Our English Channel Crew Experience is a different kind of trip from our usual. It’s aimed specifically at experienced sailors who want to try their hand at heritage sailing and are willing to muck in as part of the Crew. It’s an opportunity to build sailing miles and to understand and appreciate how heavy gaff rigged vessels are handled.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Skipper & professional crew teaching you to sail a 74ft Brixham Trawler
English Channel Crew Experience – For Experienced Sailors Only
Pilgrim’s English Channel Crew Experience is a different kind of trip! It’s aimed specifically at experienced sailors who want to try their hand at heritage sailing and are willing to muck in as part of the Crew. It’s a fantastic opportunity for hobby sailors or modern yacht sailors to gain experience working with a traditional gaff rig. It’s also a brilliant chance for sailors looking to work in the traditional sailing industry to build sailing miles and to understand and appreciate how heavy gaff rigged vessels are handled. It may involve night passages and heavy weather sailing across the English Channel. This trip is not for novices or the inexperienced and the team are happy to record sea miles in your log book. You’ll also be expected to participate with all crew activities. Food will be provided but everyone will work together to prepare it and clear up. You’ll also be expected to keep Pilgrim looking shipshape! If there is a particular aspect traditional sailing you want to learn more about, such as working as a ships cook, sail handling etc please let us know.
You’ll join our experienced Skipper and volunteer crew in the fishing town of Brixham for this opportunity to gain experience while still having fun and building friendships while you work; and you’ll still be able to appreciate the great scenery and marine wildlife.
An Emphasis on Sailing Experience
As ever, the voyage depends on weather, wind and tide! We will aim to cross the English Channel during the trip but may spend a day or so exploring the local coves waiting for the best window to cross. Once across we’ll moor at one of the picturesque harbours in the Channel Islands or on the Brittany Coast, relax for a day or so, and then head back across the Channel. The emphasis is on the sailing rather than the destination! You’ll be part of the crew and, under the Skipper’s direction, will be involved in deciding where to anchor and what you might do.
The Milebuilder or ‘Crew Experience’ trips are only for those guests with sailing experience. While RYA qualifications are not compulsory for this voyage, they (or equivalent experience) are desirable.
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
VOYAGE DESCRIPTION NOTES
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. The Scillies has several anchorages and harbours that suit different directions of swell and wind, but no single anchorage out there can be considered a storm haven, safe in all wind and swell combinations. If the ship is unable to safely reach the Scillies, or you are in the Scillies and the forecast weather takes a turn for the worse, then the skipper may have to seek alternative sailing grounds like mainland Cornwall. They will do there best to provide a voyage similar in spirit and flavour to a voyage based in the Scillies.
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
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.
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.
