FALMOUTH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Aboard Cornish Shrimpers: Gaff-Rigged Days and Overnight Escapes from Mylor into the Fal and Helford
Hire a 19′ gaff‑rigged Shrimper from Mylor Boat Hire for half‑day to multi‑day exploration of the Fal Estuary and Helford River; this guide lays out what to expect, where you can go, and who should be in charge.
Aboard Cornish Shrimpers: Gaff-Rigged Days and Overnight Escapes from Mylor into the Fal and Helford.
Set out from Mylor Harbour in a classic 19′ Cornish Shrimper and trade crowded marinas for narrow creeks, tidal estuary reaches and quiet anchorages. These stable, responsive gaff‑rigged boats are offered for half‑day, full‑day and multi‑day hire and are designed for hands‑on sailors who want to glide past landmarks such as St. Antony’s Lighthouse, Pendennis and St. Mawes castles, or thread the sheltered waterways of the Helford River before finishing in peaceful Malpas.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
St. Antony’s Lighthouse, Pendennis and St. Mawes
Sailors will pass iconic coastal defenses and the striped St. Antony’s lighthouse, taking in sweeping views across Falmouth Bay and the river mouths that these Tudor and later fortifications guard.
Estuary Creeks and the Helford’s Quiet Arms
The Shrimper’s size and handling make it ideal for exploring the Fal’s creeks, anchoring in sheltered coves and threading into the winding, tranquil channels of the Helford River.
From Mylor to Malpas and Beyond
Hire options let you craft trips from a 3.5‑hour half day up to multi‑day cruises that finish in peaceful villages like Malpas or continue to dramatic headlands such as Nare Head.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Expect hands‑on sailing aboard a traditionally rigged boat: responsive gaff sails, a small comfortable cockpit, and the deliberate pace that comes from steering a classic Shrimper through tidal channels. Trips range from short half‑day hops to multi‑day hiring; before you leave you receive a full safety briefing and each boat is fully equipped, with optional boat‑introduction sessions available for extra confidence.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Hire options start at 3.5 hours and extend up to five days for multi‑day trips.
Meet at Mylor Boat Hire, Mylor Yacht Harbour, Mylor Churchtown, Falmouth TR11 5UF for briefing and handover.
Dress for the weather and bring a phone for on‑water contact.
Each boat is fully equipped and you receive a full safety briefing before departure; boat‑introduction sessions (1 hour, half‑day or full‑day) are available for extra confidence.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I hire a Shrimper for?
Hires range from 3.5‑hour sessions up to multi‑day bookings lasting as long as five days.
Who must be in charge of the boat?
A competent sailor must be responsible for the boat and the skipper must have appropriate experience.
How many people can be onboard?
Maximum five people are allowed aboard; for comfortable sailing a maximum of four adults is recommended.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are welcome onboard but are not permitted in the cabin.
Where do I meet for the hire?
You meet at Mylor Boat Hire in Mylor Yacht Harbour, Mylor Churchtown, Falmouth TR11 5UF.
Is instruction offered if I’m not confident?
Yes—boat‑introduction sessions are offered in 1‑hour, half‑day or full‑day formats to help you get comfortable before heading out.
What safety preparations are provided?
Each hire includes a full safety briefing and the boats are fully equipped before departure.
Can I charter a larger yacht instead?
Yes—yacht charter is available through Take a Turn Yachting in Mylor Yacht Harbour.