Taster Sailing in South Devon

Your Sailing Area

South Devon Coast

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 or Torbay 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.

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. Join Pilgrim on voyages around Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, or experience maritime festivals on this incredible vessel.

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

FAQ

• What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Pilgrim of Brixham?

  There are currently no Test & Sail policies in place for the 2022 season.

• 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?

  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: Brixham

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

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PARKING:

Pay in advance for The Marina Long Stay Car Park or pre-book online for a Torbay Council Car Park, using the Breakwater multi-storey or the Oxen Cove car park.

BY RAIL:

Brixham’s closest train station is Paignton. There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Paignton from Exmouth and London Paddington. Once in Paignton take a taxi or bus to Brixham.

BY AIR:

Fly direct into Exeter Airport for Brixham, then it’s a 40 minute taxi ride to Brixham.

STAY IN BRIXHAM:

There are plenty of places to stay in Brixham. Try Sea Tang Guest House, Berry Head Hotel or Harbour View.