Private Charter Sailing on the South Devon Coast

YOUR SAILING AREA

South Devon, UK

The whole coastline stretching from Brixham to Plymouth is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the harbour towns of Dartmouth, Salcombe, Brixham and the Yealm all oozing quintessential Devonshire charm. Exactly where you sail will depend on the wind direction but you’ll either head south towards Dartmouth or Brixham

Join Emma Claire in the delightful waterside town of Salcombe, where friendly locals, traditional fishing vessels, cobbled streets, and artisan shops await. You’ll have the opportunity to explore ashore, anchoring in sandy bays, taking the tender ashore to swim and relaxing on golden sand beaches. Discovering the coastline from the sea offers a unique perspective of the county. Whether you’re a seasoned solo sailor or a small group of family or friends looking to do something a bit different with your weekend, Emma Claire can cater for all ages and abilities.

You can get involved as much or as little as you’d like on board Emma Claire. Experienced skipper Chris will be on hand to show guests the ropes if they wish. Learn basic sail theory, hone your skills in chart reading or just simply relax on deck with a good book and watch the world glide by! 

If the wind is in our favour, the tranquil River Yealm will not disappoint. Nestled among breathtaking natural surroundings, the Yealm River provides a peaceful retreat for sailors in search of tranquillity and seclusion. With its calm waters and idyllic setting, it is the perfect place to drop anchor, relax, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of South Devon’s coastal paradise.

The ancient market town of Dartmouth is a lively harbour town, ideal for a pub lunch or a bit of crabbing off the pontoon. Further up the river, there are some quiet anchorages and peaceful swimming spots – great for a relaxed evening al fresco dining on board under the stars.

The fishing town of Brixham is a nostalgic sight, with wooden vessels moored in front of picturesque pastel-coloured fishermen’s cottages, transporting you back in time. Brixham’s harbour warmly welcomes numerous classic and traditional vessels, creating a charming maritime atmosphere.

This whole coastline is home to a plethora of marine wildlife both on the coast and in the water. Keep your eyes peeled for playful porpoises, dancing dolphins, and a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, kittiwakes, kestrels, and gulls.

Private charter Sailing

With the wind and weather in mind, Chris can be flexible to your group’s wishes. You can guide on how many sailing hours to shore time you would like. Younger families may wish for a more relaxed river-focused voyage, whereas more experienced sailors may want longer hours under sail – the choice is yours. 

All voyages for Emma Claire

Emma Claire

Guest berths: 4 Rig: Masthead Sloop

Offering guests bespoke private charter sailing holidays around Devon, Cornwall, France and the Caribbean, Emma Claire is a modern yacht owned and skippered by RNLI coxswain Chris and his wife Bryony. Sleeping six guests in comfortable private cabins, she is the perfect size for small groups of friends or family looking for that unique holiday experience. 

Built in 1996, she has technically passed into her “vintage” era but continues to showcase her Italian design and build very well. She has been lovingly maintained over the years, and you’d be hard pushed to find another model of her age in such good condition.

With a modern winched masthead sloop rig, sailing her is straightforward; Chris can comfortably sail her single-handedly. That being said, she is a great boat to learn the sailing basics; hoisting, winching, taking the helm and some basic navigation can all be taught if guests wish. Her hull shape and sloop rig make her a comfortable and stable boat to sail on, so she makes a great boat for coastal sailing for those wanting to try something new and learn the ropes.

Below Decks

The perfect size for bespoke private charters, Emma Claire can sleep up to four guests in a combination of two double cabins and a twin bunk cabin. There are two bathrooms, both with pull out showers (if needed) and a generous saloon with cushioned seating, dining table and a well-equipped galley.

Above decks, she has a comfy cockpit and plenty of deck space to sit back, take in the coastal views, feel the salt air in your hair and relax into the rhythms of life on the water.

Life on board Emma Claire

Sailing with modern yacht Emma Claire is perfect for small groups of friends or families looking for a unique group holiday experience on the water. Offering bespoke private charter sailing along the southwest coast of Devon and Cornwall, Brittany and even winters in the Caribbean, Emma Claire can sleep up to four guests in private cabins.

Emma Claire is a great-sized boat for beginners and small families alike looking for a skippered sailing charter in a safe environment. Skipper Chris is an RNLI coxswain for Salcombe lifeboat so his experience and relaxed nature make sailing with him a real pleasure.

GETTING INVOLVED

Emma Claire’s rig is simple and modern, running on an electric winch system, so there is no hauling old ropes on this boat! She’s a great boat for guests to get a taste of comfortable modern rig sailing. Skipper Chris is more than happy to get guests involved and show them the ropes.

From basic sail theory to taking the helm and helping with anchoring, there is always plenty to do on board even if you’ve never stepped foot on a boat before. That being said, if guests just want to experience the relaxed rhythms of life on the water and switch off from the demands of the modern world, then that’s also encouraged in equal measure!

SLEEPING AND RELAXATION

Above decks, there is ample space to sit out, relax and enjoy the views. The comfy cockpit is a great place to sit and watch the landscape go by as you feel the wind in the sails. Emma Claire also has a stand-up paddle board and an inflatable canoe for guests to use while on anchor along with fishing lines if you fancy your hand at catching some dinner!

Below decks, there is a generous saloon with a large sofa area, dining table and galley. There are three private cabins (2x double and 1x twin) and two saloon bunks all sharing two well-appointed toilets. Each toilet has a pull-out shower if and as needed but most showers will be taken onshore in the marina facilities.

As each voyage is a bespoke private charter, the food will be considered and planned based on the group’s needs and requirements. Chris’ wife Bryony is a trained chef who used to run her own catering company so you will certainly be well fed while aboard!

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

Do I need to take part in night watches?

Kit list

Emma Claire 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!

• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• 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. (Chris 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

Eating Aboard 

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. Please note, this is an example of what is on offer.

Breakfast

• Bacon, eggs, Sausage and tomatoes
• Our gluten-free granola with buckwheat, organic oats nuts and seeds
• Local croissants and our often homemade preserves

Lunch

• Local cheeses, fruit and our pear and date chutney
• Smoked haddock chowder and crusty bread
• Houmous, olives, warm pitta and Greek salad
• Gruyere and leek tart with a green salad and new potatoes
• French onion soup with a cheese crostini

Dinner

• Chillie with guacamole, nachos, sour cream
• Beef goulash with caraway, sour cream and new potatoes
• Chicken breast with tarragon and mushroom sauce, hassle back squash and mashed potato
• Meatballs with a fresh tomato sauce and buttery noodles, salad
• Chickpea and sweet potato curry
• Mediterranean fish stew with aioli

Dessert

• Chocolate truffle pots with raspberries and whipped cream
• Berries, cream and Meringues
• Lemon posset with langue de chat biscuits

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

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 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  All meals are included in the price where stated (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks). Some voyages may offer meals ashore.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, all diets can be catered for. Please check with the office for any allergy information.

• Are there any added extra's?

  There is an honesty bar onboard for soft drinks and alcohol. Excursions shore are not included.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4 guests in 2x double berths, 1x twin cabin

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have either a porthole or a hatch.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 bathrooms, both with showers.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring a swimming towel if you wish to swim. 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, Emma Claire does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?

  There is heating and an air temperature exchange.

• 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 conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes - There are 12v, plus a 240v inverter with sockets in the saloon, we do have 240v in all cabins when on shore power or the mobile generator is running.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Emma Claire is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  There are some for guests to use in an emergency.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  There is one inflatable paddle-board and one inflatable canoe for guests to use free of charge.

• 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?

  Over 12's for normal voyages but private charters depend on the families experience.

Travel Planning

From: Salcombe

To: Salcombe

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

GETTING THERE

Salcombe, south Devon, UK

There is long-stay car parking at Batson Quay; a new ticket will need to be purchased each day. Alternatively, you can use the park and ride at the top of the hill with buses running 20 minutes (or a 10-minute walk to the harbour)

We recommend arriving in good time in peak seasons to secure a parking space.

By Rail

If you’re arriving by train, Ivybridge is the closest train station on the southwest mainline. It is then a 40-minute taxi ride into Salcombe.