Saint Nazaire to Penzance Cargo Run on Grayhound GR280523

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Wed 07-06-2023, 15:00St Nazaire, Brittany	Fri 09-06-2023, 11:00Penzance, Cornwall	Grayhound	2 Nights	GR070623

Voyage Description

An Introduction to Grayhound

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

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

When you think of ‘Traditional Sailing’, images of romantic hazy summer days, bare feet on a worn wooded deck and the creaking of ropes come to mind. While that is the case for many of our voyages, traditional boats were built for traditional purposes and getting cargo from A-B was one of the main ones! You will not get closer to experiencing the life of traditional sailing than a cargo run with Grayhound. A unique chance to partake in an eco-cargo, wind-powered delivery of wine, beer, clothes or other dry merchandise. Just like the luggers 250 years ago Grayhound will deliver merchandise of high demand from one country to another cross Channel. The only difference is that Grayhound of today carries a cargo license!

This is a full hands-on sailing voyage as we sail from Saint Nazaire to Penzance crossing the channel with many names. We will sail over one of the busiest sailing and shipping routes in the world. This exciting trip puts you at the heart of the crew. You’ll get to be involved almost all aspects of sailing the ship – day or night and loading and landing the cargo. You need to be physically fit and in good health. If we deliver beer or wine you will of course have a chance to taste the goods once they are delivered and the mission is complete!

It’s not all hard work and no play. Once underway, you can take in the views of the stunning coast of Brittany. You’ll pass the bustling seaport of Lorient – a city who’s name is derived from Le Soleil d’Orient, the first ship constructed at the site, in 1669. Further North you pass the ports of Duarnenez and Brest – both meccas for traditional sailing vessels like Grayhound.

Keep a look out for pods of dolphins before you cross the channel bound for Penzance.

Penzance is infamous for its smuggling past! Visit the Admiral Benbow pub while you’re there. Built in 1600’s, you’ll see the look boy out on the roof, keeping watch for the revenue officers. Inside it’s decorated with maritime artefacts rescued from numerous shipwrecked vessels which foundered on the Cornish coast during the last 400 years. Legend has it a water well in the grounds hides a secret tunnel down to a cave on the shore.

Grayhound with Classic Sailing — Grayhound under full sail

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Brittany faces on to the Atlantic Ocean, and out at sea conditions can get a little choppy. However Brittany coastline offers endless places to shelter whatever the weather. Not having a fixed itinerary also allows the Skipper to plan according to the latest forecast, maximising comfortable sailing in beautiful locations.

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. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.

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.

the crew of grayhound loading barrels of rum onto the ship's deck. sail cargo voyages and adventure holidays with classic sailing — Teamwork & a sense of achievement

Start & End Port

St Nazaire, Brittany

St Nazaire is a fascinating port, steeped in Maritime History with a long shipbuilding tradition. The beaches around the coast are lovely too, especially Les Jaunais to the West (which can be reached via the old customs officer’s path) or Saint-Marc-sur-Mer to the East, made famous by Jacques Tati’s 1951 film ‘Mr Hulot’s Holiday’.

Adam Purser

Penzance, Cornwall

Penzance harbour is the home port of the Car and Passenger Ferry to the Scillies. There is only one ferry called the Scillionian – a very distinctive white vessel that moors up on the seaward Pier to the Penzance Wet Dock. If the ferry is in port you can usually see it accross the harbour from the Penzance Railway Station car park.

The outer harbour is tidal and dries out to mud so the wet dock is the place that Classic Sailing vessels will use to start or end your voyage, so if you head for the Penzance – Scilly Ferry on foot or follow the road signs for the Scillionian Ferry you will find the Wet Dock. Next door is the famous Penzance Swimming Lido with bright blue flags.

The Penzance Wet Dock has a lock gate that can only be entered 1.5 hrs before or after high water, and the entrance is exposed to Southerly or SE gales, so it is possible the skipper of your vessel may have to dock in the nearby fishing port of Newlyn.

Kit List

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Grayhound

What is included

Duvets, linen, pillows
Sailing instruction
All meals on board (professional chef)
Tea, coffee, biscuits, fruit and day time snacks.
Night watch snacks (if applicable)
You don't have to do the cleaning, but help with the washing up is always appreciated.
Waterproof and insulated jackets and trousers
Life Jacket and safety equipment, we also have child automatic life jackets.
Charging facilities for phones, cameras and tablets etc.

What is not included

Towels
Travel to joining port
Tours, shore expeditions with any hire vehicle or local guide (optional & shared costs)
Personal travel insurance See Topsail Insurance LINK
There is no bar on board so you might like to bring a bottle or two of wine to enjoy with meals. You can also buy organic sailed cargo wine, red, white and rose onboard.

What to Bring

Don't forget, Grayhound is 108ft overall so she will not always fit into small yacht marinas and she will often have to anchor off in the bay or port. Be prepared to get into a small boat with your luggage and pack sensibly protecting any vulnerable items like cameras. Grayhound has waterproof and insulated flotation jackets and trousers on board which are very warm. In summer or hot locations you may wish to bring some lightweight waterproofs. Even in the Caribbean you can get tropical downpours or spray on deck when sailing in strong winds. A mobile phone so you can ring the ship in an emergency or if you are running late on joining day. Also it means we can contact you if we have to change the joining port for any reason. Grayhound's phone number will always be supplied with your balance confirmation e-mail. Shoes with a good grip for deck & aloft Rubber Boots or second pair of shoes for wet weather or getting in/out of dinghies Swim suit & beach towel. You are welcome to bring snorkel and mask - especially worth it in the Caribbean or Cape Verde. Suntan lotion & sunglasses - consider sunblock and lip salve protection in Canaries, Cape Verde, Trans Altantic, Caribbean. Sun hat / warm hat, scarves, gloves Clothes that dry quickly. Mix of warm, waterproof & windproof layers Small rucksack for going ashore Travel insurance documents/tickets Personal medicines/ spectacles Spending money/passport Camera/binoculars etc Phone chargers. 240 generator on board UK three pin sockets. We welcome musical instruments and you can plug in ipods or CDs into ships stereo. There are storage areas for each bunk . Please pack in a soft rucksack or bag. A torch is useful as a few baggage spaces are at the foot of bunks with reading light at other end. There is no alcohol to buy on board, so you are welcome to bring a bottle or two to drink with meals. If you decide to buy some on arrival You can also buy Grayhound t shirts, mugs and Breton tops from our ship's shop we accept pounds or euros.

Review

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

learning to steer at a young age on Grayhound

Vessel Gallery

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.