Tall Ship Sailing Holiday in Cornwall
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Discover the coasts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with a hands-on tall ship sailing adventure on Blue Clipper.
Your tall ship sailing Cornwall and Isles of Scilly adventure begins in Penzance, the perfect harbour town from which to explore the rugged south-west coast aboard Blue Clipper. From the Helford River and the Lizard Peninsula to the iconic silhouette of St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall’s coastline is endlessly varied and best seen from the water.
Weather permitting, the voyage will aim to explore the Isles of Scilly, a stunning archipelago of clear waters, sandy beaches and unique wildlife. This voyage is perfect for those keen to get hands-on with tall ship sailing in beautiful, sheltered waters.
- Tall ship sailing from Penzance
- Helford River & the Lizard Peninsula
- Isles of Scilly (weather permitting)
- Dolphins, seabirds & marine wildlife
- Perfect for beginners & solo sailors
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Sailing the Cornish coast aboard Blue Clipper
Penzance → Helford River → Lizard Peninsula → Mounts Bay → Isles of Scilly → Penzance
Tall ship sailing Cornwall and Isles of Scilly starts from the maritime port of Penzance – a great position to set sail and make full use of Blue Clipper’s sails along one of England’s most dramatic and storied coastlines. There is no fixed route or itinerary as the wind and tide will shape each day, and the skipper will read the conditions to get the very best from the voyage.
Head east and you might find yourself sailing into the Helford River, one of the last places in England where ancient woodland meets the sea, and a stretch of water that inspired Daphne du Maurier. Moor up on National Trust beaches, explore the creeks by kayak, visit riverside smugglers’ inns, and walk sections of the South West Coast Path that wind through the surrounding woodland and headlands.
Sail south and Blue Clipper may round the Lizard Peninsula, which is the southernmost point of mainland Britain, with traditional fishing villages and sleepy coastal pubs. Mounts Bay brings the iconic St Michael’s Mount into view, which makes for a beautiful anchorage when the wind obliges.
Cornwall’s coast and wildlife
Whichever way the wind takes you along the Cornish coast, keep your eyes on the water. Dolphins are a common sight, and there is no shortage of seabirds, marine life and the chance of a swim in the clear waters of the Helford River. Three kayaks and three paddleboards are on board for exploring river creeks and inshore waters at your own pace.
Weather and conditions permitting, Blue Clipper will aim to make the crossing to the Isles of Scilly – a stunning archipelago off the southern tip of Cornwall, with crystal-clear water, sandy beaches, and a unique mix of flora and fauna. As with all sailing holidays, nothing is confirmed until the skipper makes the call, but the possibility is very much part of what makes this voyage special.
- Dolphins, porpoises and seabirds along the Cornish coast
- Swimming and kayaking in the Helford River
- St Michael’s Mount from the water
- Isles of Scilly – weather and conditions permitting
- South West Coast Path walking from an anchorage
The Isles of Scilly and life at anchor
The Isles of Scilly sit just 28 miles off the Cornish coast, and the crossing usually takes about ten hours. It has five inhabited islands, each with its own distinct character. From the rugged Atlantic-facing cliffs of Bryher and the subtropical Abbey Garden on Tresco, to the sweeping Caribbean-coloured beaches of St Martin’s and the remote southerly charm of St Agnes.
St Mary’s, the largest, makes a natural hub with its pretty harbour and coastal walking trails, while the smaller islands reward those who take the time to explore by kayak or on foot. The water throughout is remarkably clear and is frequently compared to the Caribbean.
Explore the channels between islands, paddleboard into shallow bays that larger boats can’t reach, or simply drift in water so clear it’s hard to believe you’re still in the UK. Discover quiet coastal paths, wildflowers, sea-watching from a headland, and the kind of stillness that’s increasingly hard to find.
Read more about the Isles of Scilly here.
Aboard tall ship Blue Clipper
Built in Sweden in 1991, Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. Her clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern give her a classic tall ship character, while her relatively modern build means guests enjoy an authentic experience alongside all the comforts you’d hope for.
Blue Clipper’s professional crew will show you everything you need to know, and the atmosphere on board is relaxed, sociable and genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with a friend, this voyage has a way of drawing people together.
- Six en-suite cabins sleeping up to 12 guests
- Full-size bunks, with a porthole in every cabin
- Heating and air conditioning throughout
- Spacious on-deck saloon, wheelhouse and galley
- Hands-on sailing with a professional crew
- Three kayaks and three paddleboards on board
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore Time
Night Watches?
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.
This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.
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. Spending her summers exploring Scotland and the Hebrides and her winters sailing in the Caribbean, Blue Clipper is the perfect tall ship experience.
Getting involved
From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgeable crew always shows 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 just want to sit back and take in the view or 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! For those more adventurous, climbing the rigging or the bowsprit can also be a great experience.
Dining aboard
For her coastal voyages, Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board, too, so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a day of sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish, homemade bread with hearty home-cooked meals, and plenty of tea, coffee, and cake!
For her expedition and Atlantic crossings, there will be a boat cook on board.
Sleeping and relaxation
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 undoubtedly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.
Blue Clipper has two kayaks and paddleboards on board, which guests are welcome to use to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast! There is no extra charge for this, and buoyancy vests are also provided.
A Typical Day
On her coastal voyages, a typical day starts with a good, hearty breakfast before preparing the boat to hoist the sails. Once the sails are set to the next destination, there will be time to relax, read a book, chat to your fellow travellers or simply find a quiet corner and take in the view. Lunch will likely be served underway or at the next anchorage as you spend your afternoons exploring ashore.
Generally, on her expedition crossings and longer voyages, she will spend more time under sail. The day will still be punctuated by regular meal times, and there will likely be a watch system running throughout the voyage as she sails through the night. Stargazing on these longer voyages is spectacular with no light pollution and a complete view of the horizon.
Sample menu
All food is made on board, and local, fresh produce is at the 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, and crisps
- Cous cous salad, goat’s 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, sauteed 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
- Coffee and cake
- Cheeseboard
Blue Clipper
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner
Tall ship Blue Clipper has spent many years sailing all over the world and currently spends her summers sailing Scotland and the Hebrides, her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal, then setting sail across the Atlantic for some winter sun in the Caribbean.
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.
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 three kayaks and three paddle boards for guest use while on anchor, so you can explore even further inshore.
She offers voyages to suit all ages and abilities. From taster sailing breaks to week-long explorations in the Hebrides, she also takes those looking for something a little more adventurous across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. From the mystical, moody Scotland to the warm winter sun in the Caribbean, the crew aboard are on permanent rotation, so you’ll be in safe hands whichever voyage you choose.
A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level, while below decks have been well-considered with six spacious ensuite cabins. All cabins have full-size bunks, a small desk, a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.
Deck plan
More about Blue Clipper
More holidays in Cornwall or UK
Sailing through the Inner Hebrides of Scotland
Scottish Short Break Sailing the Firth of Clyde
Remote Islands & Wonderful Wildlife: Sailing the Hebrides
Historic Sailing Explorer; Skye & the Small Isles
More holidays on Blue Clipper
UK Sailing Mile Builder: Cornwall to Scotland
Sailing to Shetland and Norway from the Faroes
Tall Ship Sailing Holiday in Cornwall
Tall Ship Taster Experience in the Hebrides
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
