Welcome to Square Sail Ship Yard Ltd

The Square Sail fleet of square riggers is the only one remaining in the world that earns its keep by trade alone. The result of 30 years of continual achievement and innovation. We offer many and varied services, including the following.

Services & Facilities for film & television
In addition to the magnificent fleet of three Square Riggers, Square Sail can also provide: support/camera/safety boats and other vessels, ship conversion & construction, set construction, premier maritime location, including original Georgian harbour and beaches, film & television credits, marine co-ordination and special effects.

Corporate hospitality, events and team building
Square Sail's historic ships provide magnificent venues for Corporate Hospitality and Promotion, either berthed alongside or at sea. The sheer size and authenticity of these ships enable both companies and individuals to create an unforgettable event.

We can host any kind of event or function, be it a wedding reception, sit down black tie dinner, book launch, private party, promotional campaign - you name it, we can stage it!

Full sailing programme: experience maritime history
Square Sail are delighted to offer sailing cruises to the general public on their magnificent square rigged historic sailing ships.

Our aim is to provide members of the public an exciting sailing experience and 'hands on' participation is encouraged but not compulsory! If you would like to help our professional crew to sail the ship, this can include watch duty, steering the vessel, assisting with setting the sails etc.

Our ships are fully certificated, comply with all statutory regulations and have all necessary modern life saving appliances. Accommodation is in the form of two-berth cabins (basic but comfortable) and the ship has showers, heads (toilets) a saloon and a full working galley. All meals and bedding are supplied.

Shipyard boat building & other marine projects
Square Sail Shipyard has a wealth of exceptionally talented craftsmen. Their skills encompass all traditional shipbuilding crafts and are able to accomplish any or all of the following: Traditional sail making and sail repair, Wooden Mast & Spar construction repair, Traditional rigging skills and engineering & iron work.

New Build Projects
Square Sail is one of the world's leading yards for the construction, repair and restoration of replica ships.

Able seaman training & certification
The 6 month long course (running from the beginning of March through to the end of August inclusive) offers a truly unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Traditional 'square-rig' sailing. You will live aboard one of our three 'period rigged' ships, literally 'learn the ropes' in the time-honoured way and find out exactly how these wonderful ships are rigged and sail. You will become part of the ship's crew, totally involved in the care and maintenance of the ships as well as sailing to a variety of destinations. These passages may be purely as training cruises for you and your fellow trainee's benefit; they may be charters, visits to various Maritime Festivals in the UK and abroad or be film or TV work.

The Fleet
The Square Sail fleet of Square Riggers is the only one remaining in the world that earns its keep by trade alone. The fleet has been painstakingly restored over the years, whilst retaining its essential character.

For film work, the ships can be converted, adapted and re-rigged by our skilled shipwrights to replicate almost any period and ship that is needed.

All Square Sail Ships are maintained to the highest standards. Safety at Sea with our qualified crew and safety officers, along with strict compliance to regulations, are all of prime importance to the Company.

The ships range in size from the 112ft 'Phoenix' to the 153ft 'Kaskelot' and are able to sail worldwide to any destination/location.

Kaskelot: as Endurance for 'Shackleton' on location in Iceland

 

Earl of Pembroke: as Hotspur - for 'Hornblower III' at sea off the coast of Cornwall

 

Phoenix: as La Mouette for 'Frenchman's Creek' on location in River Fal

 

Charlestown Harbour
The harbour is home to Square Sail's fleet of square-rigged sailing ships and these vessels (when in harbour) are open to the public from Easter through until October every year (admission charge applies).

Charlestown Harbour, (situated on the outskirts of St. Austell in Cornwall) is an original Grade II listed, Georgian Harbour. The two beaches at Charlestown are owned by Square Sail Shipyard Limited and are open to the Public year round (sorry no dogs allowed).

When the ships are open to the public you are welcome to walk around them on your own or take a guided tour with one of our professional guides. Learn about the ships, view a photographic exhibition on the films and television productions our vessels have starred in and learn the history of the harbour and its man-made water system built in the 1800s to supply water to the inner harbour.

Please visit our main web site for full details. Thank you.