| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 15-10-2024, 14:00Baiona, Spain | Tue 22-10-2024, 11:00Cascais, Portugal | Grayhound | 7 Nights | GR151024 |
Join Grayhound on a thrilling sailing journey from Baiona, Spain, to Cascais, Portugal. Over eight days and 250 nautical miles, you’ll actively participate in sailing a traditional Cornish Lugger, experience the beauty of the Iberian coast, and encounter marine wildlife. With no prior sailing experience required, this trip offers a unique blend of adventure, hands-on learning, and cultural immersion.
This voyage is perfectly suited for adventurers seeking a hands-on sailing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice eager to learn the ropes, Grayhound offers an authentic slice of maritime life. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate history, wildlife, and stunning natural landscapes.
| Vessel type / Rig | Three Masted Lugger |
| Guest Berths | 8-10 |
| Beam | 19ft |
| Draft | 10.75ft |
| Deck Length | 64ft |
| Overall Length | 108ft |
| Tonnage | 56 tons |
| Year Built | 2012 |
GRAYHOUND is one of the largest sailing luggers in the world today. She was built in Cornwall in 2012 and has a 20m long hull, is 33m overall and a canvas area of 470 square meters. The original plans were those of a three masted lugger from 1776. Luggers from that time were built for speed and swiftness ideal for privateering, smuggling…or for hunting the latter! “Pirate hand-break turns” and cannon firing is always on the menu on Grayhound!
As voyage crew, you do not have to have any prior sailing experience or knowledge to join on Grayhound. A positive attitude and a wish for adventure is all! Our experienced crew will make sure that you comfortably and eagerly hoist the sails, make fast the ropes, participate in the manoeuvres, steer the ship and ready the anchor. It is all hands-on and you will be a crucial part of getting to our desired destination. You will learn fast while enjoying the feeling of freedom the ship offers as you get humbled by the sea.
Some of the trips are more demanding than others. Make sure to read the voyage descriptions properly before you book your adventure. If you feel unsure please contact us and ask for further information. Classic Sailing +44 1326 53 1234
Baiona is rich in maritime history, notably for being the first town in Europe to receive news of the discovery of America. If you’re able to arrive a day or two early for your voyage, consider spending some time exploring this charming coastal town. You could visit the Monterreal Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding seas. Alternatively, amble along the scenic walks by the bay, or indulge in the local seafood cuisine at a seafront restaurant.
When you’re ready to join the ship, Grayhound’s friendly international crew will welcome you aboard and help you get settled in. As you leave the harbour, the open sea beckons!
As you sail from Baiona to Cascais, you’ll pass the rugged beauty of Galicia’s cliffs and the idyllic beaches of northern Portugal. The Atlantic waters here are a playground for marine life; keep your eyes peeled for dolphins frolicking alongside the ship and, with some luck, the occasional whale. On clearer nights, the lack of light pollution will allow you to witness a sky densely sprinkled with stars. If conditions allow, you might drop anchor near a secluded Portuguese archipelago, where the waters are ideal for snorkeling or diving.
Upon arriving in Cascais, take the opportunity to wander through its labyrinth of historic streets. Treat yourself to traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau or enjoy a sweet pastel de nata at a local bakery. If your schedule permits, a short train ride to Lisbon offers a deep dive into Portuguese culture and history, from exploring iconic landmarks to experiencing the melancholic tunes of fado music in an authentic Lisbon bar.
October brings relatively stable weather to the Iberian coastline, with mild temperatures and a moderate sea breeze ideal for sailing. While the region is not known for severe weather at this time of year, always prepare for the possibility of a brisk Atlantic wind. The waters are typically calm, but be ready to embrace the adventure that comes with sailing on the open sea.
October brings relatively stable weather to the Iberian coastline, with mild temperatures and a moderate sea breeze ideal for sailing. While the region is not known for severe weather at this time of year, always prepare for the possibility of a brisk Atlantic wind. The waters are typically calm, but be ready to embrace the adventure that comes with sailing on the open sea.
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. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.
If you’re flying in from the UK, you can take a direct flight to Vigo Airport, the closest airport to Baiona. From there, Baiona is just a short taxi ride, bus journey, or car drive away. For those who fancy a more leisurely approach, ferries operate from the UK to Northern Spain, allowing tourists to drive to Baiona while soaking up the scenic beauty of Spain.
For travellers from other parts of Europe, both direct and connecting flights are available to Vigo Airport. Additionally, Baiona is accessible through the European train network, particularly for those travelling from neighbouring countries such as France or Portugal.
For visitors from North America, while direct flights to Vigo might be limited, there are abundant connecting flights via other major Spanish cities, like Madrid or Barcelona. The same goes for tourists coming from Australia; most will transit through key European cities such as London or Madrid.
Vigo also serves as a primary railway station, linking Baiona with the rest of Spain. Those who prefer bus or coach travel will find frequent services running between Vigo and other major Spanish cities, and local buses provide seamless connections between Vigo and Baiona.
For tourists who are keen on driving, Baiona is easily accessible by car. The journey, especially down Spain’s western coast, is replete with picturesque views. And if parking is a concern, the website JustPark (https://www.justpark.com/) is an excellent resource to find and reserve parking spaces in Baiona.
History:
One of the crown jewels of Baiona’s historical legacy is the Monterreal Fortress. Standing as a testament to the town’s rich past, it offers panoramic vistas of the town and the nearby Cies Islands. Those keen on maritime history must visit the Museum of Navigation to learn about the voyages of the Pinta, one of Christopher Columbus’s ships.
Culture:
The essence of Baiona’s culture is best experienced during the Arribada Festival. This event celebrates the return of the Pinta, and the town comes alive with medieval markets, traditional Spanish music, and enthralling costume parades.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor:
Baiona’s marina is a great spot to head to the Cies Islands. It’s a sailor’s paradise, the bay, with its captivating coastal views, offers various sailing tours that allow visitors to explore the coastline and nearby islands.
Entertainment:
By night, Baiona transforms into a hub of entertainment. The town boasts a myriad of bars, pubs, and clubs that play everything from traditional Flamenco to modern hits. Regular Flamenco nights are a treat for dance enthusiasts.
Eating Out:
When it comes to food, Baiona is a gastronomic delight. The town, especially renowned for its seafood, offers delicacies like fresh oysters and octopus. A walk through the cobbled streets of the old town reveals a plethora of tapas bars and traditional Spanish restaurants that promise a culinary journey.
Nature:
Nature lovers can revel in the lush rainforests around Baiona or take up hiking in the tranquil surroundings of Monte Boi. The Cies Islands, part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, are home to dream-like beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Unique Features:
What truly sets Baiona apart is its perfect blend of history and modernity. The potential UNESCO World Heritage status of the Cies Islands, coupled with the town’s historical landmarks and its modern-day vibrancy, ensures that Baiona remains an unparalleled tourist destination.
By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.
Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.
UK:
One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.
North America:
In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.
Europe:
A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.
Australia:
“Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.
Note
Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.
If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.
The ships exact location in port is often controlled by the port authorities and they will only allocate a docking position a few days before. You will be informed as soon as possible of their exact joining location. Any changes will be communicated to you before your voyage start date. Make sure you make a note of the ship’s number found in your confirmation email in case of any problems on the day.
Sailing on Grayhound in the Caribbean, March 2024
James recently shared his feedback from his voyage on Grayhound, sailing from St. Lucia to Guadeloupe from 6th to 12th March. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience, rating it as amazing, but he felt the need to share some insights.
The crew comprised 11 people, including a professional skipper, a young mate, a cook, and the boat's Swedish owners, Willie and Oscar. The passengers included two Americans, Connor and Leah, along with James and Nigel Sharp, who was there to write an article about the trip. A young couple joined as volunteer crew but lacked experience, which somewhat impacted the dynamics.
James appreciated the diverse age range and found the mixed sleeping arrangements manageable, though he noted the challenges of sleeping in tropical heat. His prior experience on classic boats like Pilgrim and Johanna Lucretia helped him enjoy working on the boat, though he advises that physical fitness is essential for activities like using the hand winch and rowing in the Caribbean heat.
A significant aspect of the trip was the administrative process of checking into each Caribbean island, which James found somewhat tedious. He also highlighted that Grayhound is a vegetarian boat, which, while not a major issue for him, did limit the culinary experience of the Caribbean.
Despite some minor issues, James emphasises that future passengers should be prepared for a more casual and less professional experience on Grayhound, compared to other vessels. He always felt safe and enjoyed the boat's beauty, describing the atmosphere at times as akin to a 'happy hippy expedition'. The owners' approach to running Grayhound as a business seemed more focused on enjoyment, including evenings with drinks and beach BBQ’s.
Overall, James is grateful for the experience and open to future sailing adventures. He also stayed on in the Caribbean for an extra week, offering to share his discoveries with others. He's curious about Nigel Sharp's upcoming article in Classic Boat, noting Nigel's mixed impressions during the trip.
This is a summary of the comments by James March 2024
Thank you so much to all the Grayhound crew for an unforgettable adventure. I cannot imagine a kinder and better crew with which to sail.
Caroline
Thanks all for a great time, I really enjoyed it. Fastest Channel crossing I have managed!
Barney
An unforgettable experience
Jonathon
We've had two idyllic sailing trips. One particularly fantastic day scrambling over big volcanic rocks down a deep craggy valley to a black sand beach with dramatically high cliffs. Grayhound was waiting, attracting attention because she's so beautiful and unique. Swimming out to her in the clear waters o the Atlantic rates as one of life's highlights.
Grayhound Guest
Fantastic, exhilarating and an honour to be on such a ship.
Des
Excellent company of genuine all round sailors. The wind in my face and the swell beneath. 5 stars for welcome, accommodation on board, safety, quality of sailing, food, skipper and crew.
Barry
Outstanding and unforgettable experience. Loved learning the lug rig, meeting the crew and other guests, playing an active role on board.
Charlie
Brilliant sail on an interesting boat with friendly and knowledgeable people.
Steve
Three masted lugger Grayhound is a unique sight and a joy to take photos of. Not only does she look very unusual as it is a rig not seen much now, she has a mission to deliver cargoes under sail, so she is the darling of the press. 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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