Smuggler’s Run Sailing from France

Your Sailing Area

France to Cornwall

You will not get closer than this to experiencing the life of traditional wooden boat sailing. This sailing holiday adventure is a unique chance to partake in an eco-cargo delivery of wine, beer, clothes or other dry merchandise. Just like the luggers 250 years ago Grayhound will deliver merchandise of high demand from one country to another cross Channel – the only difference is that, Grayhound of today, carries a cargo license!

Sail through one of the busiest sailing and shipping channels in the world as you take it in turns with fellow guests and crew to take watch. This Smugglers Run is a fully immersive experience as you help the crew load the cargo at Falmouth, sail across the channel to make port at the other side and unload.

We advise that guests need to be physically fit and in good health.

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Sailing with lugger Grayhound is one of true authenticity as the crew sail her as she once would’ve been sailed in the 18th century. With an all hands on deck approach, Grayhound and her crew provide a safe and supported environment for guests to really get to grips with sailing a Cornish lugger. They also sail as sustainably as possible, with a care for the environment and the natural marine world at the forefront of everything they do. From an adopted vegetarian menu (unless of course, it can be sustainably fished or hunted), to traditional tender gigs rowed by the crew, it’s clear to see that sustainable travel and adventure is an important part of sailing with Grayhound.

All voyages for Grayhound

Grayhound

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Lugger

Grayhound is a three-masted, wooden tall ship Lugger who was first launched in 2012. She is a a 5/6th scale replica of the original “Grayhound” who was built in Cornwall in 1776 and used as a Customs Lugger. Under new ownership, she nows resides primarily in Douarnenez, France but certainly still loves to explore the seven seas.

True to her original ancestors, Grayhound has been traditionally built with her rigging the same as you’d find it back in 1776. Her owners relish the opportunity to give guests a true and exhilarating sailing experience, taking them back in time for a truly fascinating sailing holiday adventure. Sailing with Grayhound is a hands-on experience and guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing this unique 18th century style Lugger.

Below decks…

The traditional fit out and use of timber continues but with considered spaces and a few more mod-cons! A communal saloon area sleeps 5 guests centred around an impressive oak table with a further five berths in the shared fore cabin. Each bunk has a privacy curtain. There is an eco toilet onboard and a shower for emergencies but guest showers are taken ashore as much as possible. Life on board is predominantly vegetarian unless meat and fish is caught sustainably whilst sailing!

Read more about what to expect from Life on board here…

 

Sustainable Sailing

The owners and crew of Grayhound are passionate about sustainable sailing and their impact on the natural world. By harnessing the power of wind, Grayhound reduces engine time, minimising carbon emissions and pollution. Sailing encourages a slower pace, allowing guests to appreciate the journey and the destinations without rushing. Grayhound believes in a promoting a deeper connection with nature, as the rhythmic movement of the boat and the sound of the wind create a sense of serenity with the landscapes around us.

Deck plan

More about Grayhound

LIFE ON BOARD

One of traditional hands-on sailing and sustainable adventure travel. Sailing with Cornish Lugger Grayhound is perfect for those looking to get to grips with sailing a traditionally rigged, classic wooden vessel.

SUSTAINABLE SAILING

Grayhound is run and sailed as sustainably as possible, with a care for the environment and the natural marine world at the forefront of everything she does. From an adopted vegetarian menu (unless of course, it can be sustainably fished or hunted), to traditional tender gigs rowed by the crew, it’s clear to see that sustainable travel and adventure is an important part of sailing with Grayhound.

Sailed with a full time crew, Grayhound mixes her sailing season with sheltered coastal sailing, open water sailing and some aptly named “smugglers runs”. Although she has a permanent crew, guests are encouraged to get involved to hoist the sails by hand and to feel the power of the wind in the tiller. Learn basic rope and knot work or even learn to row in the gig tenders – another nod to the ship’s ancestral history!

SLEEPING AND RELAXATION

A pilot house at deck level gives a versatile space from chart navigation, daytime shelter if needed and the perfect place for a cosy night watch.

Below decks there is a collection of various berths tucked into the hull, with four bunks situated off the main saloon and a further six berth bunks in the fore. The spaces are generous and there are two toilets on board for guests. There is a shower for emergencies but guests are encouraged to use marina showers or even consider jumping in the sea – an invigorating, free bath!

There is a communal eating area with a wide hatch so guests can star-gaze while eating deliciously cooked food. In warmer climates, guests and crew can eat alfresco up on the generous deck.

EAT

The galley is at the heart of both Grayhound itself and her owners.

Designed to be an efficient and inspiring workspace for the chef making meals a highlight of the voyage. Grayhound has a great tradition of using fresh produce and of foraging, producing wholesome meals inspired by local cuisine and maritime traditions. She serves only healthy, organic, vegetarian food. For many good reasons the meals on the ship are mostly vegetarian (unless it is caught by line from the boat!). Everything is cooked onboard by our excellent chef using regional and organic produce wherever possible.

What’s included

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and a wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Waterproofs

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Wash and/or swim towel
• 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.

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?

  We are primarily a vegetarian (not vegan) ship. Everything is cooked onboard by our excellent chef using regional and organic produce wherever possible. We have a well-equipped galley where we cook healthy, tasty and sustainable food.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  10x single berths in the saloon and the fore cabin. (some can be made into "doubles")

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 toilets. There is a shower on board but we use it as little as possible because we have a limited water supply. We tend to use the showers ashore in the marinas that we visit. There is plenty of seawater for bucket-showers on deck or for a nice morning swim around the ship. Bring biodegradable wet wipes to keep clean. You will be amazed on how fresh you feel at sea!

• Is there WIFI?

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

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  Yes

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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: Douarnenez, France

To: Falmouth, Cornwall

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

How to get there…

Douarnenez

BY AIR:

Flights go to Brest Airport (BES) from Birmingham (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN) and Newcastle (NCL) with Air France and KLM.

Brest Airport (BES) is 3-4 hours on public transport from Douarnenez. Travel to Porte De Gouesnou by the no. 20 bus operated by Bibus – Brest métropole océane, then travel on to Liberté, then catch an SNCF train to Quimper and then finally an SNCF bus to Douarnenez.

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.