Scillies? Devon? Exploring Cornwall? Go with the wind on this 5-day break.

IDEAL VOYAGE FOR …

Adventurous beginners and sailors who love the mix of a coastal wanderings and deep sea sailing. The world is your oyster on this week-long trip, and dependent on conditions you might head over to the Isles of Scilly, or stomp up Channel accross windy bays, notching up famous headlands. The Cornwall and Devon coast has been well protected by development over many decades and in places is as wild as it was in the 19th Century.  Tucked in below high cliffs it is easy to feel like a smuggler or privateer. Tallulah’s skipper loves encouraging guests to row ashore to secret coves, caves or enjoy the contrast of an ancient woodland after the open sea. Wherever the wind takes you, you can be sure of fantastic shoreside exploration as well as cracking sailing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Varied and interesting coastlines
• A flexible itinerary allows the crew to maximise the sailing 
• Good for bird watching, dolphins and seals
• Wild swimming opportunities
• Possible night sailing

Falmouth and Beyond

Tallulah is a great choice for varied and interesting sailing like this. She is big enough to be comfortable when sailing offshore, and with a long waterline her cruising speed is better than smaller vessels. Once at anchor in a beautiful setting, whether it is the Cornwall mainland, the Scillies or elsewhere, you have wide decks and plenty of places to sit and absorb the panoramic views. Ashore you can stride out around an island or headland, swim from secluded beaches, bird watch or beach comb.

St Mawes and Falmouth Bay is a fantastic jumping-off point for a South West adventure. Not only are there good public transport links, but from a sailing perspective its a sheltered and safe embarkation point, and gives the crew plenty of options for passage planning. Arriving in the late afternoon, there’s time to get familiar with the ship, receive a full safety briefing from the crew, enjoy freshly cooked dinner aboard while getting to know your fellow sailors, and then settling in to your bunk for a cosy night’s sleep before striking out to sea the following morning.

Spot Marine Wildlife along the Way

Look out for dolphins and basking sharks where the tides run the fastest. Good spots are off the Lizard, Epsom Shoal, Wolf Rock, Lands End and as you approach the Scillies. In Spring there are puffins and shearwaters and in the late summer the seas are having their pups.

 

Exploring by Sea 

You will get to know the coastline from a sailor’s point of view. You can sail among and round the rocks, from island to island and headland to headland, enjoying the differences in the geology and flora as you go. Take the opportunity to snorkel or swim in clear and private waters, far from the madding crowd, and enjoy a night sky at sea like you’ve never seen before.

Variety is the spice of life, and on a voyage focused on exploration, rather than a particular destination, you can really take the time to soak in the journey. There might be cross-channel sailing with some real miles under the keel, combined with weaving through islands and creeping up tree-lined rivers and creeks. When it gets too shallow there’s always Tallulah’s 15ft rowing punt by which to continue the adventure!

 

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

This voyage involves remote anchorages and the possibility of a bit of a roll in any swell, even in calm weather. The ship would not go to the Scillies in bad weather or big seas but it can still be quite exciting on the passage out and back. With a loose itinerary the Skipper can design the trip to suit the group, aiming for adventurous deep water passage making or sheltered coasting, or a mixture. 

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 01872 58 00 22 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals on board & refreshments throughout the day
• Bed linen, duvet, pillows
• wooden rowing boat activities
• 2 x Stand Up Paddleboards & bouyancy jackets (on summer voyages)

What is not included

• towels
• Alcoholic beverages
• Towels
• wellie boots
• waterproof jackets & trousers 

What to Bring

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

Tallulah does not have waterproof jacket and trousers yet, so please bring a properly waterproof jacket and trousers on all voyages.

Walking and cycling waterproofs are usually adequate and much lighter to pack, so there really is no need to buy a coastal sailing jacket (unless you really want an excuse to invest in your future sailing). If you need any advice, or lack of a jacket is preventing you participating, please ring us on 01326 53 1234

• Proof of Covid 19 vaccination dates & status (See our terms & conditions: Basically to be safe for all guests and crew in a confined space we ask that you keep your covid vaccination status up to date with appropriate boosters. All crew and volunteers will be expected to be vaccinated too).
• warm, windproof jacket for days when you don't want to wear a waterproof jacket
• 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.
• we have space if you want to bring a wetsuit for wild swimming or SUP adventures
• 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 deck too
• A small rucksack is useful for going ashore
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
• Passport for European or Ireland Voyages, Reciprocal Free Health Care card in Europe.
• Please bring a passport on French trips
• 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.

Alcohol

Tallulah does not always have wine bottles for sale on board so you are welcome to bring modest quantities of alcohol, (unless it is an alcohol free voyage) e.g. to drink with evening meals, but drinking whilst sailing is not allowed.

 

 

Photos and images of the striking 44ft pilot cutter Tallulah, offering charter voyages for individuals, couples and groups from 2022.  Based in St Mawes, Cornwall. No experience is necessary and a local skipper as your guide.