Sailing from Cornwall to Brest, France

YOUR SAILING AREA

Falmouth to Brest

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.

This voyage will see guests become an active part of the crew, helping to hoist sails, taking the helm, tope-work and basic navigation techniques. Set the sails and cross the English Channel as you sail with Grayhound to reach the coast of Brittany.

Our voyage concludes in the port city of Brest, a thriving maritime hub that has preserved its seafaring traditions and rich naval history. The surrounding bays will be teeming with classic boats from all over the world who will be arriving to take part in the Brest International Maritime Festival. Please note, this voyage does not include accommodation or entry for the maritime festival itself, so if you want to stay in Brest to continue the maritime festival celebrations, you’ll need to find accommodation and purchase a festival ticket. 

Explore the bustling harbour, lined with impressive sailboats and historic ships, and stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town, admiring its charming architecture and lively cafes. Discover the fascinating maritime museums, such as the National Maritime Museum and the Museum of the Navy, showcasing Brest’s long-standing relationship with the sea. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene, as Brest offers a range of art galleries, theatres, and music festivals.

The Brest International Maritime Festival brings together sailing enthusiasts, historic ships, and cultural performances. Immerse yourself in the nautical atmosphere, witness majestic vessels, and celebrate the rich maritime heritage that defines this extraordinary festival.

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.

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

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.

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?

  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.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol or you can bring your own.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  10x single berths split between the saloon and fore cabin. Some bunks can be made into "doubles" and all berths are allocated communally once everyone is aboard. All bunks have a privacy curtain.

• Is there a porthole in my berth?

  Both the saloon and fore cabin have deck hatches for natural light.

• 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.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding is provided but please bring towels.

• 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, Grayhound does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating onboard?

  Yes, there is a multi fuel burner.

• 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. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes. There are USB and 220v sockets in the Pilot house and galley.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Grayhound 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?

  Yes - provided for all guests. IMAX - Explorer Ocean Equipment - coat & Trousers. This can be taken onshore as well.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  There are long boat tenders for rowing practice and coastal exploring!

• 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?

  Young children can join some voyages but this varies so please check with the office first. There is no maximum age limit as long as guests are mobile and fit.

Travel Planning

From: Customs House Quay, Falmouth

To: Brest, France

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

Getting There

Falmouth, Cornwall

BY RAIL

Get the Maritime line from Falmouth Town Station to Truro Station. Once there you can catch direct trains with Great Western Railway to Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington.

BY AIR

The quickest way into the county during the spring/summer months, Newquay Airport is about an hour taxi ride from Falmouth.

GETTING HOME

Brest, France

BY RAIL

Brest railway station (Gare de Brest) is a few minutes walk from the Port area. Brest links to Rennes and Paris (6 hours) aswell as regional services to Brittany.

BY AIR

Brest Airport (BES) is about a 10 to 20 minute taxi ride to/from Brest.

There is a tram airport shuttle service (Tram A) followed by bus route 20 operated by Bibus – Brest métropole océane which is about a 30 minute journey running approximately every 20 minutes.