Steal the Show at Falmouth Classics

Falmouth Classics had over 200 vessels racing last year, so this more relaxed way of joining in the action without racing is great for photographers and artists. The ambience ashore with the shanty festival in full swing is great for live music fans after a fun day sailing, but it is nice to have the freedom to escape it too. Phoenix is not racing and will pick and choose the best bits to see in Falmouth Bay and when to escape to simply sail along the Cornish coastline at a lovely time of year. Learn the ropes, take the helm and to help raise the sails: this is a perfect voyage for beginners and experienced sailors alike.

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

View Falmouth Classics – Out on the Water

Phoenix will be a real eye-catcher at Falmouth Classics. This popular Cornish sailing event attracts several hundred classic boats and wooden tall ships to Falmouth Harbour and for a 3 day weekend the whole fleet comes out to race each day or take part in a parade of sail. 

If you love to take photos then Pendennis and St Mawes Castle and the green fields and woods of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provide a stunning backdrop for your images. There is plenty of sailing action on Phoenix for the sailing enthusiast to make her look stunning and keep her safe amongst all the sailing boats, but much more chilled than being involved in the racing.

The other benefit of not racing morning and afternoon is you can stop properly for lunch and there are plenty of vantage point anchorages where you can still watch the racing. Alternatively you can escape up the river Fal or Helford and enjoy nature and peace.

Dip into the Shanty Festival -or not

The International Shanty Festival on the waterfronts around Falmouth can be experienced as full on music event or as mellow as you like. There are over 20 venues and 60 music groups from all over the world. On the moored up boats in the marinas, impromptu musical sessions occur.

You can listen to the fiddles, Breton pipes, singing in a big crowd on the waterfront, dip into one of the more obscure pub sessions, or just find a quieter spot in the evening sun to listen to the music at a more background level. When it is time to call it a day, Phoenix’s deep draft and thick oak timbers mean that once below decks you will hardly know there is a party still going on.

If everyone wants to escape the festivities in Falmouth then there are plenty of beautiful anchorages to sail to in the late afternoon.

Explore the Roseland and Lizard Coast

Falmouth has attractive sailing grounds all around it which is why the port is such a mecca for discerning boat owners,. Blue waters, rugged cliffs, breezy headlands and secret coves are all around you. Within a couple of hours sailing from the racing activities of Falmouth Classics is Gull Rock with its breeding guillimots and razorbills, St Mawes Bay, the oak lined Falmouth River and waterside pubs and walks amongst bluebells and egrets in Helford River.

A slightly longer romp down the Lizard Coast takes you past the famous Manacles reef and into prime basking shark territory. Anchorages at Porthallow, Coverack or Cadgewith are all working fishing villages and steeped in maritime history. The softer coast to the East has more picture postcard seaside villages like Portscatho (wave at Classic Sailing Office). Portloe, Gorran Haven, Mevagissey.

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 01326 53 1234 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 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!