Cross the channel to Alderney & Normandy Memorial Tour

your Sailing Area

Channel Islands & Normandy

It’s 79 years since many brave souls set off from Brixham to Normandy in landing craft as part of the D-Day invasion fleet. The American 4th Infantry Division sailed from Breakwater Beach bound for Utah Beach on 4th June 1944, now Pilgrim will be charting a similar course across the channel.

This is a mix and match, “sail and stay” trip. There will be several days for shore exploration in both Alderney and Normandy. It will appeal to ex-service personnel or families of those who landed on D-Day beaches or fought in the Normandy campaign, or those who enjoy some exhilarating sailing cross-channel and spending time ashore exploring the beautiful Normandy coast and harbour towns.

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Join the crew of Pilgrim as they set off  from the Breakwater in Brixham and over subsequent days head across the English Channel for Alderney. Not only will guests be able to join in with the festivities but will have the chance to explore this beautiful island. We will then sail onto Normandy, past the D-Day beaches and into the port of Ouistreham. From there we will enter the Caen Canal, passing the site of the famous Pegasus Bridge and into the marina in the centre of the city of Caen.

Cruising on Pilgrim is a unique experience.

Not only will you have a superb sailing holiday, but you will see how 19th century fishermen handled these heavy and powerful vessels. You will be able to assist the crew to sail Pilgrim and benefit from the modern guest facilities we have on board. Our mooring in the centre of Caen will serve as a superb base for exploring the Normandy beach sites, the fascinating museums, incredible memorials and much more.  The tour itinerary will be tailored to suit the interests of the group.

In addition to the second world war history, there are also opportunities for guests to take trips to the Bayeux Tapestry and Museums and to the beautiful port of Honfleur. There are good public transport links for the independently minded and there are also a variety of locally organised tours available as well. You will have the opportunity to stroll and explore Caen directly from our berth. While we are in Caen we will serve breakfast each day and dinner on the final evening. This provides an opportunity to choose your own lunches at tour sites and to seek out your own local dining experiences or extend a day out as you wish. While in Alderney we will serve breakfast and either lunch or dinner depending on the activities on the day.

When we depart Caen, our Alderney and Normandy Summer Special will set out back towards Devon. The outward and return sailings involve extended day and night sea passages and the duration and timings are dependent on the weather, tides and the sea conditions. It will be a unique sail into the past for history buffs, sailing enthusiasts and those seeking a compelling maritime adventure.

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

Life on Board

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)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket

What’s not included

• 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.

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, Devon

To: Brixham, Devon

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