About Vigilance

Welcome Aboard

Vigilance is a Gaff-rigged Ketch

Still classed as a Brixham Sailing Trawler” although no longer fishing. She was the last of a long line of beam trawlers or smacks built at Upham’s Shipyard in Brixham in 1926. As a heritage vessel of national importance, she is part of the UK Historic Fleet.
ACCOMMODATION ON BOARD

Vigilance’s original crew would envy the people who enjoy her present-day accommodation. Although we only carry 9 passengers, there are 12 passenger berths in two forward cabins, leaving the saloon completely free for dining and social use. On longer charters, numbers may be limited to 9.

 

The large saloon has an extending central dining table that seats 12 and provides a most convivial ambiance beside a wood burner style stove.

 

The excellent galley has both gas and electric appliances. The gas oven and hob provide hot food and drinks when under sail. When berthed, or when the generator is running, an electric oven, microwave, freezer, kettle and toaster supplement the gas facilities. A drinking water filter is fitted. The galley has recently been redecorated and crockery, cutlery and glassware have all been recently renewed.

 

Vigilance has 2 separate wash rooms each with toilet and basin with hot and cold water. Water is heated by the main engine and electrically by the 8kva generator or shore power. 240 volt 50 cycle electrical power is available from shore power or when the generator is running and ample UK 3 square pin power points are available for any gadgets that you choose to bring along. Four 12 volt (car type) charger sockets and four USB charger points are also available for charging mobile phones, etc. Please bring your own car or USB cable.

 

For entertainment there is a combined CD player and AM/FM radio with speakers in the saloon and deck house. It can also play MP3/WMA tracks from your USB device or via a 3.5mm mini jack AUX input. (Brink you own connector leads). This system is only used upon passenger request – never just to provide ‘canned’ music. WiFi services will be available for the 2021 season.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING

This depends upon the type of voyage, so let’s start with the shortest and work up. We carry full safety gear, including life jackets for children. Vigilance is a very seaworthy vessel and it takes a rough sea before water splashes on the deck – our suggestions for waterproofs, etc., are because rain is a more frequent occurence!

 

HALF DAY TRIPS

 

Wear shoes with a soft good grip sole and a flat heel. (Trainers are fine.) It is usually cooler and windier at sea, so always bring an extra pullover, waterproofs (to also act as windcheaters), gloves and hat. But don’t forget shorts, sun glasses, creme and sun hat! Most visitors bring all these things in a small grip bag. We provide hot drinks and a snack. (biscuits, donut, tea-cake etc.) Half day trips do not span meal times, but if you think you will need more to eat, bring your own sandwiches.

 

ON FULL DAY TRIPS RETURNING TO BRIXHAM
  Meal arrangements will be advised when you book.

CATERING FOR VOYAGES INVOLVING MAIN MEALS ON BOARD

We provide the fully equipped galley, with all cookware, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, wine glasses, tea towels, cleaning items, etc. As these voyages will usually be whole boat charters, (and so you will probably all know each other) we find the best way is for your group to bring (or buy locally) the food that you like, rather than the crew trying to guess. (Usually one person acts as co-ordinator and assigns each person to bring specific items.) Favourites seem to be hot-pots, bourguignonne’s, casseroles, coq au vin’s etc., with jacket potatoes and various salads. For longer trips, passengers usually choose to contribute to a shared ‘kitty’ from which all food is purchased. When in France, locally bought seafood is always popular. As far as wine and other drinks are concerned, please bring your own. We do not charge corkage. Vigilance carries emergency rations should you run out!

CLOTHING FOR VOYAGES INVOLVING OVERNIGHT

(Either at sea or in port.) Sleeping bag or duvet & sheet, pillow, towel(s), wash bag. Extra set of dry warm clothing (3 layers), 2 pairs of thick socks. Sailing boots (or wellies) and good wet weather gear if you have them. Jeans are OK but they take a long time to dry – cotton and synthetics dry faster. Please pack in a holdall or similar as rigid cases are difficult to stow.

PONTOON ONLY EVENTS

These are private functions aboard whilst on a pontoon, usually evenings. Please wear practical footwear (no stilettos). As it gets much cooler after sunset always bring something warm to put on, such as a fleece.

DIMENSIONS
Length:
78ft/24m but 101ft/30.5m with bowsprit extended.
Beam:
19ft/5.8m Draft 10ft/2.9m.
Tonnage:
95 tons weight. Register tonnage 42 tons.
Fishing boat number:
BM76. Registered U.K Historic Vessel No. 741
Main mast:
71ft/21.5m.
Mizzen mast:
46ft/14m.
Sails:
Foresail, Staysail, Mainsail, Topsail and Mizzen sail.
Power:
160HP/216Kw Daewoo MD136 6 cyl diesel.
Passengers:
maximum 12 locally or 9 cross channel.

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Welcome Aboard

Vigilance is a Gaff-rigged Ketch

Still classed as a "Brixham Sailing Trawler" although no longer fishing. She was the last of a long line of beam trawlers or smacks built at Upham's Shipyard in Brixham in 1926. As a heritage vessel of national importance, she is part of the UK Historic Fleet.