Sailing Brest and Douarnenez Maritime Festivals with Pellew

Your Sailing Area

Falmouth – Brest – Falmouth

The maritime hotspot for Cornwall, it’s easy to see why Falmouth Bay is one of the top sailing destinations in the UK. With sheltered river creeks, bustling harbours and stunning coastline where ancient woodland meets the sea, sailing out of Falmouth is perfect for the ocean-loving adventurer.

Sail from Falmouth, across the English Channel into the Celtic Sea and past France’s most westerly point of the Ushant Islands known for their abundance of lighthouses, shipwrecks and indigenous sheep. Perhaps anchor along the coast before making your way onto the historic port of Brest, sitting rich in maritime history and mediaeval architecture. Although heavily bombed in the Second World War, this harbour town has been rebuilt and really comes to life for its International Maritime Festival.

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Taking place every four years, Brest International Maritime Festival sees a flotilla of some 2500 sailing vessels coming together on the water and what a sight it is! From traditional classic boats to coracles, from windjammers to historic fishing vessels, this eagerly awaited maritime festival is a highlight in the sailing calendar. 

On land, the festival continues in full swing with plenty of music from all over the world, impeccably good food and freshly caught seafood. Entertainment for all is around every corner of the town with street performances, military processions, reenactments and period fancy dress. The larger ships are open to the public to climb aboard and have a wander around and you can join the nightly parade of boats or sit back from the harbour front and watch them sail by.

Fireworks will close the festival as the boats get ready to sail from Brest to Douarnenez with hundreds of vessels converging from all corners of the World making an exciting and truly unforgettable Parade of Sail to start the second festival in Douarnenez. 

Festival Temps Fête in Douarnenez is a little more intimate and is a haven for traditional wooden ship lovers. It also attracts an array of photographers and artists who want to immerse themselves within working boats and the beauty of Douarnenez and its two ports. One is the old fishing port, Rosmeur, and the other has wooden wharves lined with harbour-side bars and restaurants in the medieval town. Douarnenez Festival also offers plenty of races, sailing re-enactments and other activities on the water. The cobbled streets are perfect to explore the music, local shops and cuisine whilst reminiscing of a time when the wooden boats provided the town with trade as they docked in the port.

The itinerary for sailing is not set due to the changing wind and weather, but this trip will give you plenty of time to explore ashore and enjoy the festivals, along with offering the best vantage point from the water.  The Breton coast is teeming with sheltered coves for anchoring, peaceful meandering rivers to discover, mediaeval towns and remote islands to explore. Paired with the delicious local cuisine and plenty of opportunities to set foot ashore, there is no better way to discover the magic of this Celtic Coast than under sail.

All voyages for Pellew

Pellew

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Pilot Cutter

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.

Life on board Pellew

Pellew is one of the fastest pilot cutters of her time so a lust for adventure is certainly a must and sailing with her is not for the faint-hearted! You don’t need any experience to join her as the friendly and professional crew are always on-hand to show you the ropes.

You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals and the crew love to share their knowledge with guests, showing them the ropes and feeling the wind power in the sails. They welcome as much or as little participation as you want – from pulling up sails, sheeting in and steering, and even navigation.

A typical Day

A typical day will vary on this trip as the first part sees us crossing the English Channel with longer hours under sail. Once we’re in the shelter of the French coast, depending on how quickly we have made the crossing, we may have some time to explore the coast before heading into Brest for the festival. Enjoying some traditional French harbour towns and some sheltered coastal sailing.

All food will be freshly-prepared onboard to the highest standard by a dedicated cook so guests can expect hearty breakfasts, freshly baked bread, delicious lunches and dinners, as well as plenty of home-made cake! Once the festival is under, there will be some flexibility with eating arrangements as guests will likely want to experience some delicious local cuisine ashore.

Sleeping and Relaxation

You are welcomed into the main saloon with cushioned seating around a large table next to a generous galley. It’s a great sociable space with the traditionally built wooden finish giving a lovely cosy feeling.

In the fore, there are 8 guest berths in an open-plan cabin with each berth in twin bunk arrangements. She has a generous (for a boat!) shower room and two toilets for guest use.

Kit list

Pellew has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. Rigid cases cannot be stored, so please bring your items in a soft bag.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• Wash towel – micro fibre are lightweight and quick drying!
• Swimsuit and swim towel
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

• Warm, windproof and waterproof coat 
• Waterproof trousers (lightweight/weather dependent)
• Waterproof boots or clean wellington boots 

• Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Charging cables for personal devices (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices in each bunk)
• A good book to read!
• We advise sleep masks and/or ear plugs!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

Sample Menu for Pellew

All food is made on board (including soda & focaccia bread when we cant get artisan loaves!) and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. Please note while under way across the channel, we made need a little flexibility in expectation depending on the weather!

Breakfast

• Fresh fruit bowls
• Yoghurt, muesli & granola
• Artisan or home-made bread & jams
• Cooked breakfast (approx twice on a week-long trip!)

Elevenses/Afternoon Cake

• Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, biscuit, flapjack

Lunch

• Home-made soup, bread and local cheeses
• Risotto and fresh salad
• Home-made savoury tarts and fresh salad

Dinner

• Appetisers; usually a combination of olives, home-made pate and toast, anti-pasti, hummus, crudites and baked camembert
• Greek style roast lamb with cous cous. (V) option; stuffed peppers
• Spanish fish soup with garlic bread

Dessert

• Tiramisu
• Home-made meringue with boozy berries
• Chocolate brownies and clotted cream

There is also a huge fruit bowl that guests can help themselves to throughout the voyage!

What’s included 

• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• There are off-shore jackets available for guests when sailing but please bring your own waterproof for time ashore.

What’s not included

• Wash and/or swim towel
• Meals ashore
• Alcohol
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

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.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Meat eaters and vegetarians only please!

• Are there any added extras?

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

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Shared quarters, 8 berths in the open fore cabin with easy access to a toilet

• Is there a porthole in my berth?

  There are deck hatches in the fore cabin.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 toilets, 1 shower 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, Pellew 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 onboard?

  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, each bunk has a 12v USB charging port.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Pellew 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 off-shore jackets available for guests when sailing but please bring your own waterproof for time ashore.

• Do I need sailing experience?

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

• 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?

  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.

Travel Planning

From: Customs House Quay, Falmouth

To: Customs House Quay, Falmouth

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

GETTING THERE

Falmouth, Cornwall

PARKING

You can leave your car at any of the Long Stay car parks with a weekly or overnight ticket. You can pay using the JustPark app on your phone which can be easier. Try Church Street TR11 3RQ or The Dell TR11 3HP.

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.

STAY IN FALMOUTH

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