Fantastic short breaks on Pilgrim

Sail in Style on this Short Break aboard Pilgrim

This is a fantastic short break aboard the stunning and historic Sailing Trawler, Pilgrim! Explore the coastline, bays and estuaries of South Devon. You’ll depart from the historic fishing port of Brixham, where Pilgrim was built in 1895 and where she has operated from for most of her working life. You’ll discover what exhilarating sailing on board a heritage sailing vessel is like, and also get the chance to soak up the stunning scenery.  It’s an ideal way to test out your sea legs before booking a longer voyage but also offers enough time to get to grips with this big, beautiful ship! You can learn how the very first trawlermen used to handle these heavy and powerful vessels. If you’d like to, you will be able to work alongside the crew to sail Pilgrim in the traditional manner.

You’ll enjoy several days aboard with opportunities to anchor up for a swim, go ashore and relax on the ship. There is always plenty of great food on offer and Pilgrim’s crew are a friendly and knowledgeable bunch who are truly passionate about their vessel. She’s a big, gaff-rigged girl, with lots of sails to play with and an impressive tiller to steer her by. You’ll have plenty of time to learn the ropes and we encourage our guests to get hands-on in all aspects of sailing the ship throughout the voyage to get the most out of your holiday. But if you prefer, there is plenty of space on deck and below to just relax and enjoy the sail!

Pilgrim is a fully restored heritage sailing trawler, and a proud member of the UK National Historic Fleet. Pilgrim was built in Brixham in 1895 at Upham’s Yard, which was located right next to where she now berths.

Where might you go?

This all depends on the wind, the weather and the tide! During this voyage, you’re likely to sail in and around Torbay. You could explore Lyme Bay or Start Bay – maybe even further afield toward Plymouth with favourable winds. You’ll be sailing right in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). From Pilgrim’s deck you will have unparalleled views of the UNESCO GeoPark that stretches along Torbay’s coastline. Here you can see an amazing array of rock formations, some of these are only visible from the sea. Torbay is referred to as the English Riviera with good reason. The climate is typically mild, the sunshine record is coveted and the scenery is breath taking.  If the weather is kind, the crew delight in taking guests ashore to secluded beaches, sometimes cooking supper for a real “alfresco” dining experience on a camp fire. If it’s warm enough you may even have a swim! Wherever you go, you will be able to appreciate the scenery, the wonderful wildlife and the amazing feeling of just being propelled by the wind in the sails!

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.

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.

 

Devon & Cornwall Ports and Estuaries 

The drowned river valleys of Devon and Cornwall make it easy for deep draft vessels like Pilgrim to sail into harbours and give the tourists and locals ashore a visual treat. It is very satisfying sailing right into Dartmouth, Salcombe, Helford River or Falmouth on a working girl from 1895. If you slip into these ports in the evening as light is falling it is easy to be transported back to the last century. 

If you anchor off the beautifully rugged and un-developed South Coast there are still many secret spots where you have the anchorage to yourself. Ashore you might not be able to spot a house or a ploughed field, and at night you can see the stars without light pollution.

  Devon as a Sailing Destination                   Cornwall as a sailing destination

 

Pilgrim - 'Queen of the Short Breaks'

Pilgrim has a good mix of shorter 2-3 day voyages which make affordable presents for friends or relatives that love sailing or want to give it a go. Classic Sailing can help arrange surprise birthday experiences or you can buy gift vouchers of any value that can be used on Pilgrim or any of the Classic Sailing Fleet (lasts 3 years). 

Taking Advantage of Some Great Food and Drink Festivals

Devon has a good reputation for its food, local produce and Brixham is a working fishing port landing fresh fish every day. There are a lot of food festivals locally to celebrate the 'Taste of the West' so Pilgrim likes to make an appearance at seafood and crab festivals, Real Ale and Music events in places like Dartmouth and Salcombe.

In the summer holidays Pilgrim will be going further afield, sailing to Paimpol French Festival

Pilgrim French Sailing Programme

 

Day Sail, Bed and Breakfast Combination

Pilgrim was the first in the fleet to offer a Day Sail, Bed and Breakfast Combination, which are proving very popular. Perhaps you are already planning a land based holiday in Devon and fancy extending your stay an extra night. If you are a newcomer to sailing, or not sure if you would enjoy a residential sailing voyage, then trying only one night after an exciting days sailing is a way to break you in gently. The bunks have linen and duvets and Pilgrim supplies waterproofs if you need them, so all you have to do is give it a go.

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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