• 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 Original price was: £699.Current price is: £599.

Dates, Prices & Travel

This five-day sailing adventure along the Devon coast is everything a traditional English sailing holiday should be. Perfect for beginners and those looking wanting a gorgeous week away, you’ll sail each day – not too far, no long offshore passages – exploring a new harbour or anchorage daily. You’ll get to sail to and explore some of England’s most beautiful and historical fishing villages like Salcombe, Dartmouth and Brixham, with relaxed sailing, line-of-sight navigation, and expert guidance throughout. Expect great company, proper sailing, pub evenings ashore, and fresh seafood by the sea. The sheltered waters, rolling green hills, and wonderful stop overs each day make this one of the most sought-after cruising grounds in the country.

Ready to sail with Europe’s #1-rated adventure sailing company?

This Devon sailing trip is a hands-on sailing experience designed for those who want to learn, sail, explore, and be part of the crew on an idyllic sailing holiday. Each day, we’ll plan our route based on the weather and conditions, sailing to a mix of beautiful harbours and quiet anchorages. You’ll be fully involved in the sailing: navigating, helming, trimming sails, cooking, and helping run the boat as part of a friendly team. It’s a relaxed, rewarding way to build confidence and enjoy the very best of England’s stunning south coast.

Want to join the crew for five days of classic English sailing?

All ages are welcome, no experience is needed, and you can even earn your RYA Competent Crew certificate during the trip. We have a great mix of men and women, and solo travellers make up most of the crew. Head to the Dates & Prices button to see available dates and full travel information, including when and where to join the boat.

Get Ready For…

  • Englands Riviera
    Sail into Postcard-Perfect Harbours

    Drop anchor in beautiful seaside towns like Salcombe, Dartmouth and Brixham, where pastel cottages line the waterfront and time seems to slow. Each harbour feels like stepping into a classic English summer holiday.

  • tea by the sea
    Cream Teas, Pub Pints & Fish on the Quay

    This is coastal life at its best, enjoying fresh fish and chips on the harbour wall, cream teas in a seaside café, or a pint in a 500-year-old pub after a day under sail.

  • lady sailor
    Gentle Sailing, Stunning Scenery

    With short daily passages, light breezes and green hills rolling down to the sea, the sailing is as lovely as the land. It’s relaxed, hands-on, and full of those perfect moments that make you stop and just take it all in.

Sailing Area

Devon sailing area map
Devon sailing route map
The Yachts

Can't see the video? You may need to adjust your cookie preferences here.

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: A Classic English Coastal Escape

Our exact journey along the Devon coast is guided by the wind and weather, with each day bringing a new harbour, a new anchorage, and a new sailing experience. These are the likely stops and this is coastal cruising at its best, with white sails against blue skies, light sea breezes, and picture-perfect landfalls that feel like something from another era.

Salcombe

From the moment we slip lines in Plymouth, we settle into the rhythm of sailing. It’s unhurried, hands-on, and wonderfully rewarding. Leaving Plymouth Sound, we head east into sheltered waters, ideal for building confidence on day one and enjoying the sail. The coastline here is fringed with rolling green hills and quiet beaches, and our first passage is the perfect warm-up – trimming sails, settling into the boat, and savouring the pleasure of being underway.

lady sailor

 

Sailing into Salcombe is like entering a hidden world. The estuary opens between steep wooded hills, dotted with pastel houses and bobbing yachts. We’ll sail right into the heart of this much-loved harbour, drop anchor or moor up, and head ashore. There’s time for a stroll along the waterfront, maybe an ice cream on the quay, or a dip from the beach before returning to the boat as the evening light settles over the water.

 

From Salcombe, it’s a beautiful coastal sail to Dartmouth, passing headlands and coves where gannets dive and dolphins sometimes follow in our wake. As we approach the mouth of the River Dart, the entrance narrows and the views open up – a dramatic gateway into one of the prettiest towns in Europe. We’ll berth right in town and step ashore for a walk along the riverside or a drink at a harbourside pub. With its elegant waterfront and friendly buzz, Dartmouth is a joy to explore.

sailing yacht under spinnaker

Brixham is our next destination, just a few hours’ sail around the coast. The town is still a working fishing port, and the harbour is always full of life – colourful boats, bustling fish stalls, and the distant clink of halyards in the breeze. We’ll tie up on the town pontoon, take a walk to the breakwater, and maybe grab the freshest fish and chips around to eat with our feet dangling over the wall, watching the boats come and go.

Brixham

Another of the great pleasures of this trip is a night at anchor in the calm of Start Bay. The sailing to get there is always memorable,  passing Slapton Sands and the quiet folds of the coast,  before we drop the hook for the night. With dinner on deck and the boat gently swinging, it’s an unforgettable way to end a day on the water. Maybe we’ll head ashore in the RIB or kayak to stretch our legs on the beach, or just sit back and enjoy the peace.

Each day on this trip blends gentle sailing, good company, and the simple pleasure of arriving somewhere new under your own steam. The distances are short, the scenery is wonderful, and the experience is a reminder of why this stretch of coast has long been one of England’s most cherished cruising grounds.

Dartmouth

Whether you’re coming alone, bringing a friend, or joining as a couple, you’ll be part of a friendly, supportive crew from the moment you step aboard. Most people come solo, and no previous sailing experience is needed – just a sense of curiosity and a willingness to get involved. All ages are welcome, and the atmosphere is relaxed, inclusive and hands-on. If you’ve ever dreamed of a proper English sailing holiday, this is your chance to make it real.

Dates, Prices & Travel

Start Date & Location

June 23, 2025
England

End Date & Location

June 27, 2025
England

Price

£599

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: Original price was: £699.Current price is: £599.

Start Date & Location

June 30, 2025
England

End Date & Location

July 4, 2025
England

Price

£599

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: Original price was: £699.Current price is: £599.

Start Date & Location

June 29, 2026
England

End Date & Location

July 3, 2026
England

Price

£799

Deposit

£699

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: £699

Start Date & Location

June 22, 2026
England

End Date & Location

June 26, 2026
England

Price

£699

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: £699

You May Also Like

  • Sale

    trolls giants and elves adventure sailing
    Coastal

    Trolls, Giants & Elves: Scotland & the Faroe Islands

    12 Days from Original price was: £2,299.Current price is: £1,999.

    Sail to the Faroe Islands, a remote wilderness of towering cliffs, deep fjords, and wild, unspoiled beauty. Explore hidden anchorages, hike breathtaking routes, and sail beneath dramatic rock formations. Puffins, seals, dolphins, and whales thrive in these waters, making every day an adventure. Leaving Scotland, you’ll cross 200 miles of open ocean, a taste of true offshore sailing, before reaching and exploring the untamed Faroes. Raw, rugged, and unforgettable. This is one of the great sailing adventures

    Quick Buy This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page View
  • Duart Castle
    Coastal

    Scotland’s Mystical Isles: A Hebridean Sailing Adventure

    Up to 6 Days from £899

    Join this short but stunning sailing trip exploring Scotland’s wild west coast. Sail through the breathtaking Hebrides, discovering remote islands, dramatic coastlines, and historic anchorages. Experience incredible wildlife, unspoiled nature, and exhilarating sailing in one of the most beautiful regions of the world.

    Quick Buy This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page View