Coronation Jubilee – Pilgrim

Join Pilgrim in her home port of Brixham for a sailing holiday on the South Devon coast to celebrate the Coronation Jubilee.

Sail along the South Devon coastline, with quintessential seaside towns such as Torbay, Dartmouth and Salcombe all on the list of potential stops. This voyage requires no previous sailing experience and aims to have a good balance of sailing and exploration ashore. The crew will show you the ropes and encourage you to get stuck in and experience first hand traditional classic boat sailing.

Coronation Jubilee Sailing

Forget spam sandwiches and street parties, Pilgrim’s Coronation Jubilee Sailing Celebration is something else. Plans are still being formulated all over the country and in the South West for this very special Royal celebration. With five days to play with, you can enjoy a relaxed and very different Jubilee context from the deck of Pilgrim. That’s likely to include fireworks, live music and various on shore events. It may also include watching the aircraft participating in the English Riviera Air Show. Pilgrim will also have a 1950’s celebration dinner on board, so maybe Spam will feature somewhere after all!

Pilgrim’s Royal links are impressive; King George V, the Queen’s grandfather, visited Brixham in 1914 and saw the sailing trawlers racing in the bay. He presented the King George V Perpetual Cup to the town and Pilgrim is the current holder of the trophy. Our royal connections are further bonded by a visit onboard from Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in 2014 to present the trophy that year. Pilgrim is also a proud member of the UK National Historic Fleet and we will have a double celebration on 4th June, during this cruise, as it will be 127 years since Pilgrim slid down the launch slipway at Upham’s Yard in Brixham!  Another reason to fill a glass or three!

 

SETTING THE SAILS

Once you’ve got familiar with the boat and your fellow crew, set the sails from the traditional fishing port of Brixham.

As you leave Brixham, be sure to look back at the picture-postcard fishing port with pretty colour-washed fishermen’s cottages rising up around the old harbour. You will also see other heritage vessels and classic sailing boats as well as fishing trawlers in and around the busy harbour.

No two voyages are ever the same as Pilgrim makes use of the wind and tides but it’s likely you’ll sail around the limestone headland of Berry Head before sailing towards Dartmouth, Slapton Sands and Salcombe or Torbay.  This coastline is an area of outstanding natural beauty and is home to colonies of guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, kestrels and gulls. As you sail into the bay, keep your eyes peeled for porpoises and dolphins which will often join Pilgrim, playing in the wake of the bow.

GETTING INVOLVED

Pilgrim of Brixham is perfect for all types of traveller – from solo adventurers to couples and families, her crew are well versed in adapting the sailing to suit guests. Take the helm, learn some simple navigation, help to berth alongside and of course hoist those iconic red sails. Sailing with Pilgrim really has something for everyone and with a dedicated cook onboard, you certainly won’t be going hungry after a day in the salty sea air.

UPDATED Covid Vaccination and Testing Policy for 2022

Our Charity Trustees have reviewed and updated our Covid Policy for 2022. In order to provide the highest possible protection to Guests and Crew our policy is changing from 1st January 2022. Everyone on board will now need to be fully vaccinated against Covid in accordance with government advice*. Additionally, we will also require a rapid lateral flow test 72 hours prior to sailing and on the day of sailing. This is to give us the best possible chance to keep the boat free of Covid infection, reduce the risk of any cancelled sailings and to minimize the risk of serious illness to everyone on board.

Note * = “Government advice” means in respect of the government of the country of residence of the Guest although this may be impacted by UK immigration rules on operation at the time of arrival in the UK if the Guest is coming from overseas.

All voyages for Pilgrim of Brixham

Pilgrim of Brixham

Guest berths: 10 Rig: Gaff Rigged Ketch

Pilgrim of Brixham, built in 1895, is a traditional gaff rigged ketch that is one of a handful of remaining wooden sailing trawlers that were built in Brixham.

Pilgrim and her iconic red sails were once part of a large fishing fleet operating out of Brixham, which used to be the principal fishing port in the country. Her survival is testament to her quality, with many similar Victorian fishing vessels having a life span of less than 20 years – and the main reason for her survival is thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group and many individual donors and volunteers.

The Pilgrim Story

After spending many years under different owners in Scandinavia, in 1999 she was brought home from Denmark back to Brixham. After significant restoration work, a few mishaps along the way and a hefty dose of community spirit, Pilgrim was returned to her former glory above decks, and brought up to modern standards below.

Today, as a charter vessel, the Brixham community still rallies around Pilgrim, with local crew, experienced and skilled volunteers performing maintenance and making the Pilgrim of Brixham operation run like clockwork. VentureSail is incredibly proud to have a hand in getting people aboard this historic vessel to not only experience how magnificently she sails, but also to see how passionate those that sail her are.

She offers a range of voyages to suit all abilities. Overnight and weekend taster sails along the Devon coast are great for those wanting a hands-on introduction to classic sailing. Exhilarating adventures across to the Channel Islands or the Isles of Scilly are perfect for those looking to expand their sailing adventures. If you’re wanting a little maritime history and traditional sailing combined with some onshore merriment, Pilgrim also takes part in a whole host of festivals and regatta’s.

Join Pilgrim on voyages as she explores the coasts of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, The Channel Islands and France.

Deck plan

More about Pilgrim of Brixham

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.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

FAQ

• Are meals included?

  Yes - meals will be as locally sourced as possible and freshly prepared. Food is often a real hit on Pilgrim.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Mostly, but please let us know before booking if you have any special needs.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 6 berths in the main saloon, with 4 in a cabin at the front of the ship, and 4 at the back (these are usually crew bunks)

• Is there a porthole in my berth?

  There are deck hatches throughout the saloon and fore cabin.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Two for guests.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding is provided but please bring your own towels. Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Pilgrim does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating onboard?

  Yes.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken on board?

  English

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes, we have UK 3 pin mains sockets onboard. We also have a few USB sockets for charging phones.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Pilgrim is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are waterproofs provided?

  There are some for emergencies but please bring your own.

• Do I need to be a seasoned sailor?

  Only on mile builder voyages! On normal voyages - not at all. We give everyone who joins us on board the choice to do as much or as little as they like, whether they know how to or not.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No.

• 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.

• Is there an age limit?

  Standard policy is no under 8's but please check for private charter.

Travel Planning

From: Brixham

To: Brixham

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

PARKING:

Pay in advance for The Marina Long Stay Car Park or pre-book online for a Torbay Council Car Park, using the Breakwater multi-storey or the Oxen Cove car park.

BY RAIL:

Brixham’s closest train station is Paignton. There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Paignton from Exmouth and London Paddington. Once in Paignton take a taxi or bus to Brixham.

BY AIR:

Fly direct into Exeter Airport for Brixham, then it’s a 40 minute taxi ride to Brixham.

STAY IN BRIXHAM:

There are plenty of places to stay in Brixham. Try Sea Tang Guest House, Berry Head Hotel or Harbour View.