My first sailing experience was with Phil aboard Annabel-J last August sailing to the Channel Islands. I had the best of week of my life! And for somebody who is usually quite anxious about open water etc I felt completely safe and relaxed for the whole week. Annabel-J is a stunning yacht- comfy and cosy, and I had great fun learning lots about traditional sailing. By the end of the week I felt so much more knowledgeable, as I'd had no previous experience sailing at all before this holiday. After setting off from Plymouth about 6pm, we sailed all through the night which was absolutely magical! The feeling was indescribable, those of us who stayed up the whole time saw a red moon rising up on the horizon and phosphorescence plankton sparkling on the water which was beautiful. There was a great balance of hands on activity up on deck and relaxation in the evenings with all the guests and the in days to wander around the Channel Islands. The food was delicious too, and we had a laugh in the evenings over a glass of wine and with wonderful company. We caught lots of mackerel off the back of the yacht whilst sailing over to France, gutted them on deck and cooked up a feast that afternoon! I was devastated to have to go back home after the week! All in all a fabulous time, I would recommend a sailing holiday aboard Annabel-J to anyone, especially for a first timer - it was was just the best.
Elle x

It was such a fantastic time and enjoyed every minute, big thanks again to you and Pete and all the crew for making it such a fun one.

Have fun!

Lots of love to all,

Tracey

Just wanted to say what a brilliant week I had with you (and Sandy and Pete - please give them my love and thanks too) on your gorgeous boat.

Fantastic sailing, company, food, everything - I can honestly say I have never enjoyed the Pilot Cutter Review more (possibly something to do with being part of a winning team also!).

I can't wait to do it again next year and only wish I could come to the Scillies with you too.

Thank you very much; all your hard work and attention to detail (and competitive spirit, great racing tactics, sense of humour, I could go on but would be in danger of gushing) make for a wonderful sailing experience,

Lots of love and hugs,

Claire Giles XXX

Thanks for a great time on the Annabel J. Ben and I really enjoyed ourselves. It is quiet difficult to get my brain in focus back at work after such a contrast.
The trip was a great experience for Ben, one I’m sure he will appreciate more in the not too distant future. Thanks for looking after him so well. I’m just sorting out his 16th birthday for Friday.

Also, thank you for accommodating my diet so proficiently, I know how much of a nuisance it is so I really do appreciate it.
Have a great time at the Paimpol festival, I just wish I had more annual leave.
Thank you both again for a really memorable holiday.
Lots of love
Gill

I just wanted to write and thank you for making the trip from St Mawes to Hamble so enjoyable. Do carry on keeping me informed of your plans please as I'd definitely like to sail on Annabel J again, and a couple of friends have expressed an interest too. Happy sailing !

Simon

Could not help myself in sending this email.

What a cracking time. Steve and myself couldn't stop chatting about the people, the banter and the events on Annabel-J. Although the hands on experience was great, the food being spot on and the crew being more than friendly and helpful, seeing the bowsprit and Dee go under the wake of that container ship makes me chuckle every time I think of it.

I will be telling everyone to get in touch with you and Steve and I would like to do the channel islands next year. I will confirm this soon. Might even do the Cornwall trip.

Anyhow, thanks again and i wish you all the best and look forward to travelling on A-J next year.

What can I say? What an absolutely wonderful 2 weeks - the best cruise I've been on. Annabel J is a lovely boat and no one would fail to be impressed by her; but more than that, the company was superb and you managed to put together a balanced blend of sailing and trips ashore. I'm already planning for next year and hope to see some familiar faces. As Skipper, you engendered an atmosphere of relaxed informality - but within a framework where it was easy to learn new skills. Best wishes. I will be back!

Hi, Phil
Wanted to thank you for a brilliant trip and all the people I met on board.
You were a great host and made us all feel very welcome.

I could not let too much time to pass before putting a few thoughts on the website. Have had the most marvellous week travelling with excellent company to Alderney, Cherbourg, St Vaast and back to the Hamble.
Never having been on a Classic boat prior to this and with limited sailing experience, Phil and Adam made us feel 'competent' and treated our shortcomings with great patience and humour – to paraphrase WS – ‘ they pieced out our imperfections with their thoughts !’ - thoroughly professional.
Could not have enjoyed it more - reawakened my love of sailing and the only downside is the need to watch my weight for some days after the superb cuisine and to rest my face after much laughter. I look forward to joining as crew again – my limited knot skills notwithstanding. Thank you gentleman.

From the moment we joined any aprehensions we had were put aside by the calm, confident manner of the Skipper. The sail along the Cornish coast was a delight, but words cannot aptly describe the beauty of what laid before us during the next few days exploring the stunning Scilly Isles. This is truly a holiday of a lifetime and no way better to experience it than on the fantastic Annabel J. The whole voyage; the scenery, the food, the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, and friends made with other guests could not be bettered. Thank you Phil and Pete. See you again next year!

Thanks for a great time on the Annabel J. Ben and I really enjoyed ourselves. The trip was a great experience fr Ben, thanks for looking after him so well. I’m just sorting out his 16th birthday for Friday. Also, thank you for accommodating my diet so proficiently, I know how much of a nuisance it is so I really do appreciate it.

Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and Sandy for a fantastic sailing trip over Easter - thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being aboard such a beautiful boat and learning so much about rigging and hauling ropes! The hospitality/catering was second to none and the effort that went into everything is much appreciated. I will definitely be back for some more days at sea and nights at anchor on the Annabel J!

Enjoyed every minute – but how can I go back to work after this!

Thanks for the great trip and great food. Really enjoyed it.

Thank you Phil and Sandy – My best holiday for a decade!

Many thanks for a fantastic weekend of sailing – Unforgettable

Just Perfect!

A fantastic and life memorable week. Great sailing, great food, couldn’t be bettered. Many thanks

Winners of the Pilot Cutter Regatta! Amazing week, great company, great food, GREAT SAILING, Please can I come back.

Wonderful week, excellent crew, beautiful Scillies

Everything that I hoped for and more! Learnt lots about the boat, sailing and the Scillies. Thanks Phil and Ian for making it so good.

I'll never forget it! Great sailing, good food, loads of laughs, beautiful weather. FABULOUS.
Helen Hill