Tall Ship Taster Sailing in Cornwall

YOUR SAILING AREA

Cornwall, UK

Set sail from the maritime heart of Cornwall in the port of Falmouth. Your voyage will, of course, be dictated by the direction of the wind and tide to make full use of Irene’s traditional rig so there is no set route or itinerary. The skipper and crew will share a tailored itinerary based on the weather for your trip, as you enjoy tea and homemade cake on arrival.

The Cornish coast is certainly best seen from the water with secluded inlets, river mouths and traditional harbour villages waiting to be discovered. Wherever you anchor or port for the night, the Cornish coast has the SouthWest coast path running throughout it so there are plenty of fascinating trails, and coastal woodlands to explore.

The sheltered geography of Falmouth Bay make it a popular sailing destination with good winds making for some great sailing opportunities – the perfect place to try your hand at sailing with a traditional classic tall ship.

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Soaking up the Cornish coast

Depending on where the wind takes you, you could 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 rolls down the cliffs and meets the sea. The South West coast path also follows these inlets so its the perfect opportunity to hop ashore and enjoy these secluded walking trails while you watch Irene anchored in the bay.

Moor up on National Trust beaches, visit riverside smuggler’s inns and experience true freedom as the wind fills Irene’s sails and propels you along this unique and impressive coastline. Drop anchor and dive off the bows as you enjoy some relaxation and re-connection with nature.

If the wind is in favour and there is a good weather window, you could head up the coast towards the quaint harbour towns of Fowey or Charlestown. This voyage is perfect for those with a short holiday window or for those adventurers wanting to experience more time on the water with a traditionally rigged tall ship in a safe and supported environment.

All voyages for Irene

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 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. Irene has been sailing Cornish waters for over 100 years! Her first cargo voyage to Penzance was recorded in 1907 so she is certainly no stranger to this beautiful coastline.

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 spending some time exploring the islands and choosing an anchorage for the night. Guests will be given the option to head ashore as long as the conditions are fair for some afternoon coastal exploration!

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!

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

What’s included

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket

What’s not included

• 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

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Wash and/or swim towel
• Waterproofs
• 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

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.