Sailing Brest & Douarnenez Maritime Festivals with Pilgrim

Your Sailing Area

Cornwall to France

Join Pilgrim of Brixham in her hometown of Brixham before hoisting the sails to leave one Celtic coast for another as you set a southerly course to Brittany. This voyage sees you enjoy not one but two French Maritime Festivals and if anyone knows how to combine sailing, merriment and music for a holiday to remember – it’s definitely the French!

Sail across the English Channel into the Celtic Sea, past France’s most westerly point of the Ushant Islands known for their abundance of lighthouses, shipwrecks and indigenous sheep. Perhaps anchor along the coast before making your way onto the historic port of Brest, sitting rich in maritime history and medieval architecture. Although heavily bombed in the Second World War, this harbour town has been rebuilt and really comes to life for its International Maritime Festival.

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Taking place every four years, Brest International Maritime Festival sees a flotilla of some 2500 sailing vessels coming together on the water and what a sight it is! From traditional classic boats to coracles, from windjammers to historic fishing vessels, this eagerly awaited maritime festival is a highlight in the sailing calendar. On land, the festival continues in full swing with plenty of music from all over the world, impeccably good food and freshly caught seafood. Entertainment for all is around every corner of the town with street performances, military processions, reenactments and period fancy dress. The larger ships are open to the public to climb aboard and have a wander around and you can join the nightly parade of boats or sit back from the harbour front and watch them sail by.

Fireworks will close the festival as the boats get ready to sail from Brest to Douarnenez with hundreds of vessels converging from all corners of the World making an exciting and truly unforgettable Parade of Sail to start to the second festival in Douarnenez. Festival Temps Fête in Douarnenez is a little more intimate and is a haven for traditional wooden ship lovers. It also attracts an array of photographers and artists who want to immerse themselves within working boats and the beauty of Douarnenez and its two ports. Whilst one is the old fishing port, Rosmeur, there is another with wooden wharves lined with harbour-side bars and restaurants in the medieval town. Douarnenez Festival also offers plenty of races, sailing re-enactments and other activities on the water. The cobbled streets are perfect to explore the music, local shops and cuisine whilst reminiscing of a time when the wooden boats provided the town with trade as they docked in the port.

The itinerary for sailing is not set due to the changing wind and weather but this trip will give you plenty of time to explore ashore and enjoy the festivals, along with offering the best vantage point from the water. When boarding, the Skipper will have a better idea of what the week should entail.  The Breton coast is teeming with sheltered coves for anchoring, peaceful meandering rivers to discover, medieval towns and remote island to explore. Paired with the delicious local cuisine and plenty of opportunities to set foot ashore, there is no better way to discover the magic of this Celtic Coast than under sail.

Your ticket includes access to the festival and of all meals on the boat.

All voyages for Pilgrim of Brixham

Pilgrim of Brixham

Guest berths: 10 Rig: Gaff Rigged Ketch

Pilgrim of Brixham, built in 1895, is a traditional gaff rigged ketch that is one of a handful of remaining wooden sailing trawlers that were built in Brixham.

Pilgrim and her iconic red sails were once part of a large fishing fleet operating out of Brixham, which used to be the principal fishing port in the country. Her survival is testament to her quality, with many similar Victorian fishing vessels having a life span of less than 20 years – and the main reason for her survival is thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group and many individual donors and volunteers.

The Pilgrim Story

After spending many years under different owners in Scandinavia, in 1999 she was brought home from Denmark back to Brixham. After significant restoration work, a few mishaps along the way and a hefty dose of community spirit, Pilgrim was returned to her former glory above decks, and brought up to modern standards below.

Today, as a charter vessel, the Brixham community still rallies around Pilgrim, with local crew, experienced and skilled volunteers performing maintenance and making the Pilgrim of Brixham operation run like clockwork. VentureSail is incredibly proud to have a hand in getting people aboard this historic vessel to not only experience how magnificently she sails, but also to see how passionate those that sail her are.

She offers a range of voyages to suit all abilities. Overnight and weekend taster sails along the Devon coast are great for those wanting a hands-on introduction to classic sailing. Exhilarating adventures across to the Channel Islands or the Isles of Scilly are perfect for those looking to expand their sailing adventures. If you’re wanting a little maritime history and traditional sailing combined with some onshore merriment, Pilgrim also takes part in a whole host of festivals and regatta’s.

Join Pilgrim on voyages as she explores the coasts of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, The Channel Islands and France.

Deck plan

Life on Board

Pilgrim of Brixham is perfect for all types of traveller – from solo adventurers to couples and families, her crew are well versed in adapting the sailing to suit guests.

Sailing with Pilgrim of Brixham is perfect for all types of traveller – from solo adventurers to couples and families, her crew are well versed in adapting the sailing to suit guests. From over-night sailing that are great for beginners to longer passages across the English Channel, sailing with Pilgrim of Brixham is certainly to suited to all capabilities.

Getting involved

Pilgrim of Brixham is rigged to sail with up to seven red sails, and believe it not, previous sailing experience is not necessary. All our guests are very welcome to join the crew including novices who can quite literally learn the ropes! Learn some simple navigation, help to berth alongside and of course hoist those iconic red sails.  Those with experience will especially enjoy and appreciate the scale of Pilgrim of Brixham’s rig and seeing how these big old vessels perform under sail. You can even take the helm – but don’t panic, you’ll always be doing things under the watchful eye of your skipper.

If you’re after a relaxed cruise on board a classic vessel, then we, of course, cater to that too. Bring your book and binoculars and sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Sleeping and Relaxation

Pilgrim of Brixham’s voyages are all-inclusive so all meals; breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks are included in the ticket price. Although there is a dedicated chef onboard, working together is at the heart of everything Pilgrim of Brixham offers, with all her crew part of a volunteers trust.

Above decks with her traditional rig and impressive tiller, there is plenty of space to sit back, relax and enjoy the maritime views. Below decks has been recently renovated with a modern wet room and sleeping quarters split into a communal six berth as part of the saloon and a communal four berth cabin sitting adjacent to the saloon.

Read more about what to expect from Life on board Pilgrim of Brixham here.

SAMPLE MENU FOR PILGRIM

All food is freshly made on board using local produce as much as possible. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

BREAKFAST

• Continental cheeses, hams and pastries, cereal, yoghurt, fruit bowl
• Toast and preserves
• Orange juice, tea and coffee
• Bacon baps and scrambled eggs

ELEVENSES/AFTERNOON CAKE

• Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake

LUNCH

• Snack lunch, hot pasties and fruit bowl
• Homemade broccoli soup, toppings: stilton, croutons, crispy onions
• Fresh melon

DINNER

• Sage and onion crusted pork chops, roasted new potatoes with garlic, carrots and cauliflower
• Poppadom’s & pickles butternut squash curry, chickpea & spinach curry, pilau rice and naan bread
• Roasted chicken with preserved lemon and garlic mashed sweet potatoes with rosemary and creme fraîche, mangetout and baby corn
• Hot carved ham with hollandaise sauce, minted baby potatoes and broad bean & pea medley

DESSERT

• Baked Peaches, crushed amoretti biscuits and crème fraîche
• Panna cotta, raspberry and mango coulis served with shortbread
• Trifle or Eton mess or cheesecake!

What’s included

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

What’s not included

• Passport
• Towels
• Waterproofs
• Alcohol
• 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 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are meals included?

  Yes - meals will be as locally sourced as possible and freshly prepared. Food is often a real hit on Pilgrim.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Mostly, but please let us know before booking if you have any special needs.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 6 berths in the main saloon, with 4 in a cabin at the front of the ship, and 4 at the back (these are usually crew bunks)

• Is there a porthole in my berth?

  There are deck hatches throughout the saloon and fore cabin.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Two for guests.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding is provided but please bring your own towels. Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• 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, Pilgrim does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating onboard?

  Yes.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken on board?

  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.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes, we have UK 3 pin mains sockets onboard. We also have a few USB sockets for charging phones.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Pilgrim 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?

  There are some for emergencies but please bring your own.

• Do I need to be a seasoned sailor?

  Only on mile builder voyages! On normal voyages - not at all. We give everyone who joins us on board the choice to do as much or as little as they like, whether they know how to or not.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No.

• 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?

  Standard policy is no under 8's but please check for private charter.

Travel Planning

From: Falmouth, Cornwall

To: Falmouth, Cornwall

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

Getting There

Falmouth, Cornwall

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 Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington. Once at Truro station you will need to change onto the Maritime line to Falmouth Docks. Port Pendennis Marina is a 5-10 minute walk from Falmouth Docks 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 Red House Guest House, The Lerryn Hotel or The Falmouth Hotel.