Private Charter Sailing on the South Devon Coast
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A private charter sailing holiday on the South Devon coast aboard modern yacht Emma Claire. Explore at your own pace.
A private charter sailing holiday on the South Devon coast aboard modern yacht Emma Claire is a wonderful way to explore this beautiful stretch of coastline. Join Emma Claire in the delightful harbour town of Salcombe and spend a weekend discovering sandy bays, charming harbour towns and sheltered anchorages at your own pace.
With an experienced skipper at the helm, this voyage is suitable for all ages and abilities, whether you’re looking to get hands-on with the sailing or simply relax on deck and watch the coastline go by.
- Private charter sailing
- Coastal exploration
- Flexible itinerary
- Great for families
- South Devon AONB
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Private Charter Sailing on the South Devon Coast
Salcombe → Dartmouth → Brixham → The Yealm → Salcombe
A private charter sailing holiday on the South Devon coast is one of the finest ways to explore this part of the UK. The whole coastline stretching from Brixham to Plymouth is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the harbour towns of Salcombe, Dartmouth, Brixham and the Yealm all oozing quintessential Devonshire charm. Exactly where you sail will depend on the wind, but every direction brings something worth seeing.
Discovering the coastline from the sea offers a unique perspective of the county. Whether you’re a small group of family or friends looking for something a bit different with your weekend, Emma Claire caters for all ages and abilities, with a flexible itinerary shaped around your group’s wishes.
Exploring the South Devon Coast on a Private Sailing Charter
Head south from Salcombe and the ancient market town of Dartmouth makes for a brilliant stop, ideal for a pub lunch or a bit of crabbing off the pontoon. Further up the river, quiet anchorages and peaceful swimming spots make for a lovely evening al fresco on deck under the stars.
The fishing town of Brixham is a nostalgic sight, with wooden vessels moored against picture-perfect pastel fishermen’s cottages. Brixham’s harbour warmly welcomes traditional vessels of all kinds, and the maritime atmosphere is hard to beat.
If the wind is in your favour, the tranquil River Yealm is well worth a visit. Nestled among breathtaking natural surroundings, it offers a peaceful spot to drop anchor, swim and soak up the serene beauty of the South Devon coast. Sandy bays and golden beaches along the way make for brilliant stops to take the tender ashore and stretch your legs.
Keep your eyes peeled throughout for the coastline’s abundant wildlife. Porpoises and dolphins are regularly spotted in the wake, while seabirds including guillemots, kittiwakes, kestrels and gulls circle overhead.
- Explore Salcombe, Dartmouth and Brixham ashore
- Anchor in the peaceful River Yealm
- Sandy bays and swimming spots along the way
- Spot porpoises and dolphins along the coast
- South Devon AONB throughout
Getting Involved: Sailing with Skipper Chris
You can get involved as much or as little as you’d like aboard Emma Claire. Experienced skipper Chris is on hand to show guests the ropes, whether that’s basic sail theory, chart reading or taking the helm. If you’d rather relax on deck with a good book and watch the world glide by, that’s just as welcome.
With the wind and weather in mind, Chris can be flexible to your group’s wishes. Younger families may prefer a more relaxed, river-focused voyage, while more experienced sailors may want longer hours under sail. The choice is yours.
- As hands-on or laid-back as you like
- Learn sail theory, chart reading and navigation
- Flexible itinerary shaped around your group
- Suitable for all ages and abilities
- Experienced RNLI coxswain skipper on board
Life Aboard Modern Yacht Emma Claire
Built in 1996, Emma Claire is a Grand Soleil, a well-regarded Italian-built yacht in exceptional condition. She sleeps up to four guests in two private cabins, with a generous saloon, a well-equipped galley and two bathrooms, one dedicated to guests. Above decks, a comfortable cockpit and plenty of open deck space make it easy to relax and settle into the unhurried pace of a sailing charter.
- Double cabin and twin bunk cabin, both private
- Two bathrooms, one dedicated to guests
- Home-cooked meals from a well-equipped galley
- Relaxed and flexible sailing style
- Chris, RNLI coxswain with extensive local knowledge
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Do I need to take part in night watches?
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 be more than 12 miles offshore.
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 two 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 two private guest cabins (1 x double and 1 x twin) and two saloon bunks with a well-appointed toilet. The 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!
Emma Claire
Guest berths: 4 Rig: Masthead Sloop
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 and in fact, 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 so wish. Her hull shape and sloop rig make her a comfortable, stable boat to sail, so she’s a great choice for coastal sailing for those wanting to try something new and learn the ropes.
She is perfect for small groups of friends and families looking for a unique holiday experience. She does offer some voyages bookable by the berth, but she is generally suited to bespoke private charters.
Emma Claire can sleep up to four guests in a double cabin and a twin bunk cabin. There are two bathrooms (one for guests), both with pull-out showers (if needed), and a generous saloon with cushioned seating, a 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.
Deck plan
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Private Charter Sailing on the South Devon Coast
Private Charter Sailing on the South Devon Coast
Private Charter Sailing on the South Devon Coast
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
