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Sail from picturesque Falmouth to the idyllic French coastal villages and islands of Brittany with pilot cutter Pellew, enjoying a mix of hand-on sailing and relaxed island hopping.
Swapping one Celtic coast for another, Pellew will sail with skipper Luke from her home port of Falmouth, Cornwall, to the coast of Brittany, France.
This voyage is perfect for all ages and abilities, combining an exhilarating sailing day across the English Channel and coastal exploration in Brittany. Discover the Crozon Peninsula and the rugged beauty of Brittany, France under sail.
- Skipper and Crew
- Hands-on Sailing
- Traditional rig
- No single occupancy fee
- Coast of Brittany
- Full Board
- No experience needed!
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Your Sailing Area
Cornwall to Brittany
Sail from Falmouth across the English Channel into the Celtic Sea. This voyage is perfect for those looking for a little more time under sail and plenty of time to explore the coast of Brittany.
The first afternoon and evening will see a straight sail to the French coast, and once the crossing has been completed, spend the week ambling the French coast. Once you’ve crossed the English Channel, you’ll sail past France’s most westerly point of the Ushant Islands, known for their abundance of lighthouses, shipwrecks and indigenous sheep.
Nestled on the coast of Brittany, Douarnenez is a delightful fishing port with a truly authentic Breton atmosphere. Stroll through its quaint streets and enjoy the vibrant colours of the fishing boats in the harbour. Visit the Port-Musée, where you can explore a fascinating collection of historic vessels and learn about the seafaring traditions that have shaped the town’s identity.
Discover the Camaret-sur-Mer, a quaint coastal village with a lovely blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Admire the panoramic views from the Vauban Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and soak in the peaceful ambience of its sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. Explore the charming streets adorned with traditional Breton houses and indulge in the delicious seafood specialities at one of the waterfront restaurants.
We will spend time sailing and exploring the stunning peninsula of Crozon, a true gem of the Breton coast. Its dramatic landscapes boast towering cliffs, secluded coves, and pristine sandy beaches. Stroll along the coastal paths, breathing in the fresh sea air and revelling in the breathtaking vistas that unfold before you. Explore the charming village of Morgat, known for its lively marina and bustling waterfront promenade. Discover hidden coves, such as the enchanting Plage de l’île Vierge, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this coastal paradise.
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Night watches?
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 12 miles offshore.
Life on board Pellew
Pellew is one of the fastest pilot cutters of her time, so a lust for adventure is certainly a must, and sailing with her is not for the faint-hearted! You don’t need any experience to join her as the friendly and professional crew are always on hand to show you the ropes.
You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals and the crew love to share their knowledge with guests, showing them the ropes and feeling the wind power in the sails. They welcome as much or as little participation as you want – from pulling up sails, sheeting in and steering, and even navigation.
A typical Day
After breakfast, Pellew usually sets sail for a day on the water, with the aim of reaching a new destination by evening. We enjoy exploring hidden coves and tranquil anchorages where we can spend the afternoon ashore and the night under the stars while enjoying our freshly cooked dinner. All meals will be freshly prepared onboard by a dedicated cook to the highest standards. Guests can expect mouth-watering breakfasts, freshly baked bread, delectable lunches and dinners, and an abundance of homemade cake!
Sleeping and Relaxation
As you step into the main saloon, you’ll be greeted by a cosy and sociable space with cushioned seating around a large table next to a well-equipped galley. The wooden finish of the interior adds to its traditional charm and makes it feel like a warm and inviting space.
Moving towards the fore of the boat, you’ll find an open-plan cabin with eight guest berths arranged in twin bunk beds. The boat features a generously sized shower room and two toilets exclusively for guest use, ensuring that everyone on board has access to the necessary facilities.
What’s included
- Full board (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
- There are off-shore jackets available for guests when sailing but please bring your own waterproof for time ashore.
What’s not included
- Wash and/or swim towel
- 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
Kit list
Pellew has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases – please bring your items in a soft bag.
We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!
- Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
- Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
- Wash towel – micro fibre are lightweight and quick drying!
- Swimsuit and swim towel
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)
It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coat
- Waterproof trousers
- Waterproof boots or clean wellington boots
- Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
- Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
- Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
- Camera/binoculars
- Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
- Charging cables for personal devices (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices in each bunk)
- A good book to read!
- We advise sleep masks and/or ear plugs!
- Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
From: Falmouth
To: Falmouth
GETTING THERE
Falmouth, Cornwall
BY RAIL
There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Truro from starting routes of Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington. Once at Truro station, you will need to change onto the Maritime line to Falmouth Town 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.
BY CAR
There are multiple parking options in Falmouth, the closest being the long-stay car park by the Town Centre Train Station, called The Dell. From here it is a short 5 minutes walk to the embarkation point.
Pellew
Guest berths: 8 Rig: Pilot Cutter
From week-long voyages exploring the subtropical archipelago of the Isles of Scilly to longer expeditions to Brittany and beyond, Pellew also offers shorter taster sailing experiences around her home port of Falmouth in Cornwall. With her vast sail plan, think fast, invigorating sailing with the lee rail kissing the waves.
Get involved with all aspects of sailing her, from hoisting the sails together to feeling her full power while taking the helm. Pellew is undoubtedly not for the faint-hearted, but perfect for those looking for a proper sailing adventure, from solo travellers to adventurous couples.
Pellew is a faithful recreation of the Falmouth Pilot Cutter Vincent, initially built in 1852 and based in St Mawes, Cornwall. Today, the spirit of tradition lives on, and Pellew is strongly built to sail the oceans of the world with her guests travelling in utmost comfort and safety.
Originally designed and built for speed and seaworthiness, these sturdy vessels would carry pilots out to sea, meeting ocean-going ships arriving with cargoes bound for Europe. Whatever the weather and however rough the waters, these courageous cutters were an integral part of maritime life in the south-west of England.
Below decks, she has a cosy saloon with cushioned seating around a large oak table and a generous galley. Hearty home-cooked meals will be freshly prepared on board by our dedicated cook using locally sourced produce wherever possible. The eight guest berths are arranged around an open-plan cabin with a shower and two toilets.
Deck plan
More about Pellew
Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Meat eaters and vegetarians only please!
Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Shared quarters, 8 berths in the open fore cabin with easy access to a toilet
Is there a porthole in my berth?
There are deck hatches in the fore cabin.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
2 toilets, 1 shower 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, Pellew 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 onboard?
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, each bunk has a 12v USB charging port.
What is the currency on board?
GBP - pounds sterling.
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
How do I get on and off the boat?
Pellew 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 off-shore jackets available for guests when sailing but please bring your own waterproof for time ashore.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.
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?
Preferably over 12's accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio but please check with us in the office as each voyage is different.
More holidays in Cornwall or France
Sailors Voyage from Scotland to Penzance
Yacht Charter Sailing – Devon, Cornwall & Beyond
UK Sailing Mile Builder: Cornwall to Scotland
A Sailor’s Voyage from Scotland to Cornwall
More holidays on Pellew
Sailing the Brittany Coast From Falmouth
Traditional Taster Sailing Short Break in Cornwall
Traditional Taster Sailing Short Break in Cornwall
Traditional Taster Sailing Short Break in Cornwall
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL










































