Offshore Sailing across the Bay of Biscay: from Spain to Cornwall

Your Sailing Area

La Coruña – Falmouth

La Coruña is a great maritime port to begin your offshore sailing adventure. The town’s history is closely connected with its historic fishing and trading port, and the peninsula on which the historic part of town is situated is home to an interesting Romanesque road network with squares and mediaeval churches as well as the Hercules Tower, the oldest lighthouse in the world. The Museum of Fine Arts, with works by Goya and others on display, is also worth a visit before you join Pellew!

During this trip, you will develop a love of sailing, and the best way to make a start on any boat is to feel you are a vital and competent part of the crew.  We will teach you the seamanship skills of steering, setting sails, reefing, and tying knots with conviction! The skills you learn will be relevant for modern yachts, but you should also feel at home on traditional boats and tall ships with blocks and tackles.

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Before we cross the Bay of Biscay, spend some time, visiting small fishing harbours, secluded bays and a truly stunning coastline. Visit tiny traditional fishing ports with their quaint and ancient stone corn storage buildings while tasting local wines, tapas and excellent seafood in the shorefront bars.

Ensuring the fairest weather conditions for crossing the Bay of Biscay is important, so the exact itinerary won’t be known until we have the latest weather forecast. Depending on the weather, we’ll look to cross the Bay of Biscay as soon as we can. This will involve longer hours under sail and perhaps some overnight sailing under the stars too. Guests are welcome to join our watch system; although it is not mandatory, we truly believe it’s part of the magic of sailing! During these mile-building passages, we cannot be certain of fair winds, so this voyage is best suited to those with some sailing experience and/or a lust for adventure!

Once we’ve made the crossing, we’ll likely stop over on the French coast around the port of Brest before continuing on. There are some lovely anchorages and sheltered bays around Brest, and the coastline forms part of the d’Armorique National Park.

Our final stop will be Pellew’s home port and the maritime hotspot for Cornwall: Falmouth. Once you’ve departed the boat, it’s well worth spending some time here. With sheltered river creeks, bustling harbours, and a stunning coastline where ancient woodland meets the sea, sailing out of Falmouth is perfect for the ocean-loving adventurer.

All voyages for Pellew

Pellew

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Pilot Cutter

Pellew is a faithful recreation of the Falmouth Pilot Cutter Vincent, originally built in 1852 and based in St Mawes she was a familiar sight on the Fal estuary for 70 years, eventually retiring from service in 1922. 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 cargos bound for Europe. Whatever the weather and however rough the seas these courageous cutters were an integral part of maritime life in the south-west of England.

With her vast sail plan, think fast, invigorating sailing with the lee rail kissing the waves, Pellew is certainly not for the faint-hearted. So if you are looking for that next adventure at sea on a beautifully powerful wooden vessel, then Pellew is the boat for you.

Below decks

You are welcomed into a cosy saloon with cushioned seating around a large table and a generous galley. Delectable home-cooked meals will be freshly-prepared on board by our dedicated cook using locally sourced produce wherever possible. The 8 guest berths are arranged around an open-plan cabin with a shower and two toilets for guest use.

She is oak framed throughout and planked with locally sourced Douglas fir mast and spars. Although she is tiller steered, she does have two large electric capstan winches to help get the sails up and in. Guests are welcomed and invited to get involved in the sailing of Pellew. In fact, it will be hard not to want to feel first hand, the power of this beautiful boat as glides seemingly effortlessly through the water.

She will usually sail with a skipper, mate and dedicated cook, with a fourth crew member joining for longer voyages. She will be spending her sailing season exploring the coasts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the Channel Islands, the Breton Coast and exploring the majestic isles of the Scottish Hebrides.

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.

All food will be freshly-prepared onboard to the highest standard by a dedicated cook so guests can expect hearty breakfasts, freshly baked bread, delicious lunches and dinners, as well as plenty of home-made cake!

Sleeping and Relaxation

You are welcomed into the main saloon with cushioned seating around a large table next to a generous galley. It’s a great sociable space with the traditionally built wooden finish giving a lovely cosy feeling.

In the fore, there are 8 guest berths in an open-plan cabin with each berth in twin bunk arrangements. She has a generous (for a boat!) shower room and two toilets for guest use.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

Night watches?

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 a 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 earplugs!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring.

Sample Menu for Pellew

All food is made on board (including soda & focaccia bread when we cant get artisan loaves!) and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. Please note while under way across the channel, we made need a little flexibility in expectation depending on the weather!

Breakfast

• Fresh fruit bowls
• Yoghurt, muesli & granola
• Artisan or home-made bread & jams
• Cooked breakfast (approx twice on a week-long trip!)

Elevenses/Afternoon Cake

• Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, biscuit, flapjack

Lunch

• Home-made soup, bread and local cheeses
• Risotto and fresh salad
• Home-made savoury tarts and fresh salad

Dinner

• Appetisers; usually a combination of olives, home-made pate and toast, anti-pasti, hummus, crudites and baked camembert
• Greek style roast lamb with cous cous. (V) option; stuffed peppers
• Spanish fish soup with garlic bread

Dessert

• Tiramisu
• Home-made meringue with boozy berries
• Chocolate brownies and clotted cream

There is also a huge fruit bowl that guests can help themselves to throughout the voyage!

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
• Meals ashore
• 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.

This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: La Coruna, Spain

To: Falmouth, Cornwall

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

GETTING THERE

La Coruna

BY AIR

Flights go direct from Santiago de Compostela Airport to London Gatwick. Taking the 50 minute taxi ride to La Coruna  once there is more convenient than public transport.

Indirect flights go from A Coruna Airport to London Gatwick. Once there take the A4 bus (35 minutes) that runs almost every half hour.

GETTING HOME

Falmouth

PARKING

You can leave your car at any of the Long Stay car parks with a weekly or overnight ticket. You can pay using the JustPark app on your phone which can be easier. Try Church Street TR11 3RQ or The Dell TR11 3HP.

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 must change onto the Maritime line to Falmouth Town Station.