IDEAL VOYAGE FOR…

Brest and Douarnenez require crossing the Channel crossing nearly at its widest and the tides run fast around Ushant so you have a tidal race to catch. Night watch shifts will be required on this voyage there and back. This amazing 13 night voyage would suit the adventurous novice and the experienced sailor, or a traditional boat lover who doesn’t want to miss the biggest gathering of traditionally rigge

If you love mingling with people from different nationalities and enjoy putting on a show with all sails set, then this is the perfect fortnight for you. Don’t forget to bring your camera or sketchbook and a willing attitude to sail the Pilgrim with as many of her tan sails up as possible.

You can be part of the Pilgrim’s crew, alongside several thousand boats from around the world, ranging from tall ships to open keel boats and outrigger canoes. Manoeuvring out of Brest harbour to sail in the sheltered inland sea, or reaching across the Douarnenez Bay as you head for the Festival there.

While the Parade of Sail between the two ports will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable sights of your life, this 2-week voyage also offers 200 miles of offshore sailing, thrilling coastal passages with fast tides, the charm of lighthouses, and encounters with Atlantic wildlife.

d boats and tall ships summer.

If you love mixing with all nationalities and like putting on a show and setting all sail then this is the perfect fortnight for you. Bring your camera or sketchbook and a willing attitude to sail Pilgrim with as much of her tan sails up as possible.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• Brest Festival – The Big One – only held once every 4 years.
• Expert Skipper and Crew to show you the ropes
• Delicious meals on board with snack and refreshments 
• Adventure sail crossing the Channel 
• sail down the Chanel du Four Tidal Race
• Be part of the coastal parade of sail to DZ
• Chill out at Temps Fete in Douarnenez 

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Step aboard Brixham Trawler Pilgrim in Brixham, Devon at 1pm, after a welcome briefing and some refreshments you will begin to plan your voyage across the channel to Brittany, aiming for the Atlantic corner of France. Tucked up the Rade du Brest the naval port of Brest has a dominating position and plenty of space for 4000 boats. We all love it at the end of the week where the whole fleet sails on down the limestone coast to the beautiful Breton port of Douarnenez.

Performance Sailing at Brest International Festival

If you have read your Hornblower you can sail the entrance to Brest with many thoughts in your head of how easy to defend this Naval harbour is. A long narrow channel with high land on either side marks the entrance. Beyond is the port and a large inland sea. Brest is perfect for absorbing a huge fleet. The outer breakwater has 2 entrances and during the festival, there are many comings and goings of vessels. Every time you go sailing you and Pilgrim are creating a performance for the crowds.

Out in the Bay the seas are flat but there are bowsprits everywhere and plenty of cut and thrust sailing. Its a photographers’ dream but you do need to lend a hand with the sails as there will be a lot of maneuvering. 

There are more tranquil spots to escape to by boat and chill if it all gets a bit too much. Big rivers stretch deep inland and small villages line the Rade de Brest.

In Brest Port in the evenings, there is plenty to do ashore, with music and illuminated parades of sail. Fireworks feature at all French Festivals.

What is Douarnenez Like?

Douarnenez Festival Temps Fête, will begin on the 10th of July in 2020. This more intimate French Festival of the Sea is a mecca for wooden boat lovers, photographers and artists who love to soak up the scene of a sea of masts and working boats alongside wooden wharves or in the historic fishing port of Rosmeur. It is also an active festival for crews with lots of activities, races and sailing re-enactments out on the water. The medieval streets are a perfect venue for musicians and ship’s crew who want to step back in time to an era where fishing and trade was under sail and boats dried out alongside stone quays.

Douarnenez itself has two ports: The old fishing port, on one side of the town and the river basin, Port de Rhu, with its wooden wharves and waterside bars on the other. The town is medieval in origin and has fascinating architecture and narrow streets.

The French are brilliant at creating a spectacle and they encourage vessels to take part in races and sailing demonstrations each day, so you will much more than a nautical tourist. The skills you have learnt sailing Pilgrim down to Douarnenez will be put to good practice as Pilgrim and numerous traditional boats with bowsprits manoeuvre out of harbour each day for a spot of action on the water.

Summer Sailing- A taste of Deep Water Sailing for Pilgrim

From Douarnenez Pilgrim will have to catch the tide up the coast, perhaps popping into Cameret or one of the small seaside villages en route. If the prevailing wind is from SW or W you should have fast sail home to Brixham. The passage across can take between 24 and 36 hours so during this time you will be working on a watch system, help to raise the sails, manoeuvre the ship and keep an eye on the busy shipping lanes Sailing through the night is a fantastic experience with just the stars to guide you (as well as navigation equipment and charts). If you would like to learn more about navigation at sea, then this would be the perfect opportunity under the expert guidance of the fully qualified crew. 

On all our voyages, our cooks will make you fresh delicious meals on board, whatever the weather. The chance to visit French ports means they can dip into the delights offered by French markets or seafood ashore.  Our berth price includes all meals but you are welcome to step ashore and enjoy a meal in a local restaurant (make sure you bring some euros with you). 

 

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 below 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.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Pilgrim

Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals to include refreshments throughout the day
• Bed linen, duvet, pillows

What is not included

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Towels
• Travel Insurance (see below)

What to Bring

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

Pilgrim does not provide waterproofs. So you need to bring waterproof jacket and trousers. These don't have to be sailing waterproofs. Any good outdoor waterproofs should keep you warm and dry. If you are sailing on a longer voyage or in early spring or autumn you will find the sailing or mountaineering salopette type waterproof trousers will keep you warmer than walking trousers with waist. If you need any advice please ring us on 01872 580022

Please Note: Pilgrim requires ‘Insurance for more than 12 miles offshore’ on all trips of more than 1 night. This is because on these longer trips they often need to go offshore to reach the destination. E.g. Start Point to the Helford may involve us tacking south of the Eddystone Light. Classic Sailing require all guests to take out adequate and appropriate insurance on all voyages longer than a daysail. If you're sailing on a multi day voyage with Pilgrim please ensure your insurance covers Pilgrims above requirements. If you need any advice please ring us on 01872 580022

Please pack:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• 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.
• Swim suit, towel, and suntan lotion.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes.
• Sailing boots or wellies as the sea can come over deck if rough*.
• (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.
• Scillies trips – Walking boots are useful and can be these can be worn on Pilgrims deck too
• A small rucksack is useful for going ashore – especially on sailing and walking and Scillies voyages.
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
• Passport for French Voyages, Reciprocal Free Health Care card in Europe.
• Please bring a passport on French trips or any 6 day voyage like Scillies where France could be an alternative venue.
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasick tablets - 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.

Pilgrim does not always have wine bottles for sale on board so you are welcome to bring modest quantities of alcohol e.g. to drink with evening meals, but drinking whilst sailing is not allowed.

 

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

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

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.

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