Long Sailing Weekend in Devon

Join Pilgrim of Brixham in the quaint harbour town of Dartmouth for a sailing holiday on the South Devon coast.

Sail along the South Devon coastline, with quintessential seaside towns such as Torbay, Brixham and Salcombe or Plymouth all on the list of potential stops. 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.

SETTING THE SAILS

Once you’ve got familiar with the boat and your fellow crew, it’s time to set the sails. Pilgrim was originally registered in Dartmouth when she was launched in 1895. She is a proud member of the UK National Historic Fleet and in 2022 it will be 127 years since she first sailed along this coast!

Depending on weather and tides you may go east to Torbay, Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast or head west towards Salcombe and Plymouth. Weather permitting we may even sneak into Cornwall for a day or two. This sailing holiday will be characterised by the rolling hills, pretty harbours, rugged cliffs and secluded beaches and will likely feature a picnic or a barbecue somewhere special along the way!

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.

UPDATED Covid Vaccination and Testing Policy for 2022

Our Charity Trustees have reviewed and updated our Covid Policy for 2022. In order to provide the highest possible protection to Guests and Crew our policy is changing from 1st January 2022. Everyone on board will now need to be fully vaccinated against Covid in accordance with government advice*. Additionally, we will also require a rapid lateral flow test 72 hours prior to sailing and on the day of sailing. This is to give us the best possible chance to keep the boat free of Covid infection, reduce the risk of any cancelled sailings and to minimize the risk of serious illness to everyone on board.

Note * = “Government advice” means in respect of the government of the country of residence of the Guest although this may be impacted by UK immigration rules on operation at the time of arrival in the UK if the Guest is coming from overseas.

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, from overnight taster sails along the Devon coast to offshore adventures across to the Channel Islands and a whole host of maritime 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: Dartmouth

To: Dartmouth

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

PARKING:

It’s recommended to find parking in the residential roads (Mount Boone & Mount Boone Crescent) at the top of the town. A space or your vehicles safety cannot be guaranteed. Dartmouth waterfront is about a 15 minute walk if you park near Mount Boone.

BY RAIL:

Dartmouth’s closest train station is Totnes. There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Totnes from Penzance, Cardiff Central and London Paddington, and Plymouth and Leeds with CrossCountry trains. Once at Totnes Railway Station take a 17 minute taxi ride.

BY AIR:

Exeter Airport is the most convenient airport and requires taking a taxi direct to Brixham (approximately 50 minutes).

STAY IN DARTMOUTH:

There are plenty of places to stay in Dartmouth. Try Royal Castle, Browns Hotel or Bayards Cove Inn.