Charlestown Harbour

History of the harbour

Built in the late 1700s by Charles Rashleigh, the harbour was developed to service the then thriving fishing and China Clay trades. However, gradually over time these trades slowly declined and the harbour was hardly used by the early 1990s. In 1994 Square Sail purchased the Harbour and beaches, generating new interest and breathing life into the Port when it became home to our three square-rigged sailing ships.

Charlestown Harbour is actually two harbours – inner and outer. The inner harbour has constant water levels and is fed by the original 18^th century 7 mile system of man-made waterways which ends in two large reservoir ponds situated to the north of the village. From the ponds a system of sluice gates feed the water into the inner harbour when required. The inner and outer harbours are separated by an unusual lock gate system – instead of double gates opening in or out (as most traditional lock gates do), the harbour has one lock gate which descends horizontally to a pit below the harbour floor level to allow ships in or out of the inner harbour.

The outer harbour is tidal and protected on the west side by a granite mole. The Harbour opens directly into the sea, St. Austell Bay. Both the east and west beaches are open to the public – sorry no dogs allowed.

Visiting the Tall Ships

Subject to commercial charters/film work etc which regularly take one or more of the tall ships to other locations, Square Sail’s square-riggers can be found at Charlestown. The ships (when in harbour) are normally open to the public during the summer (small admission charge applies). We can also offer guided tours for groups and school parties please telephone the office or email us for details.  Please note - Square Sail cannot guarantee specific dates when the ships will be open to the public so if you are planning a visit, please telephone first to avoid possible disappointment. 

When the ships are open to the public you are welcome to walk around them, learn about the vessels, view a photographic exhibition of the film and television productions our vessels have starred in and learn many fascinating facts about these tall ships and our maritime history.

If you are lucky enough to be at Charlestown on the right day and time you may have the opportunity of seeing one of our tall ships entering or leaving the harbour which is certainly a spectacular sight. Unfortunately we cannot provide details of the ships’ ‘comings and goings’ too far in advance as dates are subject to ever changing commercial activities and weather conditions.

Using the harbour

If you are a yacht or classic boat owner and would like to discuss bringing your vessel to Charlestown either on a temporary or permanent/winter berth basis please contact our Harbour Master via our office telephone number 01726 70241.