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Apr 06

Newsletter – April 2016

By Core Info

YachtsatBurghIsland

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 Core Info

must-ox

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.

Feb 28

For Bespoke Yacht Charter, Plymouth is the place to be

By Core Info

BespokeYachtCharterPlymouth

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 Core Info

charter yacht maintenance

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 17th 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 9th 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 Core Info

SONY DSC

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 Core Info

Sailing in the South West Romantic Gift

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 Core Info

yacht charter plymouth

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.

bareboat charter plymouth

Dec 07

Corporate sailing experience to be hosted with Plymouth Gin (Pernod Ricard UK)

By Core Info

corporate sailing Plymouth Gin Plymouth Gin Neck Collar

At Devon Sailing Experiences, we are keen personal supporters of “Plymouth Gin” (www.plymouthgin.com), a super premium gin from Pernod Ricard UK (the parent company) distilled here in Plymouth at the Black Friars Distillery. So it is a great pleasure to have the opportunity to help promote a competition that they are currently running that gives people the chance  to win a fantastic prize that captures the spirit of the drink.
The lucky winners will enjoy a weekend of sailing on our modern yachts here in Plymouth with ‘victuals’ and transport provided. Following a successful day sailing, the lucky winners will have the opportunity to ‘debrief’ in the company of a few G&Ts on deck.
We will then whisk them off to be wined and dined in the company of one of our yacht masters – no doubt some tall tales of high seas and great deeds will be provided by the skipper.
Details can be found on promotional bottles or you can enter here:   www.winwithplymouth.co.uk
We pride ourselves on supplying high quality yachting experiences to corporates and individuals alike.  If you have a corporate sailing or individual requirement, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

DA_logo_follow-on_BlackPlease Enjoy Plymouth Gin Responsibly.

Nov 26

2015 season ends for sailing in Devon

By Core Info

IMG_0080

Sailing in Devon draws to a close for the end of the season as our Jeanneau 36i, Spellbound, is lifted out of the water. Giving her time to dry out and receive routine maintenance ensures that she is in tip-top condition for yacht charters in Devon from March 2016.

To ensure our guests receive the best, high quality experience whilst sailing in Devon, we ensure that all of our yachts receive thorough inspections, maintenance and cleaning. The yachts normally get lifted out of the water around the end of October (as this helps us make the most of any good weather the early Autumn months can offer us to allow our guests to sail as late into the year as safely possible). We often get requests to charter yachts from Plymouth in November, but unfortunately, as boat lifts need to be booked well in advance, we are unable to provide this service at the moment. However, if sailing in the later months become more popular, perhaps Devon Sailing Experiences need to rethink this issue…watch this space.

Next year, Spellbound will be sailing in Devon and Cornwall waters from King Point Marina, Plymouth. Yacht charters from Plymouth were the most popular option that we offered our customers last year, which is why we have chosen to relocate our yachts for the 2016 sailing season.

Our Plymouth-based yachts will be back in the water late February 2016, all serviced, fresh and ready for the next season. It is around February that we will start scheduling day sails around the pre-booked charters. Keep checking our sailing schedule page on our website and Facebook page for the latest information.

Nov 18

Salcombe Harbour Hotel is “Totally Bewitched” with sailing in Devon

By Core Info

 

devon yacht charter

Creating differentiation for the Nicholas James Group by sailing in Devon.

Devon Sailing Experiences recently met up with friends from the Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa (part of the Nicholas James Group Ltd) to give them the opportunity to take in the views of their stunning hotel from the water, and to enable them to create video and photography assets for the hotel. As part of the partnership, we have teamed-up with the hotel to enable them to create sailing packages add-ons to their product portfolio. Giving their guests the chance to sail in Devon is a unique and rewarding experience for their customers.

Utilising one of our new yachts, ‘Bewitched’ (our luxury 41’ sailing yacht), is perfect for a group of friends marking a special occasion, a romantic trip or an educational adventure. Sailing in Devon is a fantastic experience for anyone, but combining it with a luxury hotel break takes it to another level. Setting off down the estuary, with the wind in your sails, your skipper will effortlessly guide the vessel past the hotel and the stunning backdrops.

Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa suggest making a few days of it (see http://www.salcombe-harbour-hotel.co.uk/news/devon-sailing-experiences/ ) where Devon Sailing Experiences will collect you from Plymouth, sailing you over to Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa for an overnight stay and use of its luxury facilities. You may choose to book a sail back to Plymouth, or be taken back to Plymouth by Range Rover in time to catch your train home.

We are looking forward to offering this exhilarating and breath-taking experience to other hotel groups in the area. With the dramatic scenery and fresh sea air, you can understand why people fall so in love with sailing in Devon.

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