Our Afternoon Sailing Experience provides a lovely afternoon out in our delightful bay and is a great introduction to heritage vessels. Torbay is known as the English Riviera with good reason. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark recognised for its unique coastal landscape. Your short sail will give you a taster of traditional sailing – we hope you’ll come back for more! You’ll sail in the sheltered waters of Torbay stretching from Berry Head in the South to Hopes Nose.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Great Gift Idea
Tea, coffee, squash, and a traditional Devon cream tea
Our Half Day Sails provide a lovely morning or afternoon out in the delightful bay and is a great introduction to heritage vessels. Torbay is known as the English Riviera with good reason. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark recognised for its unique coastal landscape. Your cruise provides a ‘taster’ of traditional sailing in the sheltered waters of the bay stretching from Berry Head in the South to Hopes Nose in the north and encompassing the resorts Brixham, Paignton, Torquay.
Sailing on Pilgrim is a unique and exhilarating experience
Not only will you have a superb few hours sailing this 1895 Brixham Trawler in her historic stomping grounds , but you will see how Victorian fishermen handled these heavy and powerful vessels. You will be able to assist the crew to sail Pilgrim in the traditional manner yet benefit from the modern guest facilities we have on board.
Your sailing will start and end in the historic fishing port of Brixham at the southern end of Torbay. Brixham is often referred to as the ‘mother of trawling’ as it was at the heart of the development of the sailing trawler and is still England’s most productive fishing port to this day. It is bustling now, as it was then, and the harbour is still characterised by quaint colourful fishermen’s cottages and scores of fishing boats.
Where will we go?
As soon as your Torbay Half Day Sail gets underway, you will be able to savour the delights of Torbay. The climate is mild, the sunshine record is coveted and the scenery is breathtaking. Whether we stay in the bay or go further out, you will be able to appreciate the scenery, wildlife and the amazing feeling of just being propelled by the wind in the sails. There’s nothing quite like it
Pilgrim and Grayhound off Berry Head by Peter Hunt
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
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 below, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description above is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage.
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.
Start & End Port
Brixham, UK
Joining or leaving point.
Assemble towards the end of the Events Pontoon Red Point above. Zoom in to your ship!
For Pilgrim, your boat will be berthed on Brixham Town Pontoon, on the east side of Brixham Harbour, opposite The Prince William Pub. Your joining times can be found on your confirmation email.
The boats can be recognised as follows:
PILGRIM Black hull and bulwarks with yellow stripe
What to pack for a sailing holiday on Pilgrim - Day Sail
Included
Sailing Instruction
Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
Light Refreshments, buffet lunch on full day sail
Devon Cream tea on afternoon half day sail
What is not included
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Alcoholic beverages
Review
Had a brilliant trip-many thanks to the crew!
Anonymous happy customer - July 2023
A fabulous first experience on a beautiful old ship. Skipper and crew were amazing. As was the food! Great Boat, Great Team, Great company. I would love to make a return trip and would highly recommend Pilgrim to anyone out there who is thinking about it. Sign up now! But leave a space for me please 🙂
Richard
Had an awesome time. Crew was superb and professional. Pilgrim is in fabulous shape.
Chris
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
Eddie P - Pilgrim Guest Feedback Photo
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
Vessel Gallery
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.
