• Wave icon Trip Type: Coastal
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9 (10 for ocean)
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-70 ish
  • Pin icon Region: UK & Ireland
Intermediate

Adventure Rating:
Intermediate

None

Experience Required:
None

5 Days from £899

Dates, Prices & Travel

Sailing Vacation: The South Coast of England

Set sail on an unforgettable 5-day journey along England’s stunning south coast, exploring the beautiful waters of Devon or Cornwall. Starting in the historic port of Plymouth, we’ll navigate through picturesque estuaries, charming seaside towns, and breathtaking anchorages. Depending on conditions, we may sail east towards Salcombe, Dartmouth, and Brixham, or head west to explore Cornwall’s rugged coastline, visiting iconic harbours such as Fowey, Falmouth, and Helford. With a mix of rich maritime history, scenic landscapes, and top-tier sailing training, this voyage is perfect for both seasoned sailors and those looking to try something new. Join us for an incredible adventure on the water.

Ready for the trip of a lifetime with Europe’s #1-rated adventure sailors?

Rubicon 3 expeditions are genuine sailing adventures rather than luxury sailing holidays. Depending on your chosen route, you will be off the beaten track, possibly out on the open ocean, sailing to and exploring remote and beautiful places. The expert Rubicon 3 instructors will train you and ensure you are fully involved in all aspects of the experience, including navigating, helming, trimming sails, cooking, and looking after the yacht. As a true sailing adventure, it is much less predictable (& much better!) than a packaged experience, with itineraries planned day by day and shaped by local circumstances and weather. To participate in the adventure, all we ask is that crew recognize this, have a great attitude, a desire for adventure, and a willingness to be fully involved.

Want to join?

Go to the Dates & Prices button to see this trip’s dates. It will also give you information on connecting travel, including where to fly and when and where to join the boat.

 

Get Ready For…

  • Englands Riviera

    Devon & Cornwall’s Coastal Treasures

    The south coast of Devon and Cornwall is a stunning mix of rolling hills, golden beaches, and charming seaside towns, all rich in maritime history and natural beauty. Whether exploring the sheltered estuaries and picturesque harbours of Devon or the rugged cliffs and hidden coves of Cornwall, this coastline offers an unforgettable sailing experience.

  • sailing instruction
    Full involvement & expert tuition

    Whatever your prior sailing experience, you’ll be helming, navigating, trimming sails and anchoring from day one, all with the highest quality tuition from the expert Rubicon 3 instructors. The more you’re involved the better!

  • sailing yacht
    It’s genuine adventure sailing

    Rubicon 3 expeditions are far more than just a sailing vacation. They immerse you in adventure, discovery and enable you to explore the world under sail

Sailing Area

Devon sailing area map
The Yachts

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Key Information
What’s included

  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket with PLB

  • All sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included

  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas (where required)

  • Discretionary crew tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

We’ve priced this trip 5-10% lower than we otherwise would to allow you the option, at the end of your adventure, to offer a discretionary tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they’ve provided exceptional service. A combined tip of 5-10% is suggested but is entirely at your discretion and based on your satisfaction with their performance. See our FAQs here.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help!

We get it – joining a major sailing adventure is a big decision, and it’s natural to have lots of questions before you book. Wondering who else will be onboard? What the experience will be like? These and many more questions are completely normal. While our homepage and FAQs provide loads of info, we know sometimes it’s best to talk it through. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or live chat (at the bottom of the screen). Better yet, we’d suggest you schedule a call. Most crew who join do and find it really useful. We can discuss your options, answer every question, and make sure you’re booking on the perfect trip for you.

5-Day Sailing Itinerary: Exploring Devon & Cornwall’s Coastal Gems

Please note:
The exact route and timings of our journey will be shaped by the wind and weather, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. At the start of the trip, we will assess the forecast for the week to determine whether we sail west to Cornwall or east along the Devon coast. Below is a selection of highlights we aim to visit, though flexibility will be key as we adapt to the conditions on the water.

Plymouth

We start and end in the historic port of Plymouth, where centuries of maritime history come to life. You can explore the famous Hoe (where Sir Francis Drake is said to have been playing bowls in 1588 when he was informed of the approaching Spanish Armada), before we set sail from the sheltered waters of the Sound – a perfect gateway to Devon and Cornwall’s stunning coastline.

Salcombe

Salcombe (Devon)

Salcombe is a picturesque coastal town in South Devon, renowned for its sheltered estuary, golden beaches, and vibrant sailing community. The town has charming streets, great waterfront views, and excellent seafood, making it a favourite stop for sailors.

Dartmouth (Devon)

A historic naval town, Dartmouth boasts a stunning waterfront with colourful houses climbing the hills. The famous Dartmouth Castle frames this deep-water harbour, and the town’s winding streets offer plenty of cosy cafés and rich maritime history to explore.

Crew smiling at sea

Brixham (Devon)

A working fishing harbour with a proud heritage, Brixham is full of character, offering a glimpse into Devon’s traditional seafaring past. Walk along the bustling quayside, visit the replica of the Golden Hind, or enjoy the freshest seafood around.

Start Bay Anchorage (Devon)

We should get a lovely night at anchor in the sheltered waters of Start Bay, offering sweeping views of unspoiled beaches and green hillsides. This peaceful spot is the perfect overnight stay, with calm water and a beautiful stretch of coast to explore by kayak or in the RIB.

Dartmouth

Fowey (Cornwall)

If we head west, we may sail to Fowey, a charming Cornish harbour town nestled between steep hillsides. Famous for its literary connections to Daphne du Maurier, Fowey’s winding streets, cosy pubs, and deep-water anchorage make it a fantastic stop on our journey.

Falmouth (Cornwall)

One of the UK’s most famous sailing destinations, Falmouth is home to the third-largest natural harbour in the world and a thriving maritime community. With its rich naval history, beautiful beaches, and lively waterfront, Falmouth is a fantastic place to explore, whether wandering the cobbled streets or enjoying the town’s vibrant sailing culture.

Brixham

Helford River (Cornwall)

The Helford River is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque sailing destinations, with tranquil, tree-lined creeks and beautiful, secluded anchorages. The river has inspired artists and writers for centuries, offering a peaceful retreat with opportunities for exploring the Frenchman’s Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier.

Coverack (Cornwall)

Nestled on the Lizard Peninsula, Coverack is a charming fishing village with a sheltered bay and stunning coastal scenery. The rugged coastline, clear waters, and welcoming atmosphere make it a hidden gem for sailors looking to experience Cornwall’s wilder side.

Start Bay

 

Dates, Prices & Travel

Start Date & Location

June 23, 2025
England

End Date & Location

June 27, 2025
England

Price

£899

Deposit

£499

Availability

Available

Booking Information
Trip Information

Start Date: June 23, 2025

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: England

Start Port: Plymouth

Start Marina: Plymouth Yacht Haven

End Date: June 27, 2025

End Time: 15:00

End Country: England

End Port: Plymouth

End Marina: Plymouth Yacht Haven

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Exeter (IATA code: EXT)
Fly Out of: Exeter (IATA code: EXT)
Search on Google Flights

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Plymouth, United Kingdom
  • Direct trains run from London Paddington to Plymouth, taking around 3-3.5 hours (details here)
  • The nearest airport is Exeter International Airport (IATA code: EXT) and you can take a train or bus from Exeter to Plymouth. Bristol Airport (IATA code: BRS) is another option, also with regular train and bus connections to Plymouth.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on June 23, 2025, so you will likely need to be in Plymouth on June 22, 2025
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Plymouth
  • You will need to disembark at 3 PM, June 27, 2025.
General Notes
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. We cannot refund you if you cannot make it. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, any non EU residents will likely require an ETIAS, the new EU border control / visa waiver system. You can find out all the information here. You must have this before you join the boat,
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

Start Date & Location

June 30, 2025
England

End Date & Location

July 4, 2025
England

Price

£899

Deposit

£499

Availability

Available

Booking Information
Trip Information

Start Date: June 30, 2025

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: England

Start Port: Plymouth

Start Marina: Plymouth Yacht Haven

End Date: July 4, 2025

End Time: 15:00

End Country: England

End Port: Plymouth

End Marina: Plymouth Yacht Haven

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Exeter (IATA code: EXT)
Fly Out of: Exeter (IATA code: EXT)
Search on Google Flights

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Plymouth, England
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on June 30, 2025, so you will likely need to be in Plymouth on June 29, 2025
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
  • You will leave the boat in Plymouth, United Kingdom at 3:00PM on July 04, 2025
  • Direct trains run to London Paddington from Plymouth, taking around 3-3.5 hours (details here)
  • The nearest airport is Exeter International Airport (IATA code: EXT) and you can take a train or bus to Exeter from Plymouth. Bristol Airport (IATA code: BRS) is another option, also with regular train and bus connections from Plymouth.

General Notes

  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, any non EU residents will likely require an ETIAS, the new EU border control / visa waiver system. You can find out all the information here. You must have this before you join the boat,
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

Start Date & Location

June 29, 2026
England

End Date & Location

July 3, 2026
England

Price

£899

Deposit

£499

Availability

Available

Booking Information
Trip Information

Start Date: June 29, 2026

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: England

Start Port: Plymouth

Start Marina: Plymouth Yacht Haven

End Date: July 3, 2026

End Time: 15:00

End Country: England

End Port: Plymouth

End Marina: Plymouth Yacht Haven

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Exeter (IATA code: EXT)
Fly Out of: Exeter (IATA code: EXT)
Search on Google Flights

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Plymouth, United Kingdom
  • Direct trains run from London Paddington to Plymouth, taking around 3-3.5 hours (details here)
  • The nearest airport is Exeter International Airport (IATA code: EXT) and you can take a train or bus from Exeter to Plymouth. Bristol Airport (IATA code: BRS) is another option, also with regular train and bus connections to Plymouth.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on June 29, 2026, so you will likely need to be in Plymouth on June 28, 2026
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Plymouth
  • You will need to disembark at 3 PM, July 03, 2026.
General Notes
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. We cannot refund you if you cannot make it. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, any non EU residents will likely require an ETIAS, the new EU border control / visa waiver system. You can find out all the information here. You must have this before you join the boat,
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

Start Date & Location

June 22, 2026
England

End Date & Location

June 26, 2026
England

Price

£899

Deposit

£499

Availability

Available

Booking Information
Trip Information

Start Date: June 22, 2026

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: England

Start Port: Plymouth

Start Marina: Plymouth Yacht Haven

End Date: June 26, 2026

End Time: 15:00

End Country: England

End Port: Plymouth

End Marina: Plymouth Yacht Haven

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Exeter (IATA code: EXT)
Fly Out of: Exeter (IATA code: EXT)
Search on Google Flights

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Plymouth, United Kingdom
  • Direct trains run from London Paddington to Plymouth, taking around 3-3.5 hours (details here)
  • The nearest airport is Exeter International Airport (IATA code: EXT) and you can take a train or bus from Exeter to Plymouth. Bristol Airport (IATA code: BRS) is another option, also with regular train and bus connections to Plymouth.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on June 22, 2026, so you will likely need to be in Plymouth on June 21, 2026
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Plymouth
  • You will need to disembark at 3:00 PM, June 26, 2026.
General Notes
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. We cannot refund you if you cannot make it. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, any non EU residents will likely require an ETIAS, the new EU border control / visa waiver system. You can find out all the information here. You must have this before you join the boat,
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

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