and doctors. 'It is the sense of freedom and being relaxed in your own body that draws people in. It's a very friendly environment. Inside Britain's most notorious naked village: with nude vicars, bush wars and strict sex rule 'If we go to a hotel, people generally don't go out, they stay all day. 'We have never had any trouble at any event. It's an older group and if anybody started a fight, they're likely going to break a hip.' Advertisement What struck me most about the trip was how remarkably normal it all was - apart from the obvious naked elephant in the room, this could have been any other boat trip organised by a local village church group. Upstairs, the nude guests - many of whom were pensioners - mingled and chatted while one volunteer sold raffle tickets. Downstairs, the naked disco was in full swing with some patrons shimmying to Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen while others lined up for the cash-only bar - with some sporting special pouches to carry their bank notes and phones. The £22 cruise ticket also included a free hot pasty, for those brave enough to risk spillages! My employer and child would be shocked if they knew Dee from Plymouth Members believe events like this are becoming more popular as Brits slowly relax their up-tight attitudes towards nudity. Advertisement An Ipsos poll found 14% of those surveyed identify as naturists or nudists while a BBC report suggests there are 6.7 million naturists in the UK. 11 Organiser Rachel Whick waves at passing yachts Credit: Neil Hope 11 A naked cruise goer grabs a drink on deck Credit: Neil Hope 11 Some members said they had to keep their naturalism secret for fear of judgement Credit: Neil Hope However, another poll for YouGov found four in 10 (59%) said they felt uncomfortable with being naked, with women being more likely to feel that way than men. Advertisement Some guests said they couldn't speak openly about naturism, believing their bosses would take a dim view if they found out. Dee, from Plymouth, said: 'My employer and child would be shocked if they knew I was doing this. 'For some reason, a lot of people for some reason associate what we do with swinging but it doesn't mean that. 'It's just people wanting to take their clothes off and enjoying the freedom, nothing else.' Another passenger - who declined to be interviewed - explained: 'Half of my family don't know I'm a nudist.' Advertisement At the turnaround point, the skipper steered the boat past the pubs and restaurants in Topsham, much to the delight of hundreds of waiting punters who had gathered - some in fancy dress and others wearing very little - to cheer on the naturists. I feel people who are naturists should be allowed to express themselves and should have a space to do it. Events like this allow that Martin Niebroj Mark Carroll, who has been a lifetime naturist, explained how he recently introduced his partner Claire Stone to the community. Claire said: 'I love it. I do a lot of naturist beaches but this is the first time I have done a community event. 'Times are changing - it's becoming more popular but the younger generation are still quite prudish. 'My teenager asked where I was going tonight. I said, 'A naked cruise,' and he just replied, 'Ok then' but didn't want to ask any further questions.' Advertisement Mark added: 'People are more relaxed than they were, our generation is more comfortable with it all. 'The more people hear about it, the more they want to get involved.' 'Many Brits are too repressed' Kevin Little, 61, from North Dorset, who has been a naturist since 1997, revealed he saves a fortune not having to pay for extra luggage on flights. He said: 'It's quite addictive. I love being on a beach and just connecting with nature. 'When we go on holiday, we can get on a flight with no luggage - we can take a little rucksack for a month. Advertisement 'We get frustrated by the cliched, seaside-postcard, t*ts-and-willy jokes but it's been that way for so long, it's hard to get away from. 'A lot of people tell me: 'I wish I could do that'... Well, you can. But people are very body conscious, although nobody cares.' His wife Tanis, 61, said: 'One of my sons is always trying to get his friends to do naked runs - he's tried to get younger people involved." One of the few under 40s onboard was Martin Niebroj, 39, who revealed he finds nudity freeing but admits it can be problematic in less organised settings. He said: 'I really like the social part of it. Technically it's not illegal to be naked in public in Britian, but it always causes a lot of interest. Advertisement 'I feel people who are naturists should be allowed to express themselves and should have a space to do it. Events like this allow that.' Martin, originally from Czechia and now living in Exeter and working in marketing, said many Brits are too repressed about nudity. He said: 'If you go into a public sauna in England you always need to have swimwear. In continental Europe, people generally are more liberal.' After three hours, the boat returned to the dock and the passengers dressed again… some more reluctantly than others. 11 The trip set off from Exmouth Credit: Neil Hope Advertisement 11 A member waves at a passing boat Credit: Neil Hope 11 Like-minded individuals enjoyed live music, some drink - and a pasty Credit: Neil Hope 11 Claire Stone and Mark Carroll enjoy a drink on the water Credit: Neil Hope
Scottish Sun
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I went on UK's only NUDE cruise where cops and docs frolic… they say it's all fun and games but there's one golden rule
The Sun was exclusively invited on the naked cruise where the £22 ticket includes a free hot pasty - for those brave enough to risk spillages! NAKED TRUTH I went on UK's only NUDE cruise where cops and docs frolic… they say it's all fun and games but there's one golden rule THE boat hadn't even moved 6ft from the dock when the shout to strip off went up - within seconds all 120 passengers were completely starkers. I had just hopped on board for the 13th annual 'Nude Cruise' - a three-hour, bare-all boat trip to celebrate naturism - and already it was NOTHING like I'd imagined... Advertisement 11 Tanis and Kevin Little were among 120 naturists who stripped off for the naked cruise along the River Exe Credit: Neil Hope 11 The trip, organised by Bare West Events, has been an annual fixture for 13 years Credit: Neil Hope 11 The Sun was invited on the trip Credit: Neil Hope As the double decker ship meandered along the River Exe estuary in Devon, dozens of smaller pleasure boats sail alongside us, their passengers cheering us on - and some of them even stripping off, too. Considering the wall-to-wall nudity involved, organisers were keen to emphasise from the outset that they are not swingers - and anybody caught trying to act inappropriately would be banned for life. Advertisement This has to be a safe environment because you can feel quite vulnerable when you haven't got your clothes on Organiser Rachel Wick Rachel Wick, 50, a local authority administrator who has organised the annual boat trip alongside her partner Nigel since 2012, said: 'It's really sad that a large percentage of the population equate being naked only with sex - it's not. 'If they came to our event, they would see it's clearly not what it's about. 'If somebody misbehaves, they will be on our banned list. Not that it's ever happened but we're always mindful that this has to be a safe environment because you can feel quite vulnerable when you haven't got your clothes on. 'One of the things I love about it is you can't tell from looking at all of us whether we are rich or poor, working or retired. When you can't judge people's status, we're all on a level. 'People think you have to be beautiful but we're all normal people of different shapes and sizes.' Advertisement Nigel said the group regularly organises nude events at a variety of venues, and businesses are always happy to accept the 'buff pound' because guests are respectful and unlikely to go elsewhere to eat and drink. He added: 'The nudist world is a real mix of people, from prison officers to barristers and doctors. 'It is the sense of freedom and being relaxed in your own body that draws people in. It's a very friendly environment. Inside Britain's most notorious naked village: with nude vicars, bush wars and strict sex rule 'If we go to a hotel, people generally don't go out, they stay all day. 'We have never had any trouble at any event. It's an older group and if anybody started a fight, they're likely going to break a hip.' Advertisement What struck me most about the trip was how remarkably normal it all was - apart from the obvious naked elephant in the room, this could have been any other boat trip organised by a local village church group. Upstairs, the nude guests - many of whom were pensioners - mingled and chatted while one volunteer sold raffle tickets. Downstairs, the naked disco was in full swing with some patrons shimmying to Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen while others lined up for the cash-only bar - with some sporting special pouches to carry their bank notes and phones. The £22 cruise ticket also included a free hot pasty, for those brave enough to risk spillages! My employer and child would be shocked if they knew Dee from Plymouth Members believe events like this are becoming more popular as Brits slowly relax their up-tight attitudes towards nudity. Advertisement An Ipsos poll found 14% of those surveyed identify as naturists or nudists while a BBC report suggests there are 6.7 million naturists in the UK. 11 Organiser Rachel Whick waves at passing yachts Credit: Neil Hope 11 A naked cruise goer grabs a drink on deck Credit: Neil Hope 11 Some members said they had to keep their naturalism secret for fear of judgement Credit: Neil Hope However, another poll for YouGov found four in 10 (59%) said they felt uncomfortable with being naked, with women being more likely to feel that way than men. Advertisement Some guests said they couldn't speak openly about naturism, believing their bosses would take a dim view if they found out. Dee, from Plymouth, said: 'My employer and child would be shocked if they knew I was doing this. 'For some reason, a lot of people for some reason associate what we do with swinging but it doesn't mean that. 'It's just people wanting to take their clothes off and enjoying the freedom, nothing else.' Another passenger - who declined to be interviewed - explained: 'Half of my family don't know I'm a nudist.' Advertisement At the turnaround point, the skipper steered the boat past the pubs and restaurants in Topsham, much to the delight of hundreds of waiting punters who had gathered - some in fancy dress and others wearing very little - to cheer on the naturists. I feel people who are naturists should be allowed to express themselves and should have a space to do it. Events like this allow that Martin Niebroj Mark Carroll, who has been a lifetime naturist, explained how he recently introduced his partner Claire Stone to the community. Claire said: 'I love it. I do a lot of naturist beaches but this is the first time I have done a community event. 'Times are changing - it's becoming more popular but the younger generation are still quite prudish. 'My teenager asked where I was going tonight. I said, 'A naked cruise,' and he just replied, 'Ok then' but didn't want to ask any further questions.' Advertisement Mark added: 'People are more relaxed than they were, our generation is more comfortable with it all. 'The more people hear about it, the more they want to get involved.' 'Many Brits are too repressed' Kevin Little, 61, from North Dorset, who has been a naturist since 1997, revealed he saves a fortune not having to pay for extra luggage on flights. He said: 'It's quite addictive. I love being on a beach and just connecting with nature. 'When we go on holiday, we can get on a flight with no luggage - we can take a little rucksack for a month. Advertisement 'We get frustrated by the cliched, seaside-postcard, t*ts-and-willy jokes but it's been that way for so long, it's hard to get away from. 'A lot of people tell me: 'I wish I could do that'... Well, you can. But people are very body conscious, although nobody cares.' His wife Tanis, 61, said: 'One of my sons is always trying to get his friends to do naked runs - he's tried to get younger people involved." One of the few under 40s onboard was Martin Niebroj, 39, who revealed he finds nudity freeing but admits it can be problematic in less organised settings. He said: 'I really like the social part of it. Technically it's not illegal to be naked in public in Britian, but it always causes a lot of interest. Advertisement 'I feel people who are naturists should be allowed to express themselves and should have a space to do it. Events like this allow that.' Martin, originally from Czechia and now living in Exeter and working in marketing, said many Brits are too repressed about nudity. He said: 'If you go into a public sauna in England you always need to have swimwear. In continental Europe, people generally are more liberal.' After three hours, the boat returned to the dock and the passengers dressed again… some more reluctantly than others. 11 The trip set off from Exmouth Credit: Neil Hope Advertisement 11 A member waves at a passing boat Credit: Neil Hope 11 Like-minded individuals enjoyed live music, some drink - and a pasty Credit: Neil Hope 11 Claire Stone and Mark Carroll enjoy a drink on the water Credit: Neil Hope
The Sun
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I went on UK's only NUDE cruise where cops and docs frolic… they say it's all fun and games but there's one golden rule
THE boat hadn't even moved 6ft from the dock when the shout to strip off went up - within seconds all 120 passengers were completely starkers. I had just hopped on board for the 13th annual 'Nude Cruise' - a three-hour, bare-all boat trip to celebrate naturism - and already it was NOTHING like I'd imagined... 11 11 11 As the double decker ship meandered along the River Exe estuary in Devon, dozens of smaller pleasure boats sail alongside us, their passengers cheering us on - and some of them even stripping off, too. Considering the wall-to-wall nudity involved, organisers were keen to emphasise from the outset that they are not swingers - and anybody caught trying to act inappropriately would be banned for life. Rachel Wick, 50, a local authority administrator who has organised the annual boat trip alongside her partner Nigel since 2012, said: 'It's really sad that a large percentage of the population equate being naked only with sex - it's not. 'If they came to our event, they would see it's clearly not what it's about. 'If somebody misbehaves, they will be on our banned list. Not that it's ever happened but we're always mindful that this has to be a safe environment because you can feel quite vulnerable when you haven't got your clothes on. 'One of the things I love about it is you can't tell from looking at all of us whether we are rich or poor, working or retired. When you can't judge people's status, we're all on a level. 'People think you have to be beautiful but we're all normal people of different shapes and sizes.' Nigel said the group regularly organises nude events at a variety of venues, and businesses are always happy to accept the 'buff pound' because guests are respectful and unlikely to go elsewhere to eat and drink. He added: 'The nudist world is a real mix of people, from prison officers to barristers and doctors. 'It is the sense of freedom and being relaxed in your own body that draws people in. It's a very friendly environment. 'If we go to a hotel, people generally don't go out, they stay all day. 'We have never had any trouble at any event. It's an older group and if anybody started a fight, they're likely going to break a hip.' What struck me most about the trip was how remarkably normal it all was - apart from the obvious naked elephant in the room, this could have been any other boat trip organised by a local village church group. Upstairs, the nude guests - many of whom were pensioners - mingled and chatted while one volunteer sold raffle tickets. Downstairs, the naked disco was in full swing with some patrons shimmying to Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen while others lined up for the cash-only bar - with some sporting special pouches to carry their bank notes and phones. The £22 cruise ticket also included a free hot pasty, for those brave enough to risk spillages! Members believe events like this are becoming more popular as Brits slowly relax their up-tight attitudes towards nudity. An Ipsos poll found 14% of those surveyed identify as naturists or nudists while a BBC report suggests there are 6.7 million naturists in the UK. 11 However, another poll for YouGov found four in 10 (59%) said they felt uncomfortable with being naked, with women being more likely to feel that way than men. Some guests said they couldn't speak openly about naturism, believing their bosses would take a dim view if they found out. Dee, from Plymouth, said: 'My employer and child would be shocked if they knew I was doing this. 'For some reason, a lot of people for some reason associate what we do with swinging but it doesn't mean that. 'It's just people wanting to take their clothes off and enjoying the freedom, nothing else.' Another passenger - who declined to be interviewed - explained: 'Half of my family don't know I'm a nudist.' At the turnaround point, the skipper steered the boat past the pubs and restaurants in Topsham, much to the delight of hundreds of waiting punters who had gathered - some in fancy dress and others wearing very little - to cheer on the naturists. Mark Carroll, who has been a lifetime naturist, explained how he recently introduced his partner Claire Stone to the community. Claire said: 'I love it. I do a lot of naturist beaches but this is the first time I have done a community event. 'Times are changing - it's becoming more popular but the younger generation are still quite prudish. 'My teenager asked where I was going tonight. I said, 'A naked cruise,' and he just replied, 'Ok then' but didn't want to ask any further questions.' Mark added: 'People are more relaxed than they were, our generation is more comfortable with it all. 'The more people hear about it, the more they want to get involved.' 'Many Brits are too repressed' Kevin Little, 61, from North Dorset, who has been a naturist since 1997, revealed he saves a fortune not having to pay for extra luggage on flights. He said: 'It's quite addictive. I love being on a beach and just connecting with nature. 'When we go on holiday, we can get on a flight with no luggage - we can take a little rucksack for a month. 'We get frustrated by the cliched, seaside-postcard, t*ts-and-willy jokes but it's been that way for so long, it's hard to get away from. 'A lot of people tell me: 'I wish I could do that'... Well, you can. But people are very body conscious, although nobody cares.' His wife Tanis, 61, said: 'One of my sons is always trying to get his friends to do naked runs - he's tried to get younger people involved." One of the few under 40s onboard was Martin Niebroj, 39, who revealed he finds nudity freeing but admits it can be problematic in less organised settings. He said: 'I really like the social part of it. Technically it's not illegal to be naked in public in Britian, but it always causes a lot of interest. 'I feel people who are naturists should be allowed to express themselves and should have a space to do it. Events like this allow that.' Martin, originally from Czechia and now living in Exeter and working in marketing, said many Brits are too repressed about nudity. He said: 'If you go into a public sauna in England you always need to have swimwear. In continental Europe, people generally are more liberal.' After three hours, the boat returned to the dock and the passengers dressed again… some more reluctantly than others. 11 11
