Offshore Sailing from Cornwall to France

YOUR SAILING AREA

Cornwall to France

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.

During this trip, you will develop a love of sailing, and the best way to make a start on any boat is to feel you are a vital and competent part of the crew.  We will teach you the seamanship skills of steering, setting sails, reefing, and tying knots with conviction!

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Set the sails from Falmouth working your way up the coast until the weather window makes a good opportunity to sail across the English Channel and reach the French coast. Exploring the untamed coastlines and medieval ports of Brittany unveils a tapestry of ancient history and Celtic traditions.

All voyages for Emma Claire

Emma Claire

Guest berths: 4 Rig: Masthead Sloop

Offering guests bespoke private charter sailing holidays around Devon, Cornwall, France and the Caribbean, Emma Claire is a modern yacht owned and skippered by RNLI coxswain Chris and his wife Bryony. Sleeping six guests in comfortable private cabins, she is the perfect size for small groups of friends or family looking for that unique holiday experience. 

Built in 1996, she has technically passed into her “vintage” era but continues to showcase her Italian design and build very well. She has been lovingly maintained over the years, and you’d be hard pushed to find another model of her age in such good condition.

With a modern winched masthead sloop rig, sailing her is straightforward; Chris can comfortably sail her single-handedly. That being said, she is a great boat to learn the sailing basics; hoisting, winching, taking the helm and some basic navigation can all be taught if guests wish. Her hull shape and sloop rig make her a comfortable and stable boat to sail on, so she makes a great boat for coastal sailing for those wanting to try something new and learn the ropes.

Below Decks

The perfect size for bespoke private charters, Emma Claire can sleep up to four guests in a combination of two double cabins and a twin bunk cabin. There are two bathrooms, both with pull out showers (if needed) and a generous saloon with cushioned seating, dining table and a well-equipped galley.

Above decks, she has a comfy cockpit and plenty of deck space to sit back, take in the coastal views, feel the salt air in your hair and relax into the rhythms of life on the water.

Life on board Emma Claire

Emma Claire is a great-sized boat for adventurers looking for a skippered sailing holiday in a safe environment. Skipper Chris is an RNLI coxswain for Salcombe lifeboat so his experience and relaxed nature make sailing with him a real pleasure.

GETTING INVOLVED

Emma Claire’s rig is simple and modern, running on an electric winch system, so there is no hauling old ropes on this boat! She’s a great boat for guests to get a taste of comfortable modern rig sailing. Skipper Chris is more than happy to get guests involved and show them the ropes.

From basic sail theory to taking the helm and helping with anchoring, there is always plenty to do on board even if you’ve never stepped foot on a boat before. That being said, if guests just want to experience the relaxed rhythms of life on the water and switch off from the demands of the modern world, then that’s also encouraged in equal measure!

SLEEPING AND RELAXATION

Above decks, there is ample space to sit out, relax and enjoy the views. The comfy cockpit is a great place to sit and watch the landscape go by as you feel the wind in the sails. Emma Claire also has a stand-up paddle board and an inflatable canoe for guests to use while on anchor along with fishing lines if you fancy your hand at catching some dinner!

Below decks, there is a generous saloon with a large sofa area, dining table and galley. There are three private cabins (2x double and 1x twin) and two saloon bunks all sharing two well-appointed toilets. Each toilet has a pull-out shower if and as needed but most showers will be taken onshore in the marina facilities.

Chris’ wife Bryony is a trained chef who used to run her own catering company so you will certainly be well fed while aboard!

kit list

Emma Claire has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

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 who have sailed before may have their preferences!

• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• Swimsuit and swim towel (if you’re brave enough!)
• 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/lightweight trousers. (Chris has some offshore sailing jackets if needed)
• 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
• A good book to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

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

Eating Aboard 

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. Please note, this is an example of what is on offer.

Breakfast

• Bacon, eggs, Sausage and tomatoes
• Our gluten-free granola with buckwheat, organic oats nuts and seeds
• Local croissants and our often homemade preserves

Lunch

• Local cheeses, fruit and our pear and date chutney
• Smoked haddock chowder and crusty bread
• Houmous, olives, warm pitta and Greek salad
• Gruyere and leek tart with a green salad and new potatoes
• French onion soup with a cheese crostini

Dinner

• Chillie with guacamole, nachos, sour cream
• Beef goulash with caraway, sour cream and new potatoes
• Chicken breast with tarragon and mushroom sauce, hassle back squash and mashed potato
• Meatballs with a fresh tomato sauce and buttery noodles, salad
• Chickpea and sweet potato curry
• Mediterranean fish stew with aioli

Dessert

• Chocolate truffle pots with raspberries and whipped cream
• Berries, cream and Meringues
• Lemon posset with langue de chat biscuits

What’s Included

• Full Board (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

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Swim towel
• All 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 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  All meals are included in the price where stated (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks). Some voyages may offer meals ashore.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, all diets can be catered for. Please check with the office for any allergy information.

• Are there any added extra's?

  There is an honesty bar onboard for soft drinks and alcohol. Excursions shore are not included.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4 guests in 2x double berths, 1x twin cabin

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have either a porthole or a hatch.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 bathrooms, both with showers.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring a swimming towel if you wish to swim. 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, Emma Claire does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?

  There is heating and an air temperature exchange.

• 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 conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes - There are 12v, plus a 240v inverter with sockets in the saloon, we do have 240v in all cabins when on shore power or the mobile generator is running.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Emma Claire is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  There are some for guests to use in an emergency.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  There is one inflatable paddle-board and one inflatable canoe for guests to use free of charge.

• 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?

  Over 12's for normal voyages but private charters depend on the families experience.

Travel Planning

From: Falmouth Haven

To: Lorient, France

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

GETTING THERE

Falmouth Haven Marina, 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.

GETTING HOME

LORIENT, FRANCE

BY AIR

The nearest international airports to Lorient are either Nantes or Brest.  It is a 1.5-2 hour transfer from Lorient.

BY TRAIN

There are connections from Lorient to Paris where you can change and pick up the Eurostar to London. This is the quickest/easiest travel option.