Stretch & Sail

HIGHLIGHTS

• Exploring up some of Cornwall’s beautiful estuaries

• Enjoying fresh air yoga on beaches that are hard to reach by land (all yoga is optional!)

• Evenings spent anchored in peaceful seclusion

• The possibility of night sailing, with unbeatable views of the stars

• An escape from the stresses of the digital world

• Helping to set sails, trim and helm this historic sailing ship

• Wild swimming

• Bonfires on the beach

• Wildlife spotting (dolphins, porpoises, seals, basking sharks and a host of different sea birds to name but a few…)

• Enjoying great food, freshly cooked (and often freshly caught!)

• …and some fantastic sailing!

Falmouth and Beyond

Falmouth 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.

Exploring by Sea 

You will get to know the coastline from a sailor’s point of view. You can sail from headland to headland and bay to bay, enjoying the differences in the geology and flora as you go. You can also get up close and personal with marine wildlife, from seals and dolphins to sea birds of all sorts.

Depending on conditions you might strike off along the coast, putting some real miles under the keel, weave through islands or creep up tree-lined rivers and creeks. When it gets too shallow there’s always Mascotte’s lug-rigged sailing punt by which to continue the adventure!

YOGA

Mascotte’s own resident Yoga instructor for the week, Becky Mayes, will lead daily sessions along some of the beautiful stretches of coastline you’ll be visiting. All yoga is optional, and tailored to the abilities of the group. No experience required!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

There is always the possibility of a bit of a roll in any swell, even in calm weather, but the joy of a loose itinerary is that the Skipper can plan the week in order to maximise time in sheltered waters. There’s not a lot to be done in case of heavy rain, whether at sea or while hiking, but it helps to know that Mascotte’s wood burner can be stoked up of an evening to dry out soggy hiking socks!

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. While the hiking elements of this voyage are optional, it is designed with keen walkers in mind, and the sailing aspects also require basic levels of fitness and mobility. 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 to include refreshments throughout the day
• Bed linen, duvet, pillows
• Waterproof jacket and trousers - but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer

What is not included

• Travel to and from the port/s
• Alcoholic beverages
• Towels
• Wellie boots

What to Bring

Please limit yourself to one soft bag or rucksack as there is limited storage space on board. No suitcases please! Mascotte does have waterproof jacket and trousers you can borrow in a variety of sizes. if you have your own outdoor waterproof of any type you might want to bring your own so you know you can get a good fit. If you need any advice please ring us on 01872 580022

• warm, windproof jacket for days when you don't want to wear a heavy 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.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes.
• Sailing boots or wellies.
• (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 and Reciprocal Free Health Care card if sailing in Europe.
• 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.
• You can bring a small amount of alcohol if you wish, but please be aware that drinking is always at the discretion of the skipper and will only be permitted when it's safe.

Great trip, good food and company.

Don

Loved every minute. Fantastic experience on a beautiful boat!

Heather

Beautiful boat, friendly experienced staff, give it a go!

Caroline

Such a wonderful experience aboard the most fabulous pilot cutter. It truly was 'as good as it gets'. Three days of the most wonderful sailing imaginable, in the most beautiful boat, in the most capable, charming and safe hands of the crew. Thank you, thank you, thank you all.

John & Chrissie

The largest surviving Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Mascotte is 60 ft on deck. Built in 1904 in Wales and restored in Gloucester Mascotte is a magnificent example of Welsh maritime history. She is now offering short sailing breaks around Cornwall from her new home port of Charlestown Harbour.  

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