Escape

True to her name, Escape is a sweet classic boat, sailing and exploring the South coast of Devon. She's the perfect small boat for weekend escapes, taster sailing experiences and family charters. Guests need no prior experience, and she is an excellent boat for those looking for a gentle introduction to traditional sailing.

Accommodation

Number of guest berths: 4/6
Number of bathrooms: 1 toilet, onshore showers only
Cabin configuration: Open plan (1x double, 2x single berths) plus seat berths if/as needed
Smoking policy: On deck only

Particulars

Port of Registration: Christensen, Norway
Year built: 1937
Length overall: 43'/13.1m
Draft: 6'6"/1.82m
Sail Area: TBC
Number of sails: 5
Rig: Gaff yawl
Crew: 2

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Description

For those in the know, classic boat Escape is an iconic Colin Archer. Designed to be a lifeboat in Norway in 1937, she now spends her summers gently exploring the South Devon coastline. From her home port of Dartmouth, she offers one to three-night taster sailings to explore the Devonshire towns of Brixham and Salcombe, and she ventures down to Cornwall for the annual Falmouth Classics Regatta in June.

Her owner and skipper, Andy, is from Dartmouth, a traditional wooden boat builder, and is part of the RNLI station there. You could not be in safer hands! Escape is the perfect boat for everyone, of all ages and abilities. From solo travellers, to couples, to families, a sailing holiday on Escape won’t be forgotten!

Andy will give you a totally relaxed sailing experience and welcomes guests to get as involved as they’d like. She has a traditional but straightforward rig, so she is an easy boat to learn the ropes on for newbies and a great ship to admire for Colin Archer fans. If you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy the views, that’s fine too!

Escape is a cosy wooden boat with comfortable bunks for four. There are two individual twin bunks in the saloon and a small double bunk sharing one head. She has a small but sweet galley (the kettle is always on) and a seating area next to a multi-fuel burner for those chillier evenings.

Life onboard

Sailing with classic yacht Escape is perfect for those looking to learn about life on the water under the guidance of a very relaxed skipper! All her voyages take place on the South West coast between Devon and Cornwall. This part of the coast offers sheltered sailing areas, and most of it is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Escape is a great boat for beginners and small families alike looking for a skippered sailing experience in a safe environment.

GETTING INVOLVED

Escape’s gaff rig is a traditional but simple setup, which makes her a great boat to learn the ropes on if you’re a beginner. If you’re familiar with life on the water, then you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the sailing lines of this Colin Archer classic!

Owner and skipper Andy has the highest Ocean Masters training and is a member of the RNLI lifeboat operating out of Dartmouth. His considered and soft approach instantly put guests at ease as he shares his knowledge to teach the ways of the water, basic navigation and simple rope work.

SLEEPING AND RELAXATION

Above decks, there is ample space to sit out, relax and enjoy the views. A comfy, cushioned cockpit is a great place to sit and watch the landscape go by as you feel the wind in the sails.

Below deck, a multi-fuel stove sits in the saloon for those cooler evenings, and a tiny galley is home to a whistling red kettle that is always bubbling away, ready for tea and coffee. There are two single bunks set off the saloon with a small double bed and toilet in the fore. The double-bed cabin does have access to the bathroom, so it is not considered a private cabin. There is a single toilet and washroom on board, but no shower. Escape will stop every day to use onshore showers in the local yacht clubs (Andy has good contacts and will organise this for you!). All berths have bedding and towels provided.

Eating Aboard

A hearty selection of home-cooked meals is included in the price. With fresh croissants for breakfast, afternoon cake selections and classic dishes such as lasagne or chilli for dinner, you certainly won’t be going hungry after an exhilarating day sailing on this stunning classic yacht.

A Typical Day

After a relaxed breakfast, it’s really up to the guests as to what the day holds (and of course, the weather!). Perhaps explore ashore before setting sail in the afternoon, or start the day early, sailing to a new location and exploring ashore in the afternoon. Dinners are generally aboard or, if berthed in a harbour, can be eaten in a good old local pub if that’s what everyone fancies.

Meet the crew of ESCAPE

Having grown up surrounded by ships and owning his first ten-foot dinghy at the age of ten, Escape’s owner and skipper Andy is a seasoned seafarer. Born and raised in Dartmouth, boatbuilder and skipper Andy is a well-experienced guide to the South Devon coast.

He has lived on and around ships for as long as he can remember, and since owning a 10-foot dinghy at the age of ten, he’s progressed to converting a 63-foot Scottish-built trawler into a liveaboard floating home, along with many other vessels.

When not chartering and sailing his beautiful Gaff yawl “Escape” in his home town of Dartmouth, Andy can be found working with his dad building and maintaining other wooden ships, from Cornish pilot gigs to the local fishing fleet. He’s also been one of the six helmsmen on the Dart Lifeboat since the RNLI opened the station in 2007.

With his RYA Yachtmaster qualification, Andy is always happy to share his knowledge, guiding guests in how to read charts and plot boat positions with the compass!

The history

Escape is a wood-hulled classic gaff yawl with an extensive history, having served many purposes before becoming the charter yacht she is today.

Escape was built based on an older ship of the same name – a smaller, sailing lifeboat built in 1896 and designed by Colin Archer. The second Escape, built in 1937, was commissioned by David Robertson, who sent the original Archer designs to a London maritime architect to enlarge the hull and build the new Escape big enough to live on board. Robertson then outsourced the build to a small yard in Norway, before launching the new Escape in 1937.

After the war, Escape was bought by a Mr & Mrs Johnson, and was laid up on the Hamble River as the Johnsons’ home. The couple owned the ship until 2003, when they sold it to a Scottish helicopter pilot. She found herself ashore at Hamble for a few years whilst arrangements were made for a complete refit, eventually being moved to Lowestoft, where the refit took place, and consequently being relaunched in 2008.

That season, Escape made a pilgrimage back to her homeport of Risor, where she was originally built in Norway, before heading back to Scotland in 2009.

Today, owner and skipper Andy operates this historic vessel as a charter vessel out of Dartmouth. His love for the ship and the way she sails is apparent to all guests on board – it’s a challenge not to fall in love with Escape.

Reviews

FAQs

Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and soft/hot drinks)
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Meat eaters and vegetarians only please.
Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Escape has two single berths (with privacy curtains) and one double bed for guests in an open cabin arrangement. There are seat berths available as extras for children/family bookings if necessary.
Is there a porthole in my berth?
The double cabin has a porthole and the saloon has a hatch window for the single berths.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
Escape has one toilet. She will harbour every evening to use yacht club showers that Andy will organise for you.
Are bedding and towels included?
All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Escape does not have laundry on board.
Is there heating onboard?
Yes, there is a small diesel heater if needed.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
What language is spoken onboard?
English.
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G.
Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, there are 12V USB cigarette lighter points available at all times. 240V standard socket charging is available when Escape is hooked up to shore power or when the generator is on.
What is the currency on board?
GBP - pounds sterling
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes - there are life jackets from toddler through to adult.
How do I get on and off the boat?
Escape is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the low gunwale.
Are Waterproofs provided?
Yes, Andy has some offshore jackets if needed.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
No
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Is there an age limit?
Ideally 5+ but this can depend on experience - please check in with the office.