Pilgrim Normandy 2022

your Sailing Area

Channel Islands & Normandy

It’s 79 years since many brave souls set off from Brixham to Normandy in landing craft as part of the D-Day invasion fleet. The American 4th Infantry Division sailed from Breakwater Beach bound for Utah Beach on 4th June 1944, now Pilgrim will be charting a similar course across the channel.

This is a mix and match, “sail and stay” trip. There will be several days for shore exploration in both Alderney and Normandy. It will appeal to ex-service personnel or families of those who landed on D-Day beaches or fought in the Normandy campaign, or those who enjoy some exhilarating sailing cross-channel and spending time ashore exploring the beautiful Normandy coast and harbour towns.

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Join the crew of Pilgrim as they set off  from the Breakwater in Brixham and over subsequent days head across the English Channel for Alderney. Not only will guests be able to join in with the festivities but will have the chance to explore this beautiful island. We will then sail onto Normandy, past the D-Day beaches and into the port of Ouistreham. From there we will enter the Caen Canal, passing the site of the famous Pegasus Bridge and into the marina in the centre of the city of Caen.

Cruising on Pilgrim is a unique experience.

Not only will you have a superb sailing holiday, but you will see how 19th century fishermen handled these heavy and powerful vessels. You will be able to assist the crew to sail Pilgrim and benefit from the modern guest facilities we have on board. Our mooring in the centre of Caen will serve as a superb base for exploring the Normandy beach sites, the fascinating museums, incredible memorials and much more.  The tour itinerary will be tailored to suit the interests of the group.

In addition to the second world war history, there are also opportunities for guests to take trips to the Bayeux Tapestry and Museums and to the beautiful port of Honfleur. There are good public transport links for the independently minded and there are also a variety of locally organised tours available as well. You will have the opportunity to stroll and explore Caen directly from our berth. While we are in Caen we will serve breakfast each day and dinner on the final evening. This provides an opportunity to choose your own lunches at tour sites and to seek out your own local dining experiences or extend a day out as you wish. While in Alderney we will serve breakfast and either lunch or dinner depending on the activities on the day.

When we depart Caen, our Alderney and Normandy Summer Special will set out back towards Devon. The outward and return sailings involve extended day and night sea passages and the duration and timings are dependent on the weather, tides and the sea conditions. It will be a unique sail into the past for history buffs, sailing enthusiasts and those seeking a compelling maritime adventure.

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

You can also read more information on our Insurance guidelines page. Additional information about one of our trusted insurance providers for UK residents is attached to this email.