Pellew pilot cutter sailing along Cornish coastline
Pellew guests onboard in sunny Cornwall
Pellew sailing Cornwall
Wooden boat Pellew cabin area
Venturesail-Cornwall-St-Mawes-Castle
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Traditional Taster Sailing Short Break in Cornwall

Embark: Customs House Quay8 September 2026, 11:00
Disembark: Customs House Quay10 September 2026, 15:00
Vessel: Pellew
Where: Falmouth, Cornwall
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Group Size: 8
Activity: Level 1
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Join traditional pilot cutter Pellew as she takes guests on an exhilarating taster sailing adventure around the coasts of Cornwall.

This taster sailing holiday in Cornwall is perfect for those looking for an exhilarating adventure on the water. Soak up the diversity of Cornwall’s coastline as you enjoy traditional sailing under the guidance of an experienced skipper and crew.

Sailing with Pellew is not for the faint-hearted, but this voyage is perfect for adventurous beginners looking for new experiences or sailors looking for a short break on the water. Explore sheltered bays, sleepy harbour towns, tranquil river mouths and ancient woodland ashore.

  • Skippered sailing
  • Coastal exploration
  • Traditional rig
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Great for solo travellers
  • Full Board
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Need some help?
Talk to the team

Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592

Sail area

Cornwall, UK

Set the sails from the maritime port of Falmouth, with its picture-perfect streets, river mouth and bay. Your voyage will, of course, be dictated by the direction of the wind and tide to make full use of Pellew’s sails, so there is no set route or itinerary.

It is likely that you will head west, down the beautiful Cornish coastline and up the Helford River, exploring the beautiful creeks that have inspired the likes of Daphne du Maurier…and Kylie Minogue. The Helford River is one of the last places in England where ancient woodland meets the sea, and is great for exploring with the South West Coast Path entwined. Moor up on National Trust beaches, visit riverside smuggler’s inns and experience true freedom as the wind fills Pellew’s sails and propels you along this unique and impressive coastline.

If the wind takes you up the coast, discover Place Creek beyond St Mawes before continuing up the coast, maybe even sailing up to the historic port of Fowey, before returning to Falmouth. This is one of the most unique ways to explore the South Coast of Cornwall – and one of the best.

Whichever way you head along the Cornish coast, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, birds and plenty of other marine life. You might even fancy a swim in the beautiful Helford River, so don’t forget your swimsuit!

Pellew is a modern replica of a traditional wooden Pilot Cutter, a specific type of classic sailing boat designed to deliver a specialised crew quickly to larger ships coming into port, whose own captains may not have known how to navigate the treacherous waters that local skippers knew so well. Due to this historic need for a rapid response, Pellew is designed for speed and agility, so getting involved with hoisting sails, taking the helm, and being on hand to tack can offer a truly exhilarating sailing experience.

Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Generally, Pellew will sail throughout the morning and over lunch before exploring ashore in the afternoon/evening.
Night watches?
It is unlikely that she will need to sail overnight.

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 not be more than 12 miles offshore.

Enjoy wonderfully wild, exhilarating sailing while discovering the hidden treasures of the coast, all while enjoying great hospitality and good food.

Getting Involved

Sailing with Pellew is not for the faint-hearted. She is one of the fastest pilot cutters of her time, so you’ll be sure to feel the wind whipping through your hair and sea spray on your face. It will be a truly exhilarating sailing experience, and if adventure is calling you, this is one not to miss.

Believe it or not, you don’t need any experience to jump aboard Pellew – just a lust for adventure! 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. We welcome as much or as little participation as you want – from pulling up the sails, sheeting in, steering, and even navigation.

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. From hearty meals together, cards over a wee dram or just a quiet corner to read a book, it’s a great space to relax in. 

At the front of the boat, there are eight guest berths in an open-plan cabin, each in twin-bunk configuration. She has a generous shower room (for a boat!) and two toilets.

A Typical Day

Usually, after breakfast, set sail for a day on the water, aiming to reach a new destination every evening. Enjoy searching out quiet anchorages and hidden coves where you can spend the night, enjoying the company, the stars, and, of course, our freshly cooked evening meal. There will be time to explore ashore once anchored and especially when visiting destinations like Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly or Brittany.

Dining Aboard 

All food will be freshly prepared on board 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 homemade cake. All dietary requirements will be catered for, and where possible, all our fresh food is locally sourced. You’ll undoubtedly be well taken care of after a good day of sailing.

Sample menu

All food is made on board (including soda & focaccia bread when we can’t get artisan loaves!), and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. 

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, biscuits, 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, antipasti, hummus, crudites and baked camembert
  • Greek-style roast lamb with cous cous. (V) option: stuffed peppers
  • Spanish fish soup with garlic bread
  • In Scotland, Haggis, neaps, tatties. (V) option available
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!

  • 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 from the boat
  • Lifejacket
  • There are offshore jackets available for guests when sailing, but please bring your own waterproofs for time ashore.

What’s not included

  • Wash and/or swim towel
  • 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

Pellew has limited storage in the cabins. Please consider travelling as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid/hard cases. Please pack your items in a soft bag or rucksack, something that can be packed flat or rolled up.

We recommend a travelling-light approach with lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items. It can be a few degrees colder out at sea; please bring layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week. These are not mandatory, and those who have sailed before may have their own preferences!

  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are all lightweight and quick-drying)
  • Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers for onboard use (with good grip)
  • Please consider waterproof rubber/wellington/sailing boots (something to keep your feet dry)
  • Swimsuit and swim towel
  • Warm, windproof and waterproof coat/trousers
  • Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best; these are optional)
  • Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
  • Sunglasses, a cap and a warm hat
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
  • Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
  • A small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
  • Camera/binoculars 
  • Charging cables for personal devices  (there are 12V USB sockets)
  • Cash as required
  • A good book to read!
  • Consider using sleep masks and/or earplugs if you’re sharing a cabin
  • Wash towel/s (made from microfibre are lightweight and quick-drying)
  • Midge repellent – only necessary when sailing in Scotland

Travel Documents

  •  Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements for the country/as required.

From: Customs House Quay

To: Customs House Quay

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.

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.

Pellew

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Pilot Cutter

From week-long voyages exploring the subtropical archipelago of the Isles of Scilly to longer expeditions to Brittany and beyond, Pellew also offers shorter taster sailing experiences around her home port of Falmouth in Cornwall. With her vast sail plan, think fast, invigorating sailing with the lee rail kissing the waves. 

Get involved with all aspects of sailing her, from hoisting the sails together to feeling her full power while taking the helm. Pellew is undoubtedly not for the faint-hearted, but perfect for those looking for a proper sailing adventure, from solo travellers to adventurous couples. 

Pellew is a faithful recreation of the Falmouth Pilot Cutter Vincent, initially built in 1852 and based in St Mawes, Cornwall. 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 cargoes bound for Europe. Whatever the weather and however rough the waters, these courageous cutters were an integral part of maritime life in the south-west of England.

Below decks, she has a cosy saloon with cushioned seating around a large oak table and a generous galley. Hearty home-cooked meals will be freshly prepared on board by our dedicated cook using locally sourced produce wherever possible. The eight guest berths are arranged around an open-plan cabin with a shower and two toilets.

 

Deck plan

VEN-Boat_Plan-Pellew More about Pellew

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.

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