Pettifox Cornish coastal sailing weekend

This voyage is perfect for small groups of family or friends who want to get to experience traditional sailing in sheltered waters and soak up the diversity of Cornwall’s coastline.

Find Pettifox in the picturesque port of Fowey with its charming narrow streets and coloured cottages stretching the foreshore. It’s no wonder that the ancient town of “Foye” is such a mecca for outdoor sailing enthusiasts who come from afar to explore this perfect little estuary. Your weekend will, of course, be dictated by the direction of the wind and tide to make full use of Pettifox’s sails, so there is no set route or itinerary.

Sheltered Sailing

After you’ve spent the day exploring what the Fowey river has to offer and you’re familiar with the boat, its time to check in with the weather and see where the wind will take you.

If the wind is in your favour and you’re looking for an action-packed weekend, it is possible you could make a quick visit down the coast to the lovely maritime town of Falmouth. Anchor overnight in the Helford River and explore the beautiful creeks and experience true freedom as the wind fills Pettifox’s sails and propels you along this unique and impressive coastline.

If the wind isn’t in your favour or you just want to spend the weekend relaxing into life on the water, staying local to Fowey boasts some equally good sailing grounds. Head up to the historic fishing town of Looe, where Pettifox’s small draft make easy access to this shallow harbour or perhaps sail St Austell Bay before hunkering down in the ancient harbour of Charlestown.

The south coast provides some truly sheltered sailing grounds. Whichever way you head along the Cornish coast, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, birds and plenty of other marine life.

Family Friendly

Pettifox is well suited to families or small groups of friends who are looking for a secluded sailing holiday exploring the coasts of Cornwall. No experience is needed to climb aboard – Pettifox is an easy rig to sail so is perfect for young families wanting to learn more about life on the water. Below decks, she has four single berths with two extra child berths available on request and with all your meals included, you can simply sit back and soak up the fresh sea air.

Your ticket price includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and soft drinks. There are two curtained bunk berths are in the saloon and two bunks in the fore cabin. Bedding is provided – you just need to bring your own towel.

Simply click “Enquire Now” to reserve your berth for five days whilst you sort your travel plans. No booking form or deposit is required until you are ready to book!

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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Pettifox

Guest berths: 4 Rig: Gaff Cutter

Pettifox was built on the Isles of Scilly in 1992. She was the last classic wooden boat of her kind to be built on the islands and is still sailing and exploring the Cornish coasts today. Offering guests a chance to experience life under sail in arguably one of the most beautiful sailing locations of the UK.

Perfect for a small group of friends or family, Pettifox is our fleet’s smallest boat but has been finished to a high standard, comfortably sleeping 4 guests.

Her easy rig makes her a dream to sail and the perfect boat to get involved with. Her Skipper Johnny has been sailing all his life making him the perfect guide to learning the ropes. That being said, she can be sailed single-handedly so if you simply want to sit back, relax and inhale that fresh sea air while taking in the views, that’s just fine too!

Below decks have been recently revamped to better use her space and offer guests a bijou but comfortable experience. A well-designed galley means cooking your own meals are easy and you can sit back and enjoy them on her beautifully bespoke oak plank table or perhaps on deck under the stars.

Sleeping arrangements are cosy with two single bunks in the fore cabin and two single bunks set back in the saloon. Two smaller bunks can be made available for children should you wish to bring the whole family. The crew have separate sleeping quarters and there is a toilet and pull out shower onboard too.

With consideration given to energy supply and consumption, she has even been set up to accommodate “off-grid” living so she can comfortably visit those remote locations with not a soul in sight.

She spends her sailing season with voyages exploring the coasts of Cornwall with a stint in the Isles of Scilly where you can fly direct to St Mary’s and meet her straight over there giving you maximum time to explore the islands!

More about Pettifox

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

• What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Pettifox?

  There are currently no Test & Sail policies in place for the 2022 season.

• Is there an age limit for children?

  We would recommend 5+ but this can be dependent on family experience so please check with the office.

• Are all meals included?

  No; a continental breakfast is offered by the Skipper. All other meals are to be eaten ashore at the guests expense.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, Vegetarian diets can be accommodated. Please let us know at the time of booking of other dietary needs.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4 adult berths (2x fore cabin bunks, 2x saloon bunks), a further 2 child bunks can be made available as needed.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  1 bathroom with a pull out shower.

• Is there an age limit?

  Voyage dependent. Please check with the office.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• Is there WIFI?

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

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  When the boat is connected to shore power or the generator is on. Solar chargers can be a great alternative.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  Bedding, yes - Towels, no

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No, please bring your own.

• 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: Fowey

To: Fowey

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

Getting There:

Fowey, Cornwall

If travelling by train, you will need to get off at Lostwithiel on the South West mainline and get a 10-minute ride taxi into Fowey.

If travelling a car, parking can be limited in summer months so it’s advised to arrive early. You can leave your car at any of the Long Stay car parks with a weekly or overnight ticket. You can pay using the Just Park app on your phone.