Sailing Holidays on Annabel J
Annabel J under sail
Experience the sea as our forefathers did in what is probably one of the finest designs to come out of the working sail boat tradition. The Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter was developed to carry ship’s pilots out into the wilds of the Western approaches, sit comfortably in big seas to wait for inbound ships then be capable of make good speed, to be the first in the race to secure the job of piloting the ship safely into port – this was not just an arduous business but also a competitive one.
Annabel J is a full size steel boat on the lines of a Bristol Channel pilot cutter with all the romance and feel of this famous working sail boat plus the modern comforts of central heating, comfy bunks and dry bilges.
We took a trip to visit her and skipper Phil Cogdell, see Meeting Annabel J below.
As part of her 2013 programme Annabel J is sailing around Britain
This year Annabel J will be taking part in the Old Gaffers Association Round Britain Challenge. From May to August heading west about from the Solent she’ll be sailing Britain’s magnificent coast, calling along the way at one skipper Phil Cogden’s favourite cruising grounds,the Isles of Scilly, also the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Islands where a particularly warm welcome is anticipated. To round off the voyage, before the Grand Finale Party in Cowes Annabel J will be crossing the Channel for the Paimpol Music and Boat Festival. What a voyage! Can you wrangle the summer free to join Annabel J’s crew? If not, perhaps you can sail on one of the Legs …. which do you fancy?
Leg 1 Hamble to Milford Haven (1- 17 May)
Leg 2 Milford Haven – Dublin (18 -30 May)
Leg 3 Dublin to Oban (1 – 19 June)
Leg 4 Oban – Peterhead (20 June – 13 July)
Leg 5 Peterhead – Hamble (15 – 31 July)
Leg 6 Hamble – Paimpol Festival – Cowes – Hamble (2 – 18 Aug)
Prices for each leg range from £1,290 – £ 2,695 With an offer on the full voyage of £9,995
Other trips planned for this year include a couple to the Channel Islands and Normandy at end of August beginning of September and shorter 3 day adventures around the Solent and Poole in Spring and Autumn. Phil is also running a RYA Watchleader and Competent Crew practical training course at either end of the season.
To see Annabel J’s full schedule with costs and to make an enquiry about the latest availabilty please click through to Annabel J Enquiries which will be forwarded to skipper Phil Cogdell
Sailing on Annabel J
Artist Sandy Curry talks of her first sail aboard Annabel J from St Mawes to the Isles of Scilly. Lured by the thought of a relaxing cruise on Annabel J? Click here to send an enquiry to skipper Phil Cogdell
Meeting Annabel J
It’s a beautiful early Spring day, warm in the sunshine; the sort of day that brings on the urge in a sailor to slip the mooring and set off into the blue. We’re sitting besides the distinctive, round, black and white harbour master’s office at Warsash on the River Hamble looking out for Phil Cogdell, skipper of Annabel J, who’s going to take us up river to meet this lovely Bristol Pilot Cutter. With us, folding chopping board in hand, is Sandy Curry, artist and sometimes mate and cook aboard…
Annabel J Enquiries
Fancy some hands on sailing aboard Annabel J?
Click on the image to check out Annabel J’s 2013 Sailing Programme and to send an enquiry to the skipper about the latest availability and prices.