Sailing the Brittany Coast From Falmouth

Your Sailing Area

Falmouth – Brest – Falmouth

This traditional sailing holiday begins in the maritime hotspot of Falmouth, Cornwall. It’s easy to see why Falmouth Bay is one of the top sailing destinations in the UK. With bustling harbours and stunning coastline, Falmouth is the perfect setting to step aboard pilot cutter Pellew and start your adventure under sail. This is tall ship sailing at its best, hands-on, sociable and close to the sea.

After introductions and safety briefings, Pellew will set her course south across the English Channel. This passage is an important part of the experience, offering the steady rhythm of life under sail and a taste of open-water seamanship. Guests can take part in the sailing of the ship, learning to handle lines, set canvas, or take the helm under the guidance of Skipper Luke and his experienced crew. Participation is always optional, but there’s a real sense of achievement in helping to sail a vessel like Pellew, a replica of a historic West Country pilot cutter.

The crossing into France brings the ship into the Celtic Sea, passing the Ushant Islands. As the coastline of Brittany soon comes into view, guests will be able to admire the granite cliffs, green headlands and deep estuaries that have sheltered mariners for centuries. With the French mainland in sight, the sailing pace will slow, allowing plenty of time to anchor in quiet coves and explore ashore. Most days are spent sailing through the morning and over lunch before heading ashore in the late afternoon to walk, swim, or visit local towns.

Coinciding with this voyage is the Douarnenez Maritime Festival, known locally as Festival Temps Fête. Pellew will include a short day visit to this much-loved Breton celebration. For lovers of classic boats, it’s an inspiring sight, a harbour filled with working sails, maritime craftsmanship and the unmistakable energy of French coastal culture. Guests can wander the cobbled streets, visit the Port-Musée and enjoy a taste of Brittany’s famous hospitality before returning to Pellew for the next leg of the voyage.

After Douarnenez, the voyage continues east along the Brittany coast, one of skipper Luke’s favourite sailing areas. The Crozon Peninsula is a highlight, with towering cliffs, hidden beaches and the charming port of Morgat, where colourful fishing boats line the quay. Other potential anchorages include Audierne, Concarneau, or the islands of Glénan, depending on weather and tide. This part of France offers some of the best coastal sailing in Europe, with reliable summer winds, long days and a wealth of anchorages perfect for a traditional sailing holiday.

Life aboard Pellew follows the easy rhythm of sea life. Mornings are spent sailing under canvas, with the chance to join in or simply enjoy the view from deck. Lunch is shared aboard before the ship anchors for the evening, giving time to go ashore or relax in the quiet of a Breton bay. The return voyage to Cornwall once again crosses the English Channel, offering one final stretch of blue-water sailing before arriving back in Falmouth.

This voyage combines the adventure of sailing the English Channel with the charm of exploring Brittany and the coast of France under sail. It’s a chance to experience the heritage of a traditional pilot cutter, the beauty of two Celtic coastlines, and the unique satisfaction of travelling by wind and tide aboard Pellew.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

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.