Sailing the South Coast of Devon

YOUR SAILING AREA

The South Devon, UK

A sailing holiday on the south Devon coast is the perfect introduction to sailing in the UK. With easy travel access from all over the UK, you can hop on a train and be on the coast from London in less than three hours. The whole coastline stretching from Brixham around Start point to Plymouth is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the harbour towns of Dartmouth, Salcombe, Brixham and the Yealm all oozing in quintessential Devonshire charm and are certainly best accessed by boat.

You’ll have plenty of chance to go ashore and discover much-loved seaside towns, as well as experience the coastline from the sea, offering a unique perspective of the county. Whether you’re a seasoned solo sailor or a group looking to do something a bit different with your weekend, Escape’s crew will cater for all ages and abilities.

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The crew are from the area, and have been sailing these waters for years – so they know the best places to anchor, the most beautiful areas to sail past and the prettiest towns to visit. Dartmouth in itself is a beautifully picturesque harbour town, so make sure you allow a little time before joining Escape to wander through the narrow streets and discover what it’s got to offer.

After heading out of the River Dart to the open sea, you may head west down the Devon coast. This could see you sailing past Blackpool and on to Slapton Sands and Slapton Ley – the largest freshwater lake in the south-west (and bird spotters – bring your cameras!). Moor at the pretty waterside town of Salcombe, bustling with friendly locals, traditional fishing vessels, cobbled streets and artisan shops. Perhaps you’ll make it to the tranquil river of Yealm for serene anchoring.

If the wind takes you East up the coast, you could sail past one of Devon’s many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Berry Head. With porpoises and dolphins often playing in ships’ wake, make sure you’ve got your eyes peeled on the water as well as on the land for the native seabirds – guillemots, kittiwakes, kestrels and gulls. Past Berry Head, Escape may stop at Brixham – home to the fabulous Pilgrim Of Brixham and a wealth of maritime history. Aside from Pilgrim, Brixham welcomes many other classic and traditional vessels to its harbour, and you can be transported back in time by the scene of wooden vessels moored in front of picture-perfect pastel fishermen’s cottages.

All voyages for Escape

Escape

Guest berths: 4 Rig: Gaff Yawl

Escape is a 43-foot wooden classic gaff yawl built-in 1937 by Kristensen in Norway. She was originally designed by Colin Archer as a sailing lifeboat but was refined to make her slightly smaller and easier to sail by her owners.

Today, her owner and skipper Andy sails his guests around the west country, from Escape’s home port of Dartmouth all the way down the Devon exploring Salcombe & Yealm or Torbay and Brixham. She’s the perfect vessel for a family holiday or for a group of friends after something a little different – and with great food and drink included in the price, a sailing holiday on Escape won’t be forgotten!

Andy and his crew will give you a totally relaxed sailing holiday experience but if and when you do want to be involved, they are more than happy to share their knowledge and show you the ropes!

Read more about Devon Sailing on Escape on our Journal here.

More about Escape

Life on board Escape

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 to Cornwall and this part of the coast provides some great sheltered sailing areas. Escape is a great boat for beginners and small families alike looking for a skippered sailing charter in a safe environment.

Getting Involved

Escape’s gaff rig is a traditional but simple set up which makes her a great vessel to learn the ropes on if you’re a beginner. If you’re familiar with life on the water, then you’ll certainly 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 decks there are two single bunks set off the saloon with a double bed and toilet in the fore. 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 alway bubbling away ready for tea and coffee.

A hearty selection of home-cooked meals are 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.

To note…

The double bed cabin does have access to the toilet so please note that we do not consider this 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!)

SAMPLE MENU FOR Escape

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list! Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

BREAKFAST

• Selection of tea, coffee and fruit juices
• Muesli, yoghurt and fruit compote
• Bread and home-made conserves

ELEVENSES/AFTERNOON CAKE

• Tea, coffee and home-made cakes

LUNCH

• Home-made soup of the day
• Fresh ham baguettes, salad and crisps
• Plough-mans platter

DINNER

• Home-made Lasagne, garlic bread and salad
• Chilli con carne served with rice
• Local fish and chips!

DESSERT

• Selection of sweets, cakes and biscuits available

What’s Included

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and a wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Offshore sailing jacket for use on the boat

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Swim towel
• All flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

FAQ

• What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Escape?

  There are currently no Test & Sail policies in place for the 2022 season.

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and soft/hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Escape has two single berths and one double berth for guests in an open cabin arrangement. There are seat berths available as extras for children/family bookings if necessary.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  Yes, all bedding and towels are provided.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Escape has one toilet. She will harbour every evening to use yacht club showers.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Is there an age limit?

  Ideally 5+ but this can depend on experience - please check in with the office.

• 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.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  Yes, Andy has some available.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Dartmouth

To: Dartmouth

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

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PARKING:

It’s recommended to find parking in the residential roads (Mount Boone & Mount Boone Crescent) at the top of the town. A space for your vehicles safety cannot be guaranteed – you can always call Andy who may have some local options nearer to the day of sailing. Dartmouth waterfront is about a 15 minute walk if you park near Mount Boone.

BY RAIL:

Dartmouth’s closest train station is Totnes. There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Totnes from Penzance, Cardiff Central and London Paddington, and Plymouth and Leeds with CrossCountry trains. Once at Totnes Railway Station take a 17 minute taxi ride.

BY AIR:

Exeter Airport is the most convenient airport and requires taking a taxi direct to Brixham (approximately 50 minutes).

STAY IN DARTMOUTH:

There are plenty of places to stay in Dartmouth. Try Royal Castle, Browns Hotel or Bayards Cove Inn.