Core Info Archives - Page 9 of 12 - Devon Sailing Experiences

May 22

Yacht Charter Sailing Destination: Dartmouth

By Katie Core Info

Famous for its annual Royal Regatta and the Britannia Royal Naval College, a yacht charter from Plymouth wouldn’t be complete without a visit to historical Dartmouth.

Local area and Approaches – DSE recommends…

The approach and entrance to Dartmouth is straight forward as everything is clearly buoyed and the water is deep. Your main concerns are the traffic, in particular, the ferries (lower and higher). They, of course, have priority due to their restricted ability to maneuver. The lower ferries operate just after the first right hand bend: you’ll see the small trots that belong to the yacht club. Be aware that 2 ferries operate here and the one which maybe loading on the Kingswear side is difficult to spot.

There is a single higher ferry which is a chain ferry. It is easy to spot and should be given a wide clearance – always go behind of course.

Of course, as always, we recommend you check the Almanac for details.

Moorings – DSE recommends…

Town moorings are on the left side of the river as you approach – they are short and usually crowded. We would advise using the deep water moorings further up the river on the right and use the excellent water taxi services.

Eating and Drinking – DSE recommends…

The Floating Bridge is a 5 minute walk from the town centre positioned near the higher ferry. It is a traditional pub with a roof terrace overlooking the River Dart. A lovely spot to enjoy a pint and watch the world go by. I fully recommend the beer-battered fish and chips!

Travel further up the river to the Ferry Boat Inn, Dittisham. A great location any time of year but obviously gets busy during the summer months. It is so refreshing to sit outside along the jetty with a pint. I love the way this pub attracts a mixture of locals and holiday-makers.

Directly opposite is The Anchorstone Café with its delicious, locally sourced food which can be enjoyed on it riverside terrace overlooking the Dart. It closes for the season from November, so don’t get caught out (like we did!) if you are sailing during the off-peak season. Another fabulous location.

Things to do – DSE recommends…

Book a tour of the Britannia Royal Naval College. The iconic building standing above the River Dart is a sight to admire and steeped in history. We have only visited on open days, but I am told that the private and public tours are well worth booking up.

Amble around the patchwork of narrow lanes and admire the Medieval and Elizabethan historic, listed buildings. Dartmouth Castle is a short, scenic stroll from the town centre.

Take a ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Kingsbridge to Paignton. I love sitting on the yacht moored on the River Dart watching the steam train travelling alongside the river. The route it takes has got to be the most beautiful one I know of.

Dartmouth Royal Regatta is an annual event held at the end of August. With live music, an air display by the Red Arrows and spectacular fireworks, it is definitely worth a visit. However, the river is hectic at this particular time of year, making it potentially dangerous for inexperienced sailors. If we sail here during the regatta, we just moor up in Dartmouth and stay put for a few days! Sometimes, there is no choice when you are rafted 5 to a can! There is a fabulous atmosphere, so we just stay and enjoy it.

May 21

Devon County Show, Exeter – sailing opportunities on display

By Katie Core Info

Thank you to everyone who visited us at the Devon County Show this week – it was great to meet so many of you at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter. Sailing is our passion, so we were so happy to be there to share potential opportunities with you.

If you have never visited the Devon County Show, you don’t know what you have been missing. It is a huge, annual, well-organised and well-attended event. You are guaranteed to find something for everyone there: animals, steam traction engines, displays, local trade stands, food, beer, cider, machinery (lots of big stuff!), cars, fairground rides, games stalls, activities, holiday ideas, hot tubs, exhibitions…the list is endless. Each and every one of the traders we spoke to while we visited other stands was able to give friendly, professional advice and information regarding the service or product they offered. And believe me – Devon has a lot to offer!

We were fortunate enough to chat to huge range people – some who sail regularly, and some who have never set foot on a yacht before. We really hope that the latter group left our stand feeling inspired to visit us in Plymouth and give sailing a try. You now know that if you are staying/living in and around Exeter, sailing experiences are within easy reach.

As for those who already know how exhilarating sailing can be, we hope you are tempted to bareboat charter one of our yachts to explore the beautiful south-west coast.

Perhaps you already have your own yacht and would like us to charter it through Devon Sailing Experiences for you? (Now… there’s a thought!)

We were privileged to work alongside Tom and Jamie from One Marine, who bought along an example of the recently launched Invictus 240FX powerboat to display at our stand. Generating a considerable amount of interest at the show because of its balance of style and practicality, it appealed to families due to her high-sided cockpit (which is ideal for taking younger children out on the water). The Invictus 240FX can be fitted with the Suzuki 250hp Lean Burn outboard, which will offer superb performance with speeds up to 40 knots. With the first boat already sold into Salcombe, we expect to be seeing more of them very soon!

We are looking forward to attending similar events in the future. Follow us on twitter and Facebook to keep updated. We look forward to meeting you.

May 02

Yacht Charter Sailing Destination: Salcombe

By Katie Core Info

Salcombe is the ‘must-sail-to’ destination when you yacht charter in Devon, and just a 4 to 5 hour sail from our base location at King Point Marina, Plymouth. We want to ensure our guests have a great experience of sailing in the west-country, so we’ve put together some personal recommendations about places to moor, places to visit, and places to eat and drink. What else do you need from a yacht charter holiday?

Local area and Approaches – DSE recommends…

Salcombe, in our experience, has helpful and welcoming harbour staff. It pays to call on the radio before you reach the first set of swing moorings to ask for directions.

With regards to approaching from the west, there isn’t much to concern you. There can be a significant swell just off Bolt Head particularly in a south westerly, but it can be avoided if you stay 2nm off shore. Most people just plough on through – but if you do, expect a bumpy ride.

From the East, the main issue is the Start Point race. If you’re staying in close, depending on wind strength, you’ll nearly always want to go with the strong tide or at slack. If you have a strong westerly then you may want to go at slack or a little tide against otherwise it will be a rough to very rough. Staying a few miles offshore makes life a lot easier… if adding an hour to your journey.

Much has been made of the Salcombe bar – in truth it’s fairly benign. Staying close to the western side clears the bar even at low spring tide. The bar becomes dangerous when you have a strong southerly wind and an ebbing tide. If you’re there in that situation you’ll see breaking lines of waves all through out the entrance.

As always, the best place to check the up to date detail is the Reeds Almanac.

Moorings – DSE recommends…

Depends on the time of year and how much peace and tranquility you want! The main swing moorings are all located off the town, which is a busy in the summer and is an interesting place to be. High season, you’ll raft 3 or so per can, you’ll also have plenty of wash from the various boats and water taxis until late.

The Bag is a quarter of a mile or so away from the town and is generally quieter with floating pontoons. You can’t walk ashore from these pontoons, but there is an efficient water taxi service.

Eating and Drinking – DSE recommends…

The Victoria is a fantastic, traditional pub on the main high street (and a personal favourite!) It offers spaces to sit and enjoy a pint and a packet of crisps as well as cosy areas to enjoy a wonderful meal and superb wines. With its large, sunny beer garden, it’s an ideal place to visit as an adult only group or with families. We have always enjoyed great service from the staff.

The Winking Prawn is a well-established restaurant that overlooks North Sands. With a relaxed atmosphere and casual service, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast or scrumptious baguettes for lunch. The seafood platter is one of our favourites. We would also recommend heading down in the evening on a tender for the barbecue feast with lots of fish, meat and veggie delights.

Dick and Wills offers refined food in its bistro overlooking Salcombe Estuary. With its upmarket feel, this is the one that we save for special occasions. Because we love eating alfresco when we can, it is an ideal place to go to as it still offers the option to dine inside if the weather isn’t as anticipated. We love the locally caught seafood, although there are plenty of meat and vegetarian options, too. Great service.

The Ferry Inn boasts great views from the edge of the estuary, making it an ideal spot for you to admire your yacht (which is likely to be moored close by) with a pint in your hand. We often pop in here for lunchtime cider in the sun – it can get busy on sunny days (peak and off-peak sailing season) because everyone else has seems to have the same idea.

The Forticue is a friendly ‘locals’ pub near the water. It’s the place to go for live music and sports TV. We have always found the food to be good value and plentiful.

Things to do – DSE recommends…

I love to amble along the Fore Street when I am child-free and visit the wide range of independent shops that are scattered amongst some of the more high profile stores. Because of the old, narrow streets, pedestrians have priority, enhancing the shopping experience.

Visit one of the many unspoilt beaches Salcombe has to offer. North Sands and South Sands are easily walkable from the town centre. Alternatively, we like to jump in the tender and cross the estuary to East Portlemouth.

Our friends at the spectacular Salcombe Harbour Hotel can offer you a spa treatment after a challenging day on the water. Booking is essential, so it is worth checking out what they can offer before you arrive in Salcombe.

Apr 06

Newsletter – April 2016

By Katie Core Info

Now that Spring is upon us and we have more hours of daylight, we wanted to update you with information about Devon Sailing Experiences and the yachts you can charter through us.

Our Yachts

We have a number of new additions that can be chartered through Devon Sailing Experiences. All of the yachts (as at April 2016) are listed here.

Jeanneau 409 (Bewitched): Ideal for families or larger groups, this spacious 41’ yacht offers 3 cabins, 2 heads, heating and entertainment systems. See http://www.devonsailingexperiences.co.uk/luxury-charter-boats/

Jeanneau 36i (Spellbound): A high performance hull, a powerful sail plan, and a deck designed for safety. This yacht offers a generous cockpit with oversized, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Our version has 3 double cabins. See http://www.devonsailingexperiences.co.uk/standard-charter-boats/ for details.

Dehler 34 (Troppo Bella): Moored on the River Dart, this performance cruiser is an excellent option for couples or a small group of friends. For more information, see http://www.devonsailingexperiences.co.uk/dehler-34-yacht-charter/

Stefini rpd66 (Disco Volante): This Italian 65′ fully crewed charter yacht has a huge cockpit for entertaining, a licensed bar and superb sail credentials. Down below there is a fantastic state room and accommodation for 8. Details: http://www.devonsailingexperiences.co.uk/20-metre-italian-charter-yacht/

Welcome to our newest Team Member

We are pleased to announce a new skipper on the DSE team – Gail Wright. Gail has been sailing for 15 years and is a Commercial Yachtmaster (offshore). She qualified in 2012 following a circum-navigation of the UK. Since then, Gail has spent her time delivering yachts around the UK and Mediterranean. In 2015 she sailed from Barcelona to Mauritius, a journey of 10,000 miles which took 3 months with brief stops in Gibraltar, Las Palmas, Cape Verde and Cape Town. She is looking forward to running some of our skippered charter experience weekends.

Twitter and Facebook Accounts

We would love to see photos and video footage from your experiences with us, so please keep us updated with anything you would be happy for us to share via our blog posts (http://www.devonsailingexperiences.co.uk/category/devon-sailing-info/), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/devonsailingexperiences/) or Twitter account (@devonsailingexp). Follow us to keep up to date with our news and special offers.

Sailing Schedule

Don’t forget that our schedule for day sails and weekend sailing experiences is updated on a regular basis. Details can be found here: http://www.devonsailingexperiences.co.uk/devon-sailing-schedule/

Returning Customer Discount Scheme

Don’t forget – we offer a 5% discount to customers who re-book charters with us.

We hope to hear from you soon for your summer charter. Wishing you an exciting sailing season!

Nick and Katie Rich

Mar 02

3 Peaks Challenge

By Nick Core Info

Fancy trying out for the South West 3 Peaks Yacht Race?

Sail 115 miles, cycle 140 miles and run 27 miles all in a weekend! This race which will appeal to those seeking a new challenge. Teams of 6 (2 sailors & 4 runners/cyclists or any combination) in yachts from 26’ to 45’.
The race starts at 12:00 on Friday 17th June in St Mawes and finishes in Plymouth on Sunday.

DSE are intending to enter a yacht into the event, which means we have place for 4 athletes, if you’re a cyclist or runner and would like to book a place please get in touch.

More information here:

http://www.nearwaterevents.co.uk/3-peaks-yacht-race

Event organiser

Tim Whitaker
Nearwater Events
St Mawes
01326 279278

Photo credit: musk-ox 2015 winner.

https://vimeo.com/69711968

Feb 28

For Bespoke Yacht Charter, Plymouth is the place to be

By Katie Core Info

This is not your typical bespoke yacht charter, Plymouth. Just look at these chaps slaving away over their charts as they undertake Yachtmaster preparations! With a DSE bespoke yacht charter, Plymouth offers excellent sailing grounds for them to hone their skills.

As part of their course, they will be expected to pick up mooring buoys under sail – the Tamar makes an ideal spot to develop this skill (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Tamar). Close-quarter sailing can be effectively developed in the Plymouth Sound – it is buzzing with boats of all types all year round, so it also makes it an ideal location to develop night navigation. With a DSE yacht charter, Plymouth offers a number of local marinas for crew to improve their marina handling skills. See http://www.kingpointmarina.co.uk/ or http://www.mayflowermarina.co.uk/ or http://www.yachthavens.com/plymouth/ to name just a few. Throughout their training, these students will also be expected to demonstrate how they keep their yacht and their crew safe at all times.

You will be pleased to know that it isn’t all work, work, work! With a comfortable, heated yacht to relax on after an active day on the water, the students are able to unwind – perhaps watch a DVD (there are TVs and a selection of DVDs on board our yachts) or visit one of the local pubs.

To find out how Devon Sailing Experiences can arrange your bespoke yacht charter from Plymouth, contact us on 01752 424 514 or email info@devonsailingexperiences.co.uk.

Feb 15

Charter yachts are ready for re-launch

By Katie Core Info

Good news for those who like to charter yachts early in the sailing season. Following on from her recent routine maintenance schedule, our Jeanneau 409 (Bewitched) is due to return to the water on Wednesday 17^th February.

For those choosing to charter yachts from us in Devon, you know you will be in safe hands after her recent yearly overhaul. Queen Anne’s Battery (QAB) hosted her during her maintenance period (http://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/mdl-queen-annes-battery)

And just in case you were wondering how Nick and his team did it with the recent gales and seemingly non-stop rain, believe it or not, there were a few dry spells – cold, but nevertheless, dry!

Our Jeanneau 36i, Spellbound, follows her big sister into the water with her re-launch on Wednesday 9^th March. Her overhaul included: sail repairs, rig check, new spray hood, polishing and a coat of wax. Maintenance for this charter yacht was carried out at Dartside Quay in Galmpton Creek (http://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/mdl-dartside-quay)

Both of our yachts also have brand new Almanacs on board and the life rafts have received their annual service.

If you have never thought to charter yachts in Devon before, it is worth noting that many of our past customers have commented on the fact that sailing along the south west coasts makes a refreshing change from their usual sailing ground. The coastline is particularly beautiful with many areas of outstanding natural beauty. Also, when you charter yachts from Plymouth, most destinations (see http://www.devonsailingexperiences.co.uk/devon-sailing/ ) are sailable within a day, even in more challenging conditions: it is always good to know that when sailing during the colder off-season, there is likely to be a good, local pub with a warm welcome and open fire on the go.

Both of our charter yachts (which have onboard heating – ideal if you like to charter yachts during the off-season) are available for bare boat hire. You can check out our prices, which we believe are very competitive, on http://www.devonsailingexperiences.co.uk/bare-boat-charter/

Jan 25

Yacht Charter Solent, try the South West Coast

By Nick Core Info

Do you regularly charter a yacht in the Solent? Have you ever considered a change of scenery and sailing ground? Then why not consider a change to the West Country? With crystal blue waters and an abundance of unspoilt scenery, chartering a yacht in the South West is a must for anyone who enjoys sailing.

One of the advantages of chartering a yacht from Plymouth is the large and varied sailing grounds it offers with a choice of easily accessible destinations. With Devon to the east and Cornwall to the west, Plymouth is ideally placed for you to explore the coast allowing you to use the best of the prevailing winds. There are only a few locations which are restricted by tide. No harbour or marina is more than a few hours away, allowing you flexibility in your sailing plans dependent on weather conditions, as well as the sailing stamina and interests of your crew.

Typically, the sea depth off the coast is deep and trouble free and with plenty of natural marine life for you to observe, see video above which was taken on Spellbound on route to Fowey.

In our opinion, ‘harbour time’ is just as important as sailing. From our own base at King Point Marina , the easily accessible harbours include Fowey, Falmouth, Helford, Salcombe, Dartmouth, Brixham and Torquay. All these destinations are no more than a day sail.

The off-season is a fabulous time to charter a yacht in South West. As you would expect, mooring during the summer months can get busy in popular locations such as Salcombe, but during the shoulder months, it is not unheard of to be able to moor overnight on the town’s walk-ashore pontoon (although it’s always worth taking a tender and outboard along as many locations in the south west are not walk ashore and rely on water taxis in the summer months)

With Plymouth being on a main line, there are direct trains from London Paddington and the Midlands. If you think about it, in most cases we are only an extra hour or so away from your usual stop in Southampton. Once you reach Plymouth Central, you are a 5 minute (or sometimes less!) taxi ride away from King Point Marina, Plymouth which offers excellent on-shore facilities. For those of you travelling by car, we offer free and secure car parking.

Over the past few years we have welcomed a few new ‘converts’ who used to charter a yacht in the Solent but have been enticed to the west-country with its great sailing grounds, beautiful scenery and high quality yachts. If that wasn’t tempting enough, we will also offer a discount for Solent charterers who who like to try a change of scenery with a yacht charter in the South West.

Escape the Solent …. we’re might be a bit further away (but not by much!) and it is definitely worth it!

Jan 21

Yacht Charter in the South West makes the Ultimate Valentine’s Day Treat

By Katie Core Info

Looking for the ultimate treat for Valentine’s day? With a gift voucher from Devon Sailing Experiences, you will be guaranteed to win “romance points” from your other half. We have a number of options for sailing and yacht charter in the south west to suit every pocket and every sailing experience level.

A gift voucher for an exclusive skippered charter of our Jeaneau 409, Bewitched, will cost you £500. This will enable you (and up to 5 others) to have the yacht to yourselves for the day and includes a fully qualified skipper and a light lunch whilst underway. Explore the beautiful coastline and secluded coves, all of which are easily accessible with yacht charter in the south west from Plymouth. Perhaps you could drop anchor in one of the picturesque bays and treat your loved one to a glass of bubbly.

A romantic Valentine’s day treat for £275 per person enables you to spend the weekend on our Jeanneau 409. Join us on the Friday evening and stay overnight on our luxury yacht. Set sail on the Saturday (perhaps head to Salcombe or Fowey), spend the evening at your destination, and return to Plymouth on the Sunday. What can be more relaxing and exhilarating than spending a whole weekend sailing with a yacht charter in the south west and spending a couple of nights onboard? (Please note that unless the yacht is exclusively chartered for an extra cost, there are likely to a total of 2 couples for this trip.)

Day sail gift vouchers offer flexibility for £99 per person. Upon receiving the voucher, your loved one can select a date from our website to join a scheduled day sailing with a yacht charter in the south west from Plymouth. Price includes a fully qualified skipper and lunch whilst underway.

How about combining your yacht charter in the south west with a hotel and spa visit? Devon Sailing Experiences has teamed up with the Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa to create an extra special experience. We will collect you from Plymouth, sailing over to Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa for an overnight stay and use of its luxury facilities. You will then sail back to Plymouth the next day. Yacht charter from £275 per person, minimum 2 persons, maximum 6. Contact Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa on 01548 844444 for more information on room prices and availability.

With so many options for the ultimate Valentines gift, there is no excuse for not treating the love of your life to a special experience this Valentines day.

Dec 14

Jeanneau 409 available for bareboat charter from Plymouth

By Katie Core Info

Thinking about booking a bareboat charter from Plymouth? Want something a little special? We have the right yacht for you. Our Jeanneau 409 is now available for bareboat charter.

With 3 double cabins, 2 heads (which include showers) and a spacious saloon, you and your guests can cruise the beautiful southwest coastline in comfort and style. A large cockpit with a folding table offers a great social area for warm, summer evenings anchored in secluded coves. Because the folding table can be removed and easily stowed, the cockpit makes a coherent sailing platform.

Our Jeanneau 409 has many extras including a folding prop, bow thruster and heating (ideal for sailing in the sometimes cooler off-peak seasons). For no extra charge, the cabins of our Jeanneau 409 bareboat charter from Plymouth can be prepared for you with Egyptian cotton bedding and fresh towels. We even offer TV, DVD and music facilities on board.

Based in the heart of Plymouth’s sailing quarter, you will find our Jeanneau 409 moored at King Point Marina. With its brand new facilities and a wonderful restaurant (The Dock) overlooking the marina, we can’t think of a better location to begin your bareboat charter from Plymouth.

A bareboat charter from Plymouth offers a competitive price and so many options with the sailing ground for all wind directions. Sail east to explore Devon; sail west to explore Cornwall.

Follow this link to explore our local anchorages.

Follow this link to explore other sailing locations.