Brixham Sailing Trawler Explores Cornwall

IDEAL VOYAGE FOR

Cornwall provides a great opportunity to see the Cornish coastline at its best. As Pilgrim has wide decks and professional team to take the helm and to help raise the sails this is a perfect voyage for beginners and experienced sailors alike. 

 

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• 74ft length on deck historic sailing trawler
• South West expert.
• Friendly and helpful instruction
• Freshly cooked food and accommodation all onboard.
• Comfortable berths

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Pilgrim is a regular visitor to Falmouth and the West Country and the crew are very much at home in the Cornish waters and she is often seen sailing along the south west coast and always receives a warm welcome when visiting local ports. She can take up to 10 guest crew and there is plenty of room for all on her wide decks. 

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but no destination is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. 

Joining and departing Pilgrim in Falmouth, a historic and active port, have a look around the area before you board, visit the National Maritime Museum Cornwall or the Tudor Pendennis Castle overlooking the Fal.

From Falmouth, the opportunities of where to sail are endless, you might head up the Fal and explore the river, or anchor in the picturesque Helford River. If the conditions suit, you might make your way east to Fowey and Polruan. The two towns of Fowey and lesser known Polruan sit on opposite banks. Both have narrow streets, quaint pubs with great river views, and plenty to see on the water.

Although there is no fixed itinerary, you will most likely explore the coastline, visit secluded anchorages, have chance to wander ashore in seaside villages and towns as well as sit back and relax on board this wonderful vessel as she sails. Under full sail Pilgrim is quite a spectacle and in heavier winds, her versatile ketch rig ensures she is well balanced for all conditions. 

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

The Lizard Peninsula protects Falmouth Bay from much of the SW swell, and if the wind blows from the North West or North you have plenty of flat water sailing all along the coast from Lands End to Plymouth.  The drowned river valleys or rias offer a tranquil escape if conditions off the coast get a bit too sporting.  Tucked up the Fal, Helford or Fowey river you can enjoy the wildlife in the oak woods and salt marshes or find a waterside inn.

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail.

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

AGILITY & FITNESS

Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01872 58 00 22 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

 

Included

• Sailing Instruction 
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses) 
• All meals to include refreshments throughout the day
• Bed linen, duvet, pillows 

What is not included 

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Towels

What to Bring

Please limit yourself to one soft bag or rucksack as there is limited storage space on board. No suitcases please! 

Pilgrim does not provide waterproofs. So you need to bring waterproof jacket and trousers These don't have to be sailing waterproofs. Any good outdoor waterproofs should keep you warm and dry. If you are sailing on a longer voyage or in early spring or autumn you will find the sailing or mountaineering salopette type waterproof trousers will keep you warmer than walking trousers with waist. If you need any advice please ring us on 01872 580022

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Hats for sun and cold weather.
• At least two sets of warm clothes - layers e.g. tracksuit bottoms, shirts, fleece jacket, wool jumpers, thick socks, and neck scarf. It can get cold at sea even in mid summer.
• Swim suit, towel, and suntan lotion.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes.
• Sailing boots or wellies as the sea can come over deck if rough*.
• (An alternative to boots in summer is to bring another pair of flat shoes with a good grip in case the first pair get wet).
• All terrain type sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
• Scillies trips – Walking boots are useful and can be these can be worn on Pilgrims deck too
• A small rucksack is useful for going ashore – especially on sailing and walking and Scillies voyages.
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
• Passport for French Voyages, Reciprocal Free Health Care card in Europe.
• Please bring a passport on French trips or any 6 day voyage like Scillies where France could be an alternative venue.
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasick tablets - check with your Doctor, which brand if you suffer asthma or are on medication.
• RYA Cruising Logbook or similar if you want to log your sailing experience e.g. sea miles, night hours
• Musical instruments are always welcome.

Pilgrim does not always have wine bottles for sale on board so you are welcome to bring modest quantities of alcohol e.g. to drink with evening meals, but drinking whilst sailing is not allowed.

 

Lovely boat and great crew. No question was too daft. A highly enjoyable education.

SG

This was my first voyage on a tall ship and I had no previous experience of sailing. The crew were wonderful - friendly, calm and patiently explained and gave me confidence to help with sailing the boat. They also helped to build a warm, friendly and fun atmosphere among all of us onboard. I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to sail on Pilgrim again.

Annette

Sailing on Pilgrim was amazing. I loved every moment, she is totally beautiful. Swimming ashore and snorkelling. Building a fire on the beach. I love the freedom and peace being on the water, it's so natural and relaxing. I had such a great time with a great bunch of people.

Di

I can't wait for the next time- sailing on Pilgrim isn't just a holiday, it's an adventure full of new experiences, friendship, laughter and fun.

Kate

A super day assisted by lovely sun and cloud, sheer joy at being on the water.

Penny

Fantastic few days sailing on Pilgrim, the experience was well past my expectations and this was the result of the crew who all worked very hard in making this an unforgettable experience.

April

Wow, what can I say about my first trip on the beautiful Pilgrim with Classic Sailing? It was amazing! I am still smiling about the utterly brilliant weekend. I booked this trip as a bit of an escape from the day to day normal life on the land and it was well worth it. I returned home more relaxed, a little sunburnt, but wanting to just jump straight back on board! I t was great fun being allowed to be involved in raising the sails and learning a bit of history about the vessel. If you hare thinking about booking a voyage, be it a day trip, weekend or longer... do it! I could not recommend it more highly and as a single traveller I also felt at ease and safe while on the whole voyage.

Kate

Brilliant, fantastic, I could not have wished for better. The crew couldn't do enough for us and made the day even more special. If you want to do something a bit different for a big birthday and something that your guests will talk about for a long time then I would highly recommend Pilgrim.

Sophie

Pilgrim is a fantastic heritage project that deserves everyones support. I have sailed on her twice now and on both occasions the party has had a most wonderful sailing experience. Get out there and appreciate her!

Terry

The trip was one of the best experiences of my life and something I will never forget. Food was wonderful... beds were comfy... crew were faultless and very knowledgeable about the boat and its history. You can tell they have a true passion for their jobs. I would certainly return again and will be recommending to all I know!

Tashargh

Restored Brixham Sailing Trawler Pilgrim in action and images. Photos from Classic Sailing customers, ships crew and professional photographers. We hope it gives a flavour of her sailing, life on board, the people that come, her beautiful sailing grounds and what it is like to live below decks.

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