Brixham Heritage Sailing: the Pilgrim BM45

Of the fishing trawlers that worked Brixham harbour at its peak in the 1880s, three have survived. The Pilgrim BM45 is the only one still based in the bay, sailing as a heritage vessel from the harbour she was launched into in 1895.

She’s a Brixham trawler – the design that defined commercial sailing fishing in the Channel and the North Sea for fifty years. Ketch-rigged, 75 feet on deck, gaff main, no engine until 1925. The Brixham Heritage Sailing Trust runs her on day sails and longer voyages from Easter to October.

The half-day taster trip (~3 hours, around GBP55) takes you out into Lyme Bay, gives you a turn at the helm, lets you haul on the lines. No experience needed. The longer 2-day trips include an overnight in Dartmouth or Exmouth.

The boat is alongside the inner harbour in Brixham, opposite the Golden Hind replica. You can visit even when she’s not sailing – the trust runs deck tours on quiet weekday afternoons.

Book direct: brixhamheritagesailing.co.uk.