| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 25-06-2023, 12:00Falmouth, Cornwall | Tue 27-06-2023, 12:00Falmouth, Cornwall | Pilgrim | 2 Nights | PM250623 |
This Falmouth Coastal and River Adventure is an exceptional opportunity to explore the south coast of Cornwall – you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as you meander around the antient and stunning rivers of Poldark’s country, aboard the fully restored Victorian Sailing Trawler, Pilgrim of Brixham.
Cornwall provides a great opportunity to see the Cornish coastline at its best. As Pilgrim has wide decks and professional team to take the helm and to help raise the sails this is a perfect voyage for beginners and experienced sailors alike.
| Vessel type / Rig | Gaff Ketch |
| Guest Berths | 10 |
| Beam | 17.5ft |
| Draft | 10.5ft |
| Deck Length | 74ft |
| Overall Length | 94ft |
| Tonnage | 90 tons |
| Year Built | 1895 |
Pilgrim’s Falmouth Coastal and River Adventure is an exceptional opportunity to explore the south coast of Cornwall. It’s a fabulous way to have that special holiday break in Cornwall that all your friends will envy. The West Country has a very long beautiful coastline with many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the joy of which is best experienced from a sailing boat.
You’ll get to explore the Fal and Helford Rivers by day and anchor in secluded bays at night. Anchor in St Mawes for an ice cream, stretch your legs while walking the picturesque South West Coast Path or grab a coffee in Coverack!
The Pilgrim crew are fond of wild swimming so you can expect the opportunity to ‘drop the hook’ for a swim around the boat – Pilgrim is a stunning ship and it’s particularly impressive looking up at her from the waterline!
For those of you who are excited to spot wildlife (and who wouldn’t be) the Gulf Stream provides unexpected sightings of turtles, sunfish and more regular visits by dolphins (common, bottlenose and risso’s dolphin), porpoises, whales and giant basking sharks. Gales often bring in wheeling gannets, tiny storm petrels, guillemots, razorbills and even puffins.
The Fal and Helford Estuaries are designated as Special Areas of Marine Interest. Otters have been spotted feeing in the Fal and seals can be found all along the coast.
Built in 1895, by J W & A Uphams, one of Brixham’s most famous yards. Pilgrim was one of six similar vessels built at the yard during that year. Brixham was an extremely busy port at this time, with over 300 sailing trawlers, and played an important role in the development of trawling and ship design across Europe.
Today only a handful of these wooden sailing trawlers have survived, and Classic Sailing are proud to work with several of them in their new role as adventure charter vessels. These seaworthy and powerful sailing ships take crossing the Channel in their stride, make comfortable expedition vessels for exploring near and far, and offer stable platforms for those new to sailing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We now have several vessels that use Falmouth as a joining or leaving port. As every vessel is different, and we do not have our own pontoon there, all joining instructions are slightly different. Any changes will be communicated to you before your voyage start date.
This is a list of the likely joining locations, but sometimes the ship can also be at anchor. Read the vessel’s joining instructions carefully for full details.
Port Pendennis is the small marina behind the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the nearest rail station is ‘Falmouth Town’ (3 mins walk). The Maritime Museum has a big tower like a lighthouse so aim for that and at the entrance, turn right and walk down the side of the museum. The gate to the marina is behind the museum building.
Custom House Quay is a stone quay enclosing a small wet dock in the Centre of Falmouth Town. It is used for some of the foot ferries to St Mawes in the peak summer. Only 5 minutes walk from Falmouth Town Station if you head towards the town centre. Situated at the Maritime Museum end of the high street and has its own short stay car park between Trago Mills Store and the Chain Locker Pub if you are driving and want to drop your bags first.
Falmouth Visitors Yacht Haven is about 100 yards beyond Custom House Quay but if walking from the rail station towards town it is best if you walk accross Custom House Quay short term car park and nip through the alley tunnel through the Chain Locker Pub. The yacht haven is a small marina only yards from Falmouth main shopping street (Arwenack St), tucked away down the bottom of Quay Street.
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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