Sailing & Photography in Devon

Join Pilgrim in her home port of Brixham for a one night sailing holiday adventure on the South Devon coast to Dartmouth. This voyage is a great introduction to sailing a traditional ship with a photography thrown in the mix too- and with her red sails, rich heritage and classic tiller.

Sail along the South Devon coastline where you will likely head for the quintessential seaside towns of Dartmouth or Torbay – depending on the weather. This voyage requires no previous sailing experience and aims to have a good balance of sailing and exploration ashore. The crew will show you the ropes and encourage you to get stuck in and experience first hand traditional classic boat sailing.

Our Sailing Photography Workshop is the dream ticket for anyone who likes to sail, while at the same time, capturing their experiences with the marine and coastal environment. It’s got everything – a fabulous Victorian heritage sailing vessel; the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AOBN); The Torbay UNESCO Geopark; the amazing marine wildlife; plus a photography coach to bring out the best of everything.

Setting the Sails

Once you’ve got familiar with the boat and your fellow crew, set the sails from the traditional fishing port of Brixham.

As you leave Brixham, be sure to look back at the picture-postcard fishing port with pretty colour-washed fishermen’s cottages rising up around the old harbour. You will also see other heritage vessels and classic sailing boats as well as fishing trawlers in and around the busy harbour.

No two voyages are ever the same as Pilgrim makes use of the wind and tides but the aim of the voyage will be to sail around the limestone headland of Berry Head before sailing towards Dartmouth for the night. This coastline is an area of outstanding natural beauty and is home to colonies of guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, kestrels and gulls. As you sail into the bay, keep your eyes peeled for porpoises and dolphins which will often join Pilgrim, playing in the wake of the bow.

Getting Involved

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. Take the helm, learn some simple navigation, help to berth alongside and of course hoist those iconic red sails. Sailing with Pilgrim really has something for everyone and with a dedicated cook onboard, you certainly won’t be going hungry after a day in the salty sea air.

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

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 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.

• What language is spoken on board?

  English

• 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)

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• Is there an age limit?

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

• 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.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding is provided but please bring your own towels.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Two for guests

• Is there WIFI?

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

• 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.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are waterproofs provided?

  There are some for emergencies but please bring your own.

• 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: Brixham

To: Dartmouth

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