The drowned river valleys of Devon and Cornwall make it easy for deep draft vessels like Pilgrim to sail into harbours and give the tourists and locals ashore a visual treat. It is very satisfying sailing right into Dartmouth, Salcombe, Helford River or Falmouth on a working girl from 1895. If you slip into these ports in the evening as light is falling it is easy to be transported back to the last century.
If you anchor off the beautifully rugged and un-developed South Coast there are still many secret spots where you have the anchorage to yourself. Ashore you might not be able to spot a house or a ploughed field, and at night you can see the stars without light pollution.
Devon as a Sailing Destination Cornwall as a sailing destination
Pilgrim has a good mix of shorter 2-3 day voyages which make affordable presents for friends or relatives that love sailing or want to give it a go. Classic Sailing can help arrange surprise birthday experiences or you can buy gift vouchers of any value that can be used on Pilgrim or any of the Classic Sailing Fleet (lasts 3 years).
Devon has a good reputation for its food, local produce and Brixham is a working fishing port landing fresh fish every day. There are a lot of food festivals locally to celebrate the ‘Taste of the West’ so Pilgrim likes to make an appearance at seafood and crab festivals, Real Ale and Music events in places like Dartmouth and Salcombe.
In the summer holidays Pilgrim will be going further afield, sailing to Paimpol French Festival
Pilgrim French Sailing Programme
Pilgrim was the first in the fleet to offer a Day Sail, Bed and Breakfast Combination, which are proving very popular. Perhaps you are already planning a land based holiday in Devon and fancy extending your stay an extra night. If you are a newcomer to sailing, or not sure if you would enjoy a residential sailing voyage, then trying only one night after an exciting days sailing is a way to break you in gently. The bunks have linen and duvets and Pilgrim supplies waterproofs if you need them, so all you have to do is give it a go.
