Overnight South Devon Sailing Taster Experience

YOUR SAILING AREA

Dartmouth, South Devon

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. This entire coastline, stretching from Brixham to Plymouth around Start Point, is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Immerse yourself in the quintessential Devonshire charm of harbour towns like Dartmouth, Salcombe, Brixham, and the Yealm, all best experienced by boat.

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Skipper Andy was born and bred in Dartmouth and has years of experience sailing these waters, rest assured he has an unparalleled knowledge of the best anchorages, breathtaking sailing routes, and picturesque towns to explore. Dartmouth itself, a charming harbour town, exudes a timeless beauty, so be sure to set aside some time before boarding Escape to meander through its narrow streets and uncover its hidden treasures.

As you venture beyond the River Dart and into the open sea, you may journey west along the Devon coast, passing by Slapton Sands and Slapton Ley, the southwest’s largest freshwater lake (bird spotters, have your cameras ready!). Finally, find respite in the delightful waterside town of Salcombe, abuzz with amiable locals, traditional fishing boats, cobbled streets, and artisanal shops.

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 coast exploring Salcombe & Yealm or Torbay and Brixham. She’s the perfect vessel for a family sailing 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.

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 always 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!)

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

Do I need to take part in night watches?

Kit list

Escape has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those who have sailed before may have their preferences!

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• Short waterproof boots (dependent on weather forecast)
• Swimsuit and swim towel (if you’re brave enough!) 
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

• Warm, windproof and waterproof coat/lightweight trousers. (Andy has some offshore sailing jackets if needed!)
• Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Charging cables for personal devices 
• A good book to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

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

• Full board (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

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will not be more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Dartmouth

To: Dartmouth

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

Getting there

PARKING

It’s recommended to find parking on the residential roads (Mount Boone & Mount Boone Crescent) at the top of the town. A space or the safety of your vehicle cannot be guaranteed. 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 directly 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.