Pellew
Launched in 2020, Pellew is the largest and fastest Pilot Cutter of her time. She is ready to take her guests for exhilarating sailing, exploring Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, the Hebrides and Brittany.
Pellew is a faithful recreation of the Falmouth Pilot Cutter Vincent, originally built in 1852 and based in St Mawes she was a familiar sight on the Fal estuary for 70 years, eventually retiring from service in 1922. Today, the spirit of tradition lives on and Pellew is strongly built to sail the oceans of the world with her guests travelling in utmost comfort and safety.
Originally designed and built for speed and seaworthiness, these sturdy vessels would carry pilots out to sea, meeting ocean-going ships arriving with cargos bound for Europe. Whatever the weather and however rough the seas these courageous cutters were an integral part of maritime life in the south-west of England.
With her vast sail plan, think fast, invigorating sailing with the lee rail kissing the waves, Pellew is certainly not for the faint-hearted. So if you are looking for that next adventure at sea on a beautifully powerful wooden vessel, then Pellew is the boat for you.
Below decks, you are welcomed into a cosy saloon with cushioned seating around a large table and a generous galley. Delectable home-cooked meals will be freshly-prepared on board by our dedicated cook using locally sourced produce wherever possible. The 8 guest berths are arranged around an open-plan cabin with a shower and two toilets for guest use.
She is oak framed throughout and planked with locally sourced Douglas fir mast and spars. Although she is tiller steered, she does have two large electric capstan winches to help get the sails up and in. Guests are welcomed and invited to get involved in the sailing of Pellew. In fact, it will be hard not to want to feel first hand, the power of this beautiful boat as glides seemingly effortlessly through the water.
She will usually sail with a skipper, mate and dedicated cook, with a fourth crew member joining for longer voyages. She will be spending her sailing season exploring the coasts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the Channel Islands, the Breton Coast and exploring the majestic isles of the Scottish Hebrides.
Accommodation
- Total number of berths : 12
- Number of guest berths : 8
- Number of bathrooms : 2
- Cabin configuration : Open fore cabin
- Smoking policy : On deck only
Particulars
- Builder : Luke Powell, Working Sail LTD
- Year built : 2020
- Length overall : 90'/27m
- Displacement : 74T
- Draft : 10'/3.1m
- Air Draft : 80'/24.4m
- Beam : 18'/5.5m
- Number of Sails : 5
- Rig : Gaff Cutter
- Sail Area : 3500 sq'
- Engine : John Deere
- Crew : 4
- Licensed for day sails? : Yes
- Waterproofs supplied? : Yes
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Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please let us know when making your booking.
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What language is spoken onboard?
English
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
Shared quarters, 8 berths in the open fore cabin with easy access to a toilet
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How many toilet/showers does she have?
2 toilets, 1 shower for guests
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Are bedding and towels provided?
All bedding is but please bring your own towels.
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Is there an age limit?
Preferably over 12's accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio but please check with us in the office as each voyage is different.
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Is there WIFI?
No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.
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Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, each bunk has a 12v USB charger
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
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Are Waterproofs provided?
There are off-shore jackets available for guests when sailing but please bring your own waterproof for time ashore.
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Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.
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Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

Skipper profile
Luke Powell
Pellew has been dreamed and built by shipwright and Skipper Luke Powell. You couldn't be in safer hands.
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Life onboard
Pellew
Originally built to keep crews safe in wild seas, Pilot Cutters like Pellew offer guests safe but exhilarating sailing.
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The History of
Pellew
A recreation of Falmouth Pilot cutter Vincent, Pellew has been built using traditional wooden boat building methods.
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Destinations
Our range of vessels enables us to offer several destinations all over the globe. Which adventure will you choose?
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Our Fleet
With vessels of all sizes and each with a unique history and construction, there is no shortage of choice for your sailing holiday.
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