Cornish Coastal Sailing & Tall Ship Racing

Join Pettifox in Falmouth, Cornwall as she offers a 6-day summer sailing trip along the Cornish coast while marking the start of the international Tall Ship Race.

Your voyage begins with the opportunity to watch Tall Ships from all over the world gather in Falmouth as they get ready to begin their first race of 2021. Pettifox will sail out of Falmouth on Thursday morning with the parade of sail. A truly fascinating event to be a part of and will be an unforgettable part of your sailing holiday in Cornwall.

This voyage is perfect for those who want to get to grips with traditional, classic yacht sailing in sheltered waters, or simply wanting to soak up the diversity of Cornwall’s coastline. Pettifox requires no previous sailing experience and is perfect for young families and small groups of friends.

Once you’ve watched the tall ships disappear over the horizon, it’s time to spend a couple of days exploring the Cornish coast. The rest of your voyage 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.

It is likely that you will 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. Moor up on National Trust beaches, visit riverside smuggler’s inns and experience true freedom as the wind fills Pettifox’s sails and propels you along this unique and impressive coastline.

If the wind takes you up the river, discover Place creek beyond St Mawes before continuing towards Trelissick. This is one of the most unique ways to explore the South coast of Cornwall – and one of the best.

Whichever way you head along the Cornish coast, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Dolphins, birds and plenty of other marine life. You might even fancy a swim in the beautiful Helford river so don’t forget your swimsuit!

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. (*two meals are to be eaten ashore at the guests’ expense to ensure you get a full Scilly islands experience!)

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: Falmouth

To: Falmouth

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

Getting There:

Unlike our other Isles of Scilly voyages, Pettifox will be ready and waiting for you on the island of St Mary’s. You’ll need to get either the Scillonian from Penzance or the Skybus from Newquay Airport.

Click here for the Scillonian

Click here for the Skybus

Both deliver directly to St Mary’s so you will either need to walk around the harbour or get a short taxi ride from the airport.