Tall Ship Sailing & Paimpol Festival

YOUR SAILING AREA

Paimpol, France

Swap one Celtic coast for another as you join Irene for 10 days of exhilarating sailing, music and merriment. Your voyage will, of course, be dictated by the direction of the wind and tide but will see you sailing the English Channel to reach the French coast and harbour port of Paimpol where you can experience the true hospitality of french maritime festival from the comfort of your own boat.

Paimpol is a traditional French harbour town situated in the Gulf of St. Malo. This is a beautiful coastline and there are several opportunities for anchoring before you reach the festival. With this being a maritime festival, once you reach the shores of France, you will more and more frequently spot fellow traditional wooden ship and working vessels heading in the same direction – all towards Paimpol.

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Soaking up the French coast

On reaching Paimpol, Irene will navigate her way into the small harbour over mudflats and oyster beds, accompanied by many other ships travelling almost nose to tail in the small channel. This is where the atmosphere of the festival really begins as thousands of people line the harbour wall waiting to watch the spectacle and welcome all the vessels to the town.

Once moored up alongside other traditional ships or working vessels, your time is your own. Relax on deck, head ashore with fellow seafarers or visit other boats before immersing yourself in the history and tradition of Paimpol Festival. The town was once home to a large fleet of fishing vessels that would sail across the Atlantic, fishing the deep seas. The maritime music festival celebrates the towns seafaring traditions with energetic dancing, classic wooden vessels, brass bands and the occasional sax lift the mood to remind the festival-goers that this is a celebration of maritime culture.

The town itself has plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy (although of course all main meals will be provided on board if you prefer), and the atmosphere is electric over the three day festival. This voyage is a bucket list adventure; maritime music festivals have energy like nothing else and the channel crossing is an adventure in itself.

After the festival has come to a close, your holiday onboard is certainly not over as we continue to explore the French coast. The itinerary will not be known closer to the time as it will entirely depend on the tides and weather but rest assured the skipper has spent many years exploring this coast so knows the best spots well!

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

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Private: Irene

Guest berths: 10 Rig: Ketch

From an Edwardian cargo vessel to floating family home and now a chartered sailing vessel, Irene’s had a fascinating life. She’s been the darling of the silver screen, sank in the Caribbean, towed across the Atlantic and re-built in Cornwall. Now she earns her keep sailing guests around the Cornish coast and the Isles of Scilly. Her most recent re-fit has seen the addition of all the mod-cons and safety equipment you’d expect of a modern day charter boat. She carries a crew of professional mariners who love sharing their passion for this old lady of the seas.

From sailing the Cornish coast to exploring the beautiful archipelago of the Scilly Isles, Irene’s sailing holidays range from weekend breaks to week-long explorations taking in some of the most stunning sailing destinations in the UK.  From beginners to old hands there’s something to suit all experiences and whether you’re solo travellers or a couple, Irene certainly welcomes all.

Traditionally rigged with a full time crew, Irene encourages guests to actively involved in all aspects of sailing. From taking the helm, hoisting the sails and general rope work, the crew are well versed in taking complete novices and guiding them through all they need to know to make the most of their tall ship sailing holiday. Below decks she has been well-considered with private ensuite cabins and even a luxury state room with its own lounge area, double bed and bathroom. Her generous saloon has space for relaxing, ample dining space for those hearty home-cooked meals after a day in the sea air and a generous galley where the onboard cook will keep you fed from start to finish.

Read more here about what to expect from Life onboard Irene.

More about Private: Irene

Life on board Irene

Sailing with tall ship Irene requires no previous sailing experience to jump aboard – only a lust for adventure! With private ensuite cabins, she’s perfect for couples and solo travellers looking for a new adventure experiencing what’s like to sail with a traditional tall ship.

Getting involved

Under the guidance of her fully trained crew, you are invited to get actively involved in all aspects of sailing Irene. From hoisting her sails, trimming the ropes, taking the helm and getting her ready for anchor – this truly is a hand-on sailing holiday perfect for those that want to learn more about life aboard a historic classic boat.

A Typical Day

Depending on the weather, a typical day would likely see the sails set after a hearty breakfast with a good few hours sailing. Lunch will likely be served under way or on anchor before mooring ashore to enjoy an evening of music and merriment.

Sleeping and Relaxation

Her dedicated crew will be on hand at all times to point you in the right direction with her dedicated chef freshly cooking all meals on board. With private ensuite cabins and large communal space below decks, there’s plenty of space to relax after a day of sailing if star-gazing on deck doesn’t take up too much of the evening!

Read more about what to expect from Life onboard Irene here.

 

SAMPLE MENU FOR IRENE

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list! Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

BREAKFAST

• Scrambled eggs, mushrooms and avocado on toast
• Freshly baked banana bread, fruit compote and yoghurt
• Porridge
• Toasted breakfast muffin with mushrooms, bacon and hollandaise sauce

ELEVENSES/AFTERNOON CAKE

• Pistacchio and orange cake, limoncello, carrot cake

LUNCH

• Home-made hummus with dukkah, tomato and chorizo salad, puy lentil, pomegranate and feta salad.
• Bacon comte and leek quiche. Roasted butternut squash with sage and garlic butter, warm green bean salad
• Chicken enchiladas, guacamole, red onion salsa, chive sour cream
• Salmon gravlax bagels  with cream cheese, saute potatoes and roasted garlic aioli

DINNER

• Chicken leek and mushroom pie, purple sprouting, mashed potato
• Sticky Asian pork belly, teriyaki glaze, egg fried rice, stir fry pak choy, carrot, lime, sweet chilli salad
• Lamb Dhansak, jasmine rice, naan breads
• Pan-fried fillet of hake, crushed minted pea, potato wedges, shallot caper and dill sauce

DESSERT

• Caramel baked flat peaches with hazelnut semi freddo
• Treacle tart, clotted cream
• Blueberry cheesecake tart and cream
• Cardamon panna cotta, mango and mint salsa

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?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4x twin ensuite cabins, 1x state

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  5

• Is there WIFI?

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

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes.

• Is there an age limit?

  No, children are fine as long as parents assume full responsibility and they bring their own dated, inflatable lifejacket.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes. But not children's ones, they must be brought with you.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.

• 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: Falmouth

To: Falmouth

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

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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.