| Voyage Number | AJ1017R |
| Voyage price | £690 for 7 days |
| Voyage Dates | 01/08/2010 - 16:00 - 08/08/2010 - 16:00 |
| Depart from | Hamble |
| Finishing Port | Hamble |
| Voyage area | Channel Islands , Normandy |
| Voyage type | Adventure Voyage |
| Vessel | Annabel J |
| Availability | Fully booked |

photo by Andy Campbell. Pilot Cutter Marie Claude racing Lizzie May
The fortified town of St Malo was once a major stronghold for French privateers or corsairs as the French like to romantically call themselves. The impressive city walls totally enclose a vibrant community who love everything about the sea. The famous photographer Phillip Plisson has a gallery in St Malo and the medieval streets are full of shops selling ships models and tasteful nuatical gifts. In the summer artists and musicans throng the streets and there are seafood restaurants and cafes with plenty of sheltered outdoor terraces to watch the world go by.
The assistant mayor is a keen traditional sailor and wants to create a spectacular annual event that can be viewed from the harbour walls and will recreate St Malo's proud maritime heritage. The sailing clubs around St Malo Bay have come together with a British Goodwill Raid organisers to create a summer event that will pull boats from a string of French and British Ports culminating in a Pilot Cutter Rally and small boat 'raid.'
Bretons Lure our Pilot Cutter Fleet accross the ChannelClassic Sailing secretly think the French have been envious of our own now annual Pilot Cutter World Championship event in St Mawes and have decided it is time to lure us accross the water. We are quite happy to oblige as the French are so fantastic at putting on Maritime Festivals with plenty of friendly action out on the water.
Britain now has a large fleet of wooden pilot cutter replicas to rival the French historic replicas like the La Cancalaise (from Cancale near St Malo), le Recouverance and Renard (from St Malo) and the Bisquine de Granvillaise.
Possible pilot cutter visitors include Agnes, Polly Agatha, Ameile Rose. For information about every original, restored or replica pilot cutter that our skippers are aware of - see
Classic Sailing 'ship spotters' guide to Pilot Cutters in Europe
The French can claim the recently restored Marie Fernand (Le Harvre Pilot Cutter -see photo by Phillip Plisson) and we need to remember that the awesome Jolie Brise is a French Pilot cutter, even if she is owned by a British school.
The French are brilliant at creating a spectacle and they encourage vessels to take part in races for 3 days with celebrations in a different French Sailing Club each evening, so you will much more than a nautical tourist. Our skipper and mate have a day to knock you into shape before the festival starts.

Please remember all sailing itinerary’s are subject to weather and the Skippers decision.
Day One
Join Annabel J at 1600 hrs in Warsash
Once on board Phil the skipper with the assistance of a mate will show around Annabel J and give you a safety briefing.
The first night is likely to be spent at sea heading across the English Channel.
Day Two
As soon as possible in the morning Phil the skipper will decide which island and port to make for. Alderney has a large harbour, Sark has some bays a tiny tidal harbour. Guernsey and Jersey both have ports and marinas. Or he may decide to carry straight on for St Malo
Day three
You could still be in in the Channel Islands or at St Malo
Day Four and Five
Taking part in St Malo Regatta.
Day Six
Its time to head back across the Channel and make landfall on the English Coast
Day Seven
As the voyage does not finish until 4pm there is still plenty of sailing time on your last day. The objective for the day will bt to get as much sailing as possible before getting you safely back to the Hamble.

Joining or leaving point.Outside the Rising Sun Public House (74 Shore Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9FT) Blue Point on map, shown in the photo.
By Road
If coming by car, head for the Rising Sun, Shore Road, Warsash, follow the instructions and map below. On arrival phone the skipper on 07766 138288 and he will pick you up in Out of Africa, AJ’s river launch.
From the west, take the Hamble turning J8 (A3024) from the M27 and turn right. At the first roundabout take the first exit (A27) towards Bursledon.
After 3 miles, at the top of a hill turn right at the Church and cricket ground into Barnes Lane, signposted Warsash. At the T junction turn right into Brook Lane. After 0.7 miles, take the 3rd exit off the roundabout into Shore Road. Leave Shore Lane into Pasage Lane by going right when Shore Lane makes a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill, just before a sharp left bend, you will see a large car park on your right (FREE)where you can park -Red Point on map. After leaving your car, carry on walking along Shore road and you will come to the Rising Sun Public House. This is the rendevous point so ring the skipper on 07766 138288 and he will pick you up in 'Out of Africa', AJ’s river launch (probably from the harbourmasters pontoon opposite).
From the East, take the Fareham West turning J9 and turn left. At the first roundabout take the 5th exit (A27). At the 3rd roundabout take the 1st exit towards Warsash. At the next roundabout turn right into Brook Lane, then follow the instructions above.
Bus
From Southampton City Centre Bus Station on First Group bus 16 http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/hampshire/timetables/index.php
The No.57 runs between Portsmouth and Warsash Fareham, Portsmouth & Southsea and Fratton (Portsmouth) stations are on its route.
The No. 72 runs from Southampton City Centre to Gosport, via Warsash village.
Bus routes are subject to change. There is also a limited service at weekends and evenings. For up-to-date timetable information telephone First (Southampton) 023 8022 4854 or First (Portsmouth) 023 9286 2412
Coach
National Express go to Southampton from many parts of England.
For more information telephone 08705 808080 or visit www.gobycoach.com
Train
The nearest station Swanwick Station is about two miles from the assembly point. This station is on the line between Southampton Central (from west and London) and Fareham (from east). This station does not have a taxi rank. Please book a taxi in advance using the Radio Taxi number below.
From London area: travel to Southampton Airport Parkway where there is a taxi rank.
From Gatwick, Brighton area: travel to Fareham where there is a taxi rank.
For train times and information please telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or www.rail.co.uk or http://www.raileasy.co.uk
Plane
From Heathrow: Take the Southwest Trains coach link to Woking and travel by rail from Woking to Southampton Airport Parkway where there is a taxi rank. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
From Gatwick: Take a train to Fareham, where there is a taxi rank. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
Other airports serving the area include Southampton International Airport, the closest at 10 miles away, (Airport Parkway station) and Bournemouth International Airport, both have flights to/from a number of European cities.
www.flightmapping.com/maps/UKIreland
Taxi
The companies we recommend are Radio Taxis (01489 573573) and Airport Link for Airport pick-ups (023 9226 9700). Metred taxis at airports are expensive so booking is advisable.
Approximate Fares
From Southampton Airport Parkway station to Warsash Harbour Masters office – approx. £30
From Fareham – approx. £20
The first people to live in the Hamble were called Jutes although there is no mention of it in the Doomsday Book of England.
Not surprisingly most people’s existence was based around the sea in what became a busy little harbour. The River Hamble had been farmed for many years for its oysters and other shell fish, crabs and lobsters were brought to the river for fattening up before going up to town for sale in London.
Shipbuilding was a major industry and much of the Georgian navy was built in the Hamble. Like many harbours there were rope makers and associated trades, hence the name Rope-Walk, part the process of rope making, and Copper Hill Terrace where pitch was made to treat ropes, spars, decks and ships hulls before the days of copper cladding hulls.
Today the Hamble is probably the best known sailing river (Creek) in England and every weekend at all times of year you will see yachts coming and going from its many marinas.
There are many sailing regattas in the Solent and on the isle of Wight. The most famous is Cowes Week closely followed by one of the largest sailing races in the world the "Round the Island Race" and also the start of the famous "Fastnet Race" that goes down the English Channel around Lands End and up to the Southern Tip of Ireland and around the Fastnet Island with its Lighthouse. From there it is a mere doddle (Not) back to the UK. The Fastnet Race has an awesome reputation and even last year half the fleet never got as far as Lands End.
If you would like to stay before or after your voyage, here is a selection of reasonable cost local B&Bs.
We haven’t tried these please let us know if any are unsuitable.
Farthings, School Lane, Hamble, SO31 4JD
Tel: 023 8045 2009
Twin Oaks 3 Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, SO30 4EA
Tel: 01489 690054
The Spinnaker Bridge Road, Lower Swanwick, Southampton, SO31 7EB
Tel: 01489572123
Steeple Court Farm Church Lane, Botley, SO30 2EQ
Tel: 01489 788738 or 01489 798824
Solent View 361 Warsash Road, Titchfield Common, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 4LL
Tel: 01489 582666 Fax: 01489 588277
We are keen to keep this information accurate and we welcome your comments. skippers@classic-sailing.co.uk
Joining or leaving point.Outside the Rising Sun Public House (74 Shore Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9FT) Blue Point on map, shown in the photo.
By Road
If coming by car, head for the Rising Sun, Shore Road, Warsash, follow the instructions and map below. On arrival phone the skipper on 07766 138288 and he will pick you up in Out of Africa, AJ’s river launch.
From the west, take the Hamble turning J8 (A3024) from the M27 and turn right. At the first roundabout take the first exit (A27) towards Bursledon.
After 3 miles, at the top of a hill turn right at the Church and cricket ground into Barnes Lane, signposted Warsash. At the T junction turn right into Brook Lane. After 0.7 miles, take the 3rd exit off the roundabout into Shore Road. Leave Shore Lane into Pasage Lane by going right when Shore Lane makes a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill, just before a sharp left bend, you will see a large car park on your right (FREE)where you can park -Red Point on map. After leaving your car, carry on walking along Shore road and you will come to the Rising Sun Public House. This is the rendevous point so ring the skipper on 07766 138288 and he will pick you up in 'Out of Africa', AJ’s river launch (probably from the harbourmasters pontoon opposite).
From the East, take the Fareham West turning J9 and turn left. At the first roundabout take the 5th exit (A27). At the 3rd roundabout take the 1st exit towards Warsash. At the next roundabout turn right into Brook Lane, then follow the instructions above.
Bus
From Southampton City Centre Bus Station on First Group bus 16 http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/hampshire/timetables/index.php
The No.57 runs between Portsmouth and Warsash Fareham, Portsmouth & Southsea and Fratton (Portsmouth) stations are on its route.
The No. 72 runs from Southampton City Centre to Gosport, via Warsash village.
Bus routes are subject to change. There is also a limited service at weekends and evenings. For up-to-date timetable information telephone First (Southampton) 023 8022 4854 or First (Portsmouth) 023 9286 2412
Coach
National Express go to Southampton from many parts of England.
For more information telephone 08705 808080 or visit www.gobycoach.com
Train
The nearest station Swanwick Station is about two miles from the assembly point. This station is on the line between Southampton Central (from west and London) and Fareham (from east). This station does not have a taxi rank. Please book a taxi in advance using the Radio Taxi number below.
From London area: travel to Southampton Airport Parkway where there is a taxi rank.
From Gatwick, Brighton area: travel to Fareham where there is a taxi rank.
For train times and information please telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or www.rail.co.uk or http://www.raileasy.co.uk
Plane
From Heathrow: Take the Southwest Trains coach link to Woking and travel by rail from Woking to Southampton Airport Parkway where there is a taxi rank. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
From Gatwick: Take a train to Fareham, where there is a taxi rank. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
Other airports serving the area include Southampton International Airport, the closest at 10 miles away, (Airport Parkway station) and Bournemouth International Airport, both have flights to/from a number of European cities.
www.flightmapping.com/maps/UKIreland
Taxi
The companies we recommend are Radio Taxis (01489 573573) and Airport Link for Airport pick-ups (023 9226 9700). Metred taxis at airports are expensive so booking is advisable.
Approximate Fares
From Southampton Airport Parkway station to Warsash Harbour Masters office – approx. £30
From Fareham – approx. £20
The first people to live in the Hamble were called Jutes although there is no mention of it in the Doomsday Book of England.
Not surprisingly most people’s existence was based around the sea in what became a busy little harbour. The River Hamble had been farmed for many years for its oysters and other shell fish, crabs and lobsters were brought to the river for fattening up before going up to town for sale in London.
Shipbuilding was a major industry and much of the Georgian navy was built in the Hamble. Like many harbours there were rope makers and associated trades, hence the name Rope-Walk, part the process of rope making, and Copper Hill Terrace where pitch was made to treat ropes, spars, decks and ships hulls before the days of copper cladding hulls.
Today the Hamble is probably the best known sailing river (Creek) in England and every weekend at all times of year you will see yachts coming and going from its many marinas.
There are many sailing regattas in the Solent and on the isle of Wight. The most famous is Cowes Week closely followed by one of the largest sailing races in the world the "Round the Island Race" and also the start of the famous "Fastnet Race" that goes down the English Channel around Lands End and up to the Southern Tip of Ireland and around the Fastnet Island with its Lighthouse. From there it is a mere doddle (Not) back to the UK. The Fastnet Race has an awesome reputation and even last year half the fleet never got as far as Lands End.
If you would like to stay before or after your voyage, here is a selection of reasonable cost local B&Bs.
We haven’t tried these please let us know if any are unsuitable.
Farthings, School Lane, Hamble, SO31 4JD
Tel: 023 8045 2009
Twin Oaks 3 Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, SO30 4EA
Tel: 01489 690054
The Spinnaker Bridge Road, Lower Swanwick, Southampton, SO31 7EB
Tel: 01489572123
Steeple Court Farm Church Lane, Botley, SO30 2EQ
Tel: 01489 788738 or 01489 798824
Solent View 361 Warsash Road, Titchfield Common, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 4LL
Tel: 01489 582666 Fax: 01489 588277
We are keen to keep this information accurate and we welcome your comments. skippers@classic-sailing.co.uk

Annabel J is an interpretation of the legendary Bristol Channel Pilot cutter. Designed to patrol on station in the jaws of the Bristol Channel, these hardy cutters were necessarily fast, easily handled and seaworthy. Built in steel with wooden decks, Annabel J will look after you in style. Fitted out below decks in a beautiful deep mahogany, her interior is a haven of warm varnished bright work, elegant upholstery and cut glass.
With her pedigree of a working vessel she can stand a lot of canvas and is surprisingly swift, even in light airs. Annabel J is the ideal passage making boat for wanting those to go further afield or experience a channel crossing at impressive speeds. Skipper Phil is also keen to encourage potential voluntary mates who can sail regularly on ‘A.J.’
Annabel J Dimensions:
Length on deck 54ft
Length with bowsprit 67ft
Beam 14ft
Draught 7ft 10”
Engine & bow thruster
Tonnage 38 tonne
Rig Gaff Cutter
Sails: gaff mainsail, gaff topsail, staysail,working jib, flying jib, jib topsail and storm jib.
Construction
Design inspired by the lines of surviving original Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Marguerite.
Built 1995 by AP Appledore (Falmouth)
Steel hull, teak decks and cockpit
Below Decks:
Beautifully fitted out in flame mahogany wood as elegant in style as a gentleman's classic yacht. Full standing headroom.
AJ sails with a skipper, a mate on some voyages, and 8 guest crew. Below there is a 3 berth cabin up forward and 5 berths in the saloon. There are double berths in both cabins but not private. Facilities -two toilets, shower, hot and cold running water and galley area. Navigation equipment: Radar, GPS DSC VHR radio, Sat Phone, Chart plotter.
Safety: MCA Code of Practice Category 2, up to 60 miles from a safe haven.
Skipper: Phil Cogdell owns and skippers the boat.
Voyage Fees include: All meals, sailing tuition, waterproofs, port fees, pillows but please bring pillowcases and sleeping bags.
Involvement level: full hands on sailing, navigation if you wish and washing up.
Annabel J will be joining the Pilot Cutter World Championship in St Mawes in June. Sail to Cornwall along the South Coast and join this spectacular event organised by Classic Sailing purely for original pilot cutters and authentic replicas. The event usually attracts 8-11 pilot cutters.
A personal review of the Review
Skipper Phil has followed in Eves footsteps and is now a regular summer visitor to the Isles of Scilly off Lands End. In 2012 he has several Cornish Coast and Isles of Scilly voyages on his programme.
Skipper Phil is an expert on Annabel J’s home ground the Solent and being close to the South East he offers many excellent and convenient short breaks. There is good sailing at all times of year and on Annabel J you will stand out from the crowd.
Guernsey is the capital of the Channel Islands Bailiwick and St Peter Port seems like a little piece of Monaco. With all the shopping tax free, it’s the perfect place to stock up on a few bargains.
Alderney is dominated by the massive Braye harbour, sheltered by the half mile long breakwater. Alternatively you can anchor off Sark which is straight out of ‘Treasure Island’. Getting to the interior is an adventure in itself. In common with many island communities, the island wildlife is in abundance with huge sea bird colonies lying just off shore. There are always the regular visits of basking sharks and dolphins as well as the local resident seals.
These are two independant festivals that come together every four years to create 2 weeks of festivities. You can join her for either of these festivals, or package them together for a special price and save on airfares.
Sail across the channel on Annabel J to Brest, and enjoy the shore side fun and the racing within the Rade de Brest, a fantastic inland sea. Then, either fly home, or join her on the Parade of Sail down to Douarnenez for part 2 of the fun.
If you like wooden boats, chatting to like minded sailors, enjoy good music, wine and food, then either one of these voyages could be for you.
Further south Brittany beckons with the fabled port of St Malo and the Granite Rose coast to the west. Anchor amongst the Ile de Brehat in Brittany or sail up to Treguier and enjoy its Medieval Square and Cathedral. There are many small harbours with waterside restaurants in Brittany and will give you a chance to stretch your legs along beautiful beaches.
"The cruise was a constant delight. I was instantly made to feel welcome and felt at ease." Robert Chester
![]() |
Annabel J - RYA Watchleader or Competent Crew - 7 days - £695 AJ 1201 |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Sat, 24/03/2012 - 16:00- to Sat, 31/03/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - RYA Watchleader or Competent Crew - 7 days - £695 AJ 1201 |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Sat, 24/03/2012 - 16:00- to Sat, 31/03/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J, Easter Weekend Adventure quiet Solent and Poole anchorages 3 days £375 AJ 1202 |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Fri, 06/04/2012 - 16:00- to Mon, 09/04/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J, Early Spring Adventure quiet Solent and Poole anchorages 3 days £375 AJ 1203 |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Thu, 19/04/2012 - 16:00- to Sun, 22/04/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - S Georges Cup Pilot Cutter Regatta in Yarmouth IOW 4 days £485 AJ1204 |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Fri, 27/04/2012 - 09:00- to Mon, 30/04/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Channel Islands and Normandy Adventure - 6 days - £660 AJ1205 |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Sat, 05/05/2012 - 16:00- to Fri, 11/05/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
BOOK EARLY Pilot Cutter World Championships - Join the fleet in Cornwall for spectacular racing - 7 days for £680 AJ1206 |
Annabel J | Hamble | St Mawes, Cornwall | Mon, 21/05/2012 - 09:00- to Mon, 28/05/2012 - 10:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Isles of Scilly and Cornish Coast 6 days £720 AJ 1207 |
Annabel J | St Mawes, Cornwall | St Mawes, Cornwall | Sat, 02/06/2012 - 16:00- to Fri, 08/06/2012 - 10:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Isles of Scilly and Cornish Coast 6 days £720 AJ 1208 |
Annabel J | St Mawes, Cornwall | St Mawes, Cornwall | Mon, 11/06/2012 - 16:00- to Sun, 17/06/2012 - 10:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Isles of Scilly and Cornish Coast 6 days £720 AJ 1209 |
Annabel J | St Mawes, Cornwall | St Mawes, Cornwall | Sat, 23/06/2012 - 16:00- to Fri, 29/06/2012 - 10:00 |
![]() |
SPECIAL EVENT Brest International Festival of the Sea 2012 & Brittany Summer Expedition - 8 days for £960 AJ1210 |
Annabel J | Falmouth, UK | Brest, France | Mon, 09/07/2012 - 16:00- to Tue, 17/07/2012 - 10:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Parade of Sail from Brest to Douarnenez Festival 2012 - 8 days for £960 Fully Booked AJ1211 |
Annabel J | Brest, France | Plymouth | Wed, 18/07/2012 - 16:00- to Thu, 26/07/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Fowey Classics Regatta 2012 - £720 AJ1212 |
Annabel J | Plymouth | Plymouth | Sun, 29/07/2012 - 16:00- to Sat, 04/08/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Channel Islands adventure - 5 days - £610 AJ1213 |
Annabel J | Plymouth | Hamble | Mon, 06/08/2012 - 16:00- to Sat, 11/08/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Channel Islands and Normandy Adventure - 6 days - £710 AJ1213a |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Mon, 13/08/2012 - 16:00- to Sun, 19/08/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Channel Islands and Normandy Adventure - 6 days - £695 AJ1214 |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Mon, 27/08/2012 - 16:00- to Sun, 02/09/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Solent and South Coast Weekend Break - 3 days £395 AJ1215 |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Thu, 06/09/2012 - 16:00- to Sun, 09/09/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Late Summer Short Sailing Break - 3 days £395 AJ1216 |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Thu, 13/09/2012 - 16:00- to Sun, 16/09/2012 - 16:00 |
![]() |
Annabel J - Indian Summer Solent and South Coast Weekend Break 3 days £395 AJ 1217 |
Annabel J | Hamble | Hamble | Thu, 20/09/2012 - 16:00- to Sun, 23/09/2012 - 16:00 |
All yachts have limited storage space and Annabel is no exception.
Please limit yourself to one soft bag and no suitcases please.
Sleeping bag, (pillow is provided but you need to bring a distinctive pillowcase !)
Sun hat or bobble hat,
Depending on the weather
Sailing gloves if you have them, any gloves are better than none
Warm clothes, lots of thin layers are better than one thick
None slip deck shoes or trainers and wellies
Swim suit, suntan lotion
sunglasses etc
Wash kit and towel
RYA log book, Passport and E111 just in case
Any medication must be brought the attention of the crew
Sea sickness tablets
Walking boots for going ashore.
Included
Meals and soft drinks taken on board, loan of good quality waterproofs, automatic lifejackets and safety harnesses are also included. If you would rather provide you own water proofs then please do.
Not Included
No trip to this area would be complete without visiting its superb pubs and restaurants. We may spend a couple of evenings and occasionally a lunch ashore. The cost of these meals taken off the vessel and all alcoholic drinks are not covered by your voyage fee. You must provide your own transport to the vessel and ensure that you have suitable travel insurance.
Drinking during the day is strongly discouraged, however once safely tucked up on a mooring for the night, one of the first jobs is to crack open a bottle and celebrate sundown after a lovely days sail.
AJ carries a reasonable cellar of goodies which can be purchased at modest cost or you can bring your own.
