Sail Trade South West offers sailing trips and hands-on experiences aboard traditional Cornish luggers, giving people the chance to be part of a working, wind-powered trading voyage. These trips directly support their mission: transporting fairly traded produce by sail, preserving maritime heritage, and building a more sustainable, transparent food system that supports small producers overseas and coastal communities in the South West.

Days, dates and times

Trips and experiences run seasonally, dependent on weather, tides and sailing schedules. 2026 tour dates are now included on the Sail Trade South West website, with full details of voyage lengths, departure ports and timings.

About this experience

Sail Trade South West offers a range of hands-on sailing experiences aboard Ibis, a traditional Cornish lugger used for real, working sail-powered trade. These are not passive boat trips. Every experience is connected to their core purpose: transporting fairly traded produce by sail, reducing emissions, and keeping historic trading routes alive. Experiences include: Cargo voyages Join the crew on coastal or cross-Channel passages where Ibis is actively transporting fairly traded produce. You’ll be part of a working trading journey, learning how wind-powered logistics operates today — and helping move goods without fossil fuels. Day sails A chance to experience traditional sailing, learn the basics of seamanship, and understand how sail-powered trade fits into a modern food system. These shorter trips offer a practical introduction to the vessel, the crew and the mission. Longer sailing passages Multi-day voyages for those wanting a deeper immersion in life at sea. You’ll stand watch, help sail the lugger, and gain first-hand insight into historic and contemporary maritime trade — including how produce is sourced, transported and sold locally on return. Team and group experiences Corporate, community or group sailing days focused on teamwork, shared challenge and purpose. These trips link seamanship, sustainability and fair trade, offering a tangible alternative to conventional supply chains and business-as-usual transport. Across all experiences, participants learn about: Traditional lugger sailing and maritime heritage Wind, tide and navigation Fair trade sourcing and low-impact food transport How sail-powered trade supports small producers overseas and coastal communities in the South West Every booking directly supports Sail Trade South West’s trading voyages — helping fairly traded produce reach Devon and Cornwall under sail, and proving that slower, cleaner ways of moving food still work.

How to book / attend

All trips and experiences must be booked in advance via the Sail Trade South West website. Spaces are limited and voyages are weather-dependent, so early booking is recommended. Visit their website for: - Upcoming trips and tour dates - Experience options and voyage lengths - Prices and booking details

Website

https://www.sailtradesouthwest.org.uk

Address Summary

Plymouth, Richmond Walk, Plymouth PL1 4LS, UK