A Week Exploring Cornwall & Brittany

IDEAL VOYAGE FOR…

Anyone keen to explore the beautiful coasts of Cornwall and Brittany, with time to explore.

New and experienced sailors who’d love the challenge of two Channel crossings, helping Phoenix’s professional crew to get the most out of this stunning tall ship.

Those who are after a proper sailing adventure, with great variety, who only have a week to spare.

East up the Cornish Coast

You’ll join Phoenix in Falmouth and have an evening to settle in, getting to know your fellow sailors over dinner and enjoying your first cosy night on board. The following morning you’ll set sail East up the Cornish Coast for the picturesque fishing town of Mevagissey. Anchoring off, there’s plenty to explore ashore, as Mevagissey celebrates its annual Feast Week. Live music, great food, local cider and a sense of celebration. A fantastic way to round off your first day’s sailing.

Across the Channel to Brittany

Everything you learned on your first day of coasting will come in handy as Phoenix weighs anchor and sets a course across the English Channel to Brittany. Sailing out of sight of land is a great experience, and although the French coast will appear before too long, it reminds you that this is indeed an epic seafaring adventure in miniature!

On arrival in Brittany, you’ll explore the rugged coastline under sail, finding the most picturesque anchorages and stopovers. Time to explore ashore, too, and immerse yourself in the local culture. The Bretons love traditional seafaring, and Phoenix will be greeted with waves and smiles wherever she goes.

Homeward Bound

A North-bound Channel crossing rounds off your week on board. Arriving back into Falmouth with scenic views of Pendennis Castle and St Anthony’s Lighthouse, you’ll be amazed how much you’ve learned in 7 days. A final celebratory dinner on board with the crew is the perfect chance to relive your adventure among new friends. Stepping ashore the next morning you may feel the slight wobble of land-sickness. This will fade, but the memories won’t.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Any Channel crossing has the potential to be choppy but Phoenix is a heavy wooden ship and will keep you safe and sound. Along the North Brittany and Channel Isles coasts the tides are fast and can create confused seas. Once around the corner of the North Brittany coast the land creates some shelter from Atlantic swell.

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.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

– Sailing instruction from the professional crew

– All meals and soft drinks on board

– Bedding

– All safety equipment

– An unforgettable holiday!

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

– Travel to and from the voyage

– Alcoholic beverages (alcoholic drinks are available to buy on board, but consumption of alcohol is always at the discretion of the Skipper, and Phoenix is a ‘dry ship’ whilst underway)

– Towels

– Waterproofs

– Personal Travel Insurance

– Any excursions ashore

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Phoenix

Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals on board & refreshments throughout the day
• Soft drinks on board
• Bed linen, duvet, pillows
• A real adventure!

What is not included

• Toiletries
• Alcoholic beverages (these can be purchased on board- consumption is at the discretion of the Skipper)
• Towels
• Wellie boots
• Waterproof jackets & trousers 

What to Bring

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

Phoenix does not provide waterproof jacket and trousers to guest sailors, so please bring a properly waterproof jacket and trousers on all voyages. These don't have to be expensive sailing oilskins, walking and cycling waterproofs are usually adequate and much lighter to pack, so there really is no need to buy a coastal sailing jacket (unless you really want an excuse to invest in your future sailing). If you need any advice, or lack of a jacket is preventing you participating, contact Classic Sailing.

• Proof of Covid 19 vaccination dates & status (See our terms & conditions: Basically to be safe for all guests and crew in a confined space we ask that you keep your covid vaccination status up to date with appropriate boosters. All crew and volunteers will be expected to be vaccinated too). This is especially important for any trips outside UK waters.
• Passport for European or Ireland Voyages, Reciprocal Free Health Care card in Europe.
• 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. If you'd like to climb the rig, make sure you bring some clothes that you don't mind getting a little tar-stained!
• Swim suit, towel, and suntan lotion.
• A wetsuit for wild swimming if you would like to bring one.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes.
• Sailing boots or wellies 
• (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.
• Walking boots are useful and can be these can be worn on deck too
• A small rucksack is useful for going ashore
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets and/or pressure point wristbands- 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!

 

A truly memorable experience on an iconic tall ship. The crew were outstanding - welcoming, cheerful and thoroughly professional. A novice sailor, I nonetheless found myself accepted and encouraged to participate fully in sailing the ship from hauling on the sheets to going aloft. I hope I'm fortunate enough to sail with them again.

Peter

Good accommodation, professional and helpful crew, very good food!

Anon