Nestled in the heart of South Devon, Salcombe is a charming seaside town, and a popular spot for sailing enthusiasts. With its stunning coastline, secluded beaches, and picturesque estuary, it’s the perfect destination for relaxing sailing weekends in Devon.
Opting for a relaxing weekend away, operations manager Naomi joined the yacht Emma Claire in Salcombe. Read her firsthand account below.
Joining Emma Claire for sailing weekends in Devon
We joined skipper Chris aboard Emma Claire, a sleek Grand Soleil yacht, for a weekend of relaxed sailing. Meeting the boat down on the pontoon in Salcombe, the scene was immediately welcoming. Friendly voices carried across the quay as locals shared a beer in the square, swapping stories of boat repairs and the nice weather to come. It was clear that life here flows with the tides.
Skipper Chris greeted us with the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from years at sea. A seasoned sailor and full-time coxswain of the Salcombe lifeboat, he’s spent decades cruising and racing both locally and overseas. His partner, Bryony, grew up sailing with her family and brings her culinary skills to the galley. Having once run her own catering business, she ensures everyone eats well aboard, no matter what their dietary preferences are.
Emma Claire sleeps four guests across two comfortable double cabins, perfect for families or small groups of friends. She’s quick under sail, with clean lines and straightforward rigging that even beginners to sailing will feel confident handling.
Setting sail along the Devon coastline
After a warm welcome and a slice of Bryony’s homemade cake, we settled into the cockpit with mugs of tea, while Chris outlined the weekend’s plan. With settled weather and steady winds, we would set off that evening for a short sail to watch the sunset. The next day, we’d explore further along the coast towards Dartmouth, before sailing back towards Salcombe. There was an option to sail further down the coast, but everyone was happy to balance some sailing with an afternoon of exploring ashore.
Once everything was in place, we slipped away from the dock and into the calm waters of Salcombe Estuary. Chris passed the helm with ease, double-checked to make sure we were comfortable steering, and told us to aim for a way marker on the headland. With that, he summoned the other two guests in our group to help prepare the main sail for winching.
As we motored gently out of the harbour, the views unfolded before us. Steep cliffs with lush greenery, quaint cottages lining the shoreline, and the glimmering sea stretching as far as the eye could see. A local dinghy club whizzed around us, jovial murmurs and echoing laughs drifting over the water.
We cleared the estuary and raised the sails, feeling the wind filling the canvas for the first time. Emma Claire responded quickly to the breeze, and we took turns to helm as we tacked across the bay. Her rig is refreshingly simple and easy to learn, perfect for guests who want hands-on sailing without feeling overwhelmed. After an hour or so, we began to sail back to the harbour, anchoring up over the promise of dinner and a well-earned drink. After a relaxed meal, we headed to our comfortable cabins and drifted off to the gentle rock of the tide.
Sailing along the River Dart
The next morning, refreshed after a delicious breakfast and with coffee in hand, we raised the anchor and set sail again. Our route took us around the headland, where the open sea offered a little more wind and the chance to put into practice what we’d learned the day before.
By early afternoon, we reached the Dart River and turned inland towards Dartmouth. Nestled in the hills, this historic town is a favourite with visiting sailors. The streets are lined with independent shops, art galleries and cafes. We wandered ashore to stretch our legs and found a quiet tea room where we enjoyed a chat with some friendly locals.
Later that afternoon, we returned to the boat and discussed plans for the final sail home on Sunday. With the sun beginning to dip, we stayed moored in the River Dart and settled in for another peaceful night onboard. As Bryony prepared dinner, the water was still, broken only by the occasional ripple from a passing fish or a curious seal surfacing nearby.
Exploring Kingsbridge in the Salcombe Estuary
The next morning brought calm skies and a soft early light. We raised the anchor and set course for Kingsbridge, tucked at the tip of the Salcombe Estuary. Kingsbridge had a more relaxed, tucked-away feel than the other coastal towns and was perfect for a last-day stop. We anchored nearby and launched the paddleboard to explore the quieter creeks. Paddling upriver with only the sound of birdsong felt like we’d discovered a secret part of Devon.
Returning to Emma Claire, we enjoyed a final light lunch on deck, soaking up the stillness before heading back towards Salcombe. It was one of those rare weekends that seemed longer than it was – filled with fresh air, good company, and the simple pleasures of life on the water. For some, the best part of the weekend had been the hands-on experience of sailing. For others, it was the time spent on the water, switching off from everyday life.
Why should you choose our sailing weekends in Devon?
Our sailing weekends in Devon onboard Emma Claire are ideal for anyone looking to escape for a few days without the hassle of long-distance travel. With expert skippers like Chris and Bryony at the helm, you can relax and enjoy the experience alongside family or friends. Experience the slower pace of life that sailing offers with a night or two aboard Emma Claire below.
