East Coast Sailing Adventure; Newcastle to Falmouth

YOUR SAILING AREA

UK EAST COAST

Starting in Newcastle, the focus of the expedition sailing voyage is to give guests a fully immersive tall ship sailing experience. There will be longer passages at sea to cover ground so where you stop along the way will entirely depend on the wind and weather. Your destination is the South coast in the Cornish maritime port of Falmouth.

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Expedition Sailing

During this trip, you will develop a love of sailing, and the best way to make a start on any boat is to feel you are a vital and competent part of the crew.  We will teach you the seamanship skills of steering, setting sails, reefing, and tying knots with conviction! The skills you learn will be relevant for modern yachts, but you should also feel at home on traditional boats and tall ships with blocks and tackles. This a passage trip where guests have the option to become part of watch system, but this is not essential as there are plenty of crew on board to manage some of the night sailing that is needed to cover the many miles from Newcastle and down to the south coast of Cornwall.

There is a whole new language to learn and by the end of the week you won’t be fazed by terms like sheet, fender, windlass or ‘bear away’ and all the things that make going onboard a tall ship a bit bewildering. This adventure will require some full days at sea and maybe some overnight sailing if the weather dictates. Ideally this adventure is for those with some previous time on board a boat or those that want to increase their miles at sea.

All voyages for Blue Clipper

Blue Clipper

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner

Built-in Sweden in 1991, tall ship Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. With a clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern, she mixes a traditional tall ship feel with a relatively modern build giving guests an authentic experience with all the mod cons.

She has spent many years sailing all over the world from the Caribbean to the Arctic and is a frequent participant in the European Tall Ship regattas. Originally owned by the Brandy company Hennessy and named ‘Spirit of Hennessey, she appeared in many TV programmes and commercials before being privately bought in the late 90’s.

On deck, she boasts ample space for her guests to become fully immersed in hands-on sailing; heaving the ropes, hoisting the sails, learning ropes skills and even taking the helm. She has 3 kayaks and 3 paddle-boards for guest use while on anchor so you can explore even further inshore.

A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level while below decks has been well-considered with six ensuite cabins a family cabin that sleeps six. All cabins have a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.

Read more about Life on Board Blue Clipper here.

In 2016 she started her new life with her current owner and now spends her summers sailing  Scotland and the Hebrides and her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal.

More about Blue Clipper

Sailing with tall ship Blue Clipper is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgable crew are always on hand to show you the ropes. Part of the beauty of sailing with such a magnificent vessel is the opportunity to get involved in a safe and supported environment! The permanent crew are all professionally trained so as much as guest involvement is encouraged, if you are concerned about your physical ability to hoist ropes – there are plenty of other boat jobs such as coiling ropes, preparing lines and keeping watch!

Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef onboard too so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a days sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish and home-made bread with hearty home-cooked meals and plenty of tea, coffee and cake! Your ticket price includes one glass of wine with your evening meal too.

Below decks, Blue Clipper has a large comfy saloon perfect for sharing sea-faring tales, hearty home-cooked meals or even a game of cards! Rest up after a day of adventure in your spacious private en-suite cabin. With twin bunks, sailing with Blue Clipper is certainly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.

Read more about what to expect from a typical day and life onboard Blue Clipper.

As with all Blue Clipper’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft drinks and a glass of wine with your evening meal. There are six ensuite twin cabins with all bedding and towels provided per guest.

SAMPLE MENU FOR BLUE CLIPPER

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

BREAKFAST

• Poached/scrambled eggs, bacon, vine tomatoes, mushrooms
• French toast, bacon, maple syrup
• Porridge, fruit selection
• Toast, preserves and cereal selection
• Tea, fresh coffee and fresh fruit juice

AFTERNOON CAKE

• Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, scones, jam and cream, shortbreads

LUNCH

• Spinach and ricotta tortellini, blue cheese sauce and cherry tomatoes
• Open sandwiches, salad, crisps
• Cous cous salad, goats cheese, roasted red pepper
• Wild mushroom risotto with rocket and herb oil
• Fish goujons, new potatoes, tartar and salad garnish

DINNER

• Starters; Tomato bruschetta, Ardennes pate, salt baked beetroot, curry aioli, gremolata sesame praline, hot smoked salmon crostini
  
• Fillet of coley, crushed new potatoes, asparagus, beurre blanc, dill mayo
• Pork belly, maple glazed celeriac, turmeric curr, rice and salsa, basil pesto
• Roast chicken thigh, saute new potatoes, squash puree, braised carrots, kale, red wine jus
• Spiced bean stew, rocket, herb oil
• Chicken breast, celeriac puree, mash, parma ham crisp, miso mayo

Dessert

• Cranachan
• Coffee and cake
• Cheeseboard

FAQ

• What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Blue Clipper?

  There are currently no Test & Sail policies in place for the 2022 season.

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks) Generally, alcohol is not included; *One glass of wine is included with your evening meal on leisure voyages (not expedition/crossings)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  6x Twin Ensuite, 1x six-berth family cabin

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  9 in total. All Cabins are Ensuite aside from the six-berth that shares a bathroom.

• Is there an age limit?

  Over 12's ideally but please check in the over for ages between 12-18 years.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes - please bring EU adaptors.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Newcastle

To: Falmouth

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

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Newcastle

BY RAIL:

Newcastle upon Tyne, Central Station is about a 30 minute drive to South Shields. There are direct train routes starting from Inverness, Kings Cross, Liverpool Lime Street, Edinburgh, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Plymouth and Bristol Temple Meads.

BY AIR:

The most convenient way of getting from Newcastle International Airport (NCL) to South Shields is by taxi, which will take about 30 minutes. Public transport could take in excess of an hour.

STAY IN NEWCASTLE:

There are plenty of places to stay in Newcastle. Try The Little Haven Hotel, Guest House or The Clifton.

Falmouth

BY RAIL:

There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Truro from starting routes of Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington. Once at Truro station you will need to change onto the Maritime line to Falmouth Town Station.

BY AIR:

The quickest way into the county during the spring/summer months, Newquay Airport requires taking either a taxi to Truro Train Station for the onward rail travel, or a taxi direct to Falmouth.

STAY IN FALMOUTH:

There are plenty of places to stay in Falmouth. Try The Chain Locker, Cutty Sark Inn or Seaview Inn.