capturing the beauty of Cornwall...

We are delighted to have teamed up with Hayle based company ‘The Day That’ to offer our guests a very special way to capture the beauty of Cornwall.

Every morning since June 2005 the wonderful photographers at The Day That have been up and out in the early hours to ensure they are set up and ready to capture the sun as it rises over the Cornish coastline.

Offering a stunning collection of prints that capture the sunrise every day over the past 9 years, a print from ‘The Day That’ makes the perfect wedding or anniversary gift, is a wonderful way to mark the start of a new life or choose a print taken on a day whilst you holidayed in Cornwall as a special memento of your stay.

Sail Lofts guests who purchase one of their beautiful products (framed photograph, canvas, box frame, acrylic , aluminium or bevelled edge print) will receive a free digital download of any photograph within the collection (worth £35) to reproduce in any they would like.

To take advantage of this offer simply visit www.thedaythat.co.uk/sail-lofts and choose your favourite photograph from your special day, it’s as easy that!

Kelly x 

St Ives in May...

The sun is shining, the temperature is creeping up and the anticipation of summer is definitely in the air and with a packed diary of social events in May, it really is a wonderful time to book a break in St Ives…

May Day Celebrations: 5^th May

Celebrating the end of winter and the coming of spring, this tradition dates back hundreds of years. With May pole dancers, traditional Cornish dancing and music, local choirs and brass bands it is a fun filled day with a great atmosphere.

St Ives Literature Festival: 10^th – 17^th May

Enjoy a packed programme of literary events happening at various locations across the town. There will be book launches, poetry readings, workshops and open air events.

Tate St Ives: 17^th May

From the 17^th May Tate St Ives reopens its doors for it’s new exhibition ‘International Exchanges: Modern Art and St Ives 1915 – 65’. Exploring the wider national and international contexts, which shaped art in St Ives in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s this exhibition forms part of a series that will explore the history and legacy of art in St Ives.

St Ives Food and Drink Festival: 17^th – 18^th May

Taking place on Porthminster Beach St Ives Food and Drink Festival is a celebration of local food and drink. Taste, try and buy a range of produce made locally and see some of the towns finest chefs take centre stage for some exciting cookery demonstrations.

We hope to see you soon,

Kelly x

Spring cleans...

Spring has arrived so we got out and about this weekend to make the most of it! We had 3 things on our minds: surf (after all it was offshore and clean), beach cleans and of course Mothers Day.

Setting out for an early surf on Saturday morning at Sennen we came out of the water just in time to take part in the Surfers Against Sewage beach clean organised by Sennen Surfing Center. An impressive turnout meant a huge amount of litter was picked up from the beach throughout the day, most of it marine litter from the recent storms. One more beach a bit tidier ready for the visitors arriving for Easter.

Sunday took a similar format but this time at Gwenver, a little more challenging as it is quite a walk back with the rubbish! The beach was noticeably cleaner afterwards which was fantastic to see. We owe a huge thank you to SAS and the local organisers (Sennen Surfing Center) for putting this on - we can all now enjoy cleaner beaches this summer. Even the seemingly clean Porthmeor had enough rubbish to fill 20 bags - good work to St Ives Surf School for organising!!

After all the surfing and clearing up, a Mothers Day Sunday lunch was inevitable, thanks to the Halsetown Inn for a great meal.

To see the superb efforts of the SAS beach cleans around the country last weekend just take a look at their Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/sascampaigns

Sam

You won’t need a boat, Cornwall isn’t underwater…

This week we’ve had lots of calls from concerned guests who are worried they won’t be able to get to us due to the recent news reports that Cornwall has been cut-off due to the recent storms.

Yes we’ve had some pretty dramatic weather, it’s been pretty blowy on the coast and the high tides have been somewhat impressive but we’re a pretty hardy bunch down here and the extreme weather hasn’t really phased us.

Rail travel into the county is likely to be disrupted for the next few weeks but don’t let a little thing like that put you off, there are still plenty of ways you can get your Cornwall fix:

By car All of the major routes into and around Cornwall remain open so travelling by car is easy peasy! Especially as you will have an allocated car parking space on arrival.

By air Regular flights bound for Newquay Airport depart from London Gatwick and Manchester on a daily basis. Flybe have recently added additional flights between London and Newquay to ease the pressure caused by the rail disruptions. With one-way flights starting from just £39 versus a £60 off-peak rail single, flying into Cornwall is the financially savvy option.

We’ve also managed to negotiate preferential rates with our friends at Apple Cabs for transfers between Newquay Airport and The Sail Lofts so please get in touch if you need us to book you a taxi.

By coach National Express offer coach services into Cornwall from most major towns and cities and with free WiFi now available on their coaches it’s a great way to travel.

By rail Rail travel is still an option it may just take a little longer than normal as direct routes may not be possible. Rail replacements and diversions are all in place so if you do prefer train travel just plan your journey in advance and you’ll be just fine.

Safe travels everyone,

Kelly x

Family fun on your doorstop…

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With February half term just around the corner and the chance of a heat wave near impossible, we thought our pick of fun family days out might come in handy. We’ve kept it fairly local, but there are a couple of gems that are worth the drive, especially if the weather isn’t great…

Screen-printing workshop…
At The Sail Lofts

Join local artist Dena O’Brien as she teaches you the basic techniques of screen painting. Practice with your squeegee and pick our your favourite colour before you create your very own photographic screen print of St Ives. 

Beach fun...
On our doorstep

Ok, so sun bathing, swimming and surfing probably aren’t going to be much fun in February (unless you’re extremely brave), but there is still so much fun to be had on the beaches in winter. The list is almost endless but our favourites include kite flying, wave chasing, stone skimming, football and rounders.

Splodge…
Just around the corner

If your little ones love getting creative and enjoy a bit of messy play, pop along to Splodge where they can paint their own pot or plate to take home. Hand painted pots are a great gift idea to take home for granny and granddad or just as a memento of your St Ives holiday.

Paradise Park…
15 minute drive

A great day out for all ages, Paradise Park is Cornwall’s top wildlife sanctuary where you can feed the penguins, the parrots and the otters. There’s also a large indoor play area and a pirate trail where little ones solve clues and questions to find the buried chocolaty treasure.

St Michaels Mount…
20 minute drive

Discover the legend and myth of over a thousand years of incredible history on the Island of St Michael’s Mount. Learn about Cormoran the giant, who once lived on the mount, who was slain by a local boy named Jack. At low tide you can walk along the causeway or jump on a local boat and approach the mount by sea.

Tehidy Woods…
20 minute drive

Stick on the wellies and head off to Tehidy Woods for a day of fun. Great for wearing out the little ones they can climb trees, feed the ducks, jump in muddy puddles and, if you take a bag of nuts, they can feed the wild squirrels from their hands. There are also a number of circular walks around the woods and a lovely little café where you can grab a bite to eat.

Heartlands Cornwall…
20 minute drive

With a giant adventure playscape, art and craft studios, climb-on sculptures and plenty of outdoor space to let the children run wild, Heartlands is a great place to spend a few hours. You’ll also find a number of world-heritage site exhibitions which delve into Cornwall’s mining heritage.

Blue Reef Aquarium…
45 minutes drive

Get up close to the creatures of the deep at the fantastic Blue Reef Aquarium. There’s sharks, turtles, octopus, crabs, lobsters, shrimps and rays to name just a few. At the heart of the aquarium is an underwater tunnel where you can enjoy close encounters with hundreds of brightly coloured species, just watch out for the sharks!

Eden Project…
1 hour drive

Explore the world’s largest indoor rainforest, get your skates on and take to the ice or soar above the treetops on the canopy walkway. During the February half-term there will also be a range of extra activities on offer including freaky nature, bug box, seed bombs and storytelling.

Have fun discovering!

Kelly x

Why Winter in Cornwall is just as fun…

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Cornwall goes to sleep in the winter but in reality Cornwall is just as vibrant in the colder months’ as it is when the sun is cracking the rafters. Here are just a few reasons to pack the winter woollies and pay us a visit:

January

Toddle Tate

Tate St Ives – Every Wednesday until 22^nd Jan

At these fun hands-on sessions the under 5’s can play, explore, create and investigate art. Messy play, movement, stories, music and song all combine so that you and your little one can explore the gallery and artwork together.

Ice Skating at Eden

Eden Project – Until 2^nd March

The Eden Project’s beautiful ice skating rink remains open until the 2^nd March so as well as exploring the world’s largest indoor rainforest and braving the Aerial Walkway (Eden’s new attraction) you can take to the ice for some winter fun. Penguins are available for younger skaters.

Art Courses

St Ives School of Painting – Throughout January

St Ives School of Painting have a range of art courses available throughout January. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your skills there are a great selection of courses on offer. Shorter workshops are also available so why not pop in for some life drawing or learn to sketch with your iPad.

The Healing Light Festival
Heartlands, Cornwall – 25^th & 26^th January

A showcase for Cornish based complementary therapists with talks and workshops all weekend. If you have an interest in alternative therapy this is one not to be missed. There will be Reiki, herbal medicine, aura soma therapy, shiatsu, reflexology, massage and much more.

February

Freaky Nature

Eden Project – 1^st February to 2^nd March

Exploring the dark side of plants this event promises fun for the whole family. Discover sticky plants, smelly ones, illegal ones and even carnivorous plants that may just take a bite!

Search & Rescue

National Maritime Museum – 1^st February to 16^th March

This blockbuster exhibition explores the heart-pounding world of search and rescue giving you an insight into the extraordinary people that risk their lives every day to save the lives of others. Climb aboard a sea king helicopter, explore a lifeboat, hit the ‘beach’ on a quad bike and experience the drama of a rescue.

Kevewi BIG Night Out

St Ives Guildhall – 8^th February

Without Limits presents Kevewi BIG Night Out with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel ahead of their performance at the Royal Albert Hall. With a fantastic headline band, four other bands, cash bar and a great DJ this is one party you need to be part of.

St Ives Feast Day

St Ives Town Centre – 10^th February

An ancient tradition celebrating the anniversary of the consecration of the Parish of St Eia. Local school children dance through the streets, the town Mayor hurls the silver ball and whoever returns the ball to him at the stroke of midday receives a silver coin.

March

World Pasty Championship

Eden Project – 1^st March

Bakers and pasty makers from across the globe descend on The Eden Project to battle it out for the title of World Pasty Champion and the highly coveted Oggy Oscar. With entertainment throughout the day including live music, comedy and pasty themed fun this is a great day out for the whole family.

Art Courses

St Ives School of Painting – Throughout March

St Ives School of Painting have a range of art courses available throughout March. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your skills there are a great selection of courses on offer. Life drawing classes are also available in the evenings.

Falmouth Spring Flower Show

Princess Pavilion – 29^th & 30^th March

Falmouth’s annual flower show returns with a stunning collection of rare and exotic plants. Gardening experts will be on hand to answer your questions and there will be beautiful floral displays, flower arranging and competitions to enjoy.

Kelly x

Festive screen-printing at The Sail Lofts…

With Christmas only five weeks away we’re beginning to get that festive feeling and with so much planned in St Ives throughout December we think it’s going to be one to remember.

Over the weekend of the 7^th & 8^th December the town is hosting it’s first ever Arts and Crafts weekend with various events and activities taking place.

As part of this weekend we will be hosting a fun hands-on screen-printing workshop, with local artist Dena O’Brien, on Saturday 7^th December in our boutique shop on Fish Street. Drop in throughout the day and you can pick from a range of Dena’s creative designs and screen-print your very own set of hot off the press Christmas cards to wow family and friends, or for something a little different why not print onto a fabric stocking.

Dena will be on hand throughout the day to help your create your festive masterpieces and this drop-in workshop is open to all ages (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult).

This screen-printing workshop costs £12.50 per person for a set of 5 Christmas cards or 1 Christmas stocking and all materials are provided.

For further information please contact Sam, Kelly, Abi or Peter on 01736 799175.

This looks set to be a great fun day and we hope to see you there.

Kelly x