Brave an Exciting Biscay Crossing!

Setting Sail from Fowey

Nestled in the heart of South Cornwall, the beautiful harbour of Fowey was notably an inspiration to Daphne du Maurier, who based many of her novels in the area. It’s easy to see why- the bustling little town sits on a stunning wooded estuary, with hidden coves, tributaries and the wide open sea.

Your first evening on board will involve meeting the crew, your fellow passengers and a safely briefing. After a cosy night Twister will set sail. Departing from the mouth of the river Fowey you are straight out into the Atlantic!

Along the Way

Once out at sea, the ship will start to come to life and find her rhythm. You can help the crew sail and navigate as much as you’d like (and we’d highly recommend getting as involved as possible to get the most out of your trip!). The crew will gladly explain the ins and outs of the ship’s workings and show you the ropes. Under supervision, you can even steer the ship or climb the bowsprit netting if conditions allow.

Twister’s route South is determined by the weather systems, and after passing along the coast of France, you’ll get ready to cross the Bay of Biscay. Here you are introduced to the long swells of the Atlantic Ocean which can provide spectacular sailing and potentially exciting conditions.

Fowey to A Coruna is around 450 nautical miles, so this is a great mile builder as well as a brilliantly varied sailing experience. The crew love sailing, which is why Twister will sail on the wind as much as possible, but now and then she’ll switch to engines where safety demands.

Arriving in A Coruna

Sailing into A Coruna is pretty special, particularly if you’re able to see the Tower of Hercules, which has served as a lighthouse here for nearly 2000 years. A visit to the tower is a must if you have time after disembarking. The town itself is a fantastic place to spend a few days, with lots to explore, historically and gastronomically!

From A Coruna, it’s possible to set off on foot along the Camino Inglés to Santiago de Compostella, an ancient pilgrimage route of 75km. A proper leg stretch after your time at sea!

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Expect cool temperatures, with the potential for rain, brisk winds and varying sea states. The Bay of Biscay is notorious for a reason, and sailing here in the Autumn there is the possibility of big seas. Plenty of time has been allowed on this passage so that the crew can pick the best weather window, and make a stopover if necessary. Remember: this is a sailing ship not a ferry! Twister will be riding the waves rather than forcing through them, so the motion, though potentially significant, will be much more pleasant.

A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice. 

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.

What to pack for a sailing adventure aboard Twister

What is Included:

• All meals and soft drinks aboard
• All safety equipment, including lifejackets and harnesses.
• Your bunk, bedding and a towel

What is Not Included:

• Travel to and from your voyage
• Personal travel insurance (see our advice on Travel Insurance)
• Alcohol- drinks are available to purchase on board- consumption is always at the discretion of the Skipper, and is never permitted whilst the ship is underway.
• Waterproofs - sets are available to hire: make sure to discuss this with the ship's team before you arrive.

What to Bring

YOUR PASSPORT! Along with any other required travel documentation. Please read the joining instructions you receive from the Ship carefully to ensure you have everything you need.

• Please, no valuable jewellery or other valuables, unless you have got specific travel insurance to cover it.
• Waterproofs - see above.
• 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 and suntan lotion.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies are also helpful.
• All terrain type Sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read, a musical instrument, pack of cards, magic tricks...
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets or pressure-point wrist bands (talk to your pharmacist)
• Your own logbook if you'd like to keep track of your sea miles.
• Tech chargers (along with adaptors for European sockets) and waterproof cases for any electronics. A rechargeable battery pack for your phone / camera can be really helpful.

N.B. BOATS HAVE LIMITED STORAGE SPACE SO PLEASE PACK AS LIGHTLY AS POSSIBLE. Don't use a rigid suitcase or a bag with a rigid frame. Soft bags are much easier to fold up and stow.

Voyages on Twister