Sailing

Devon’s English Riviera is set around a large, idyllic, horseshoe shaped bay sheltered by low hills.  The coastline is stunningly beautiful and the importance of its geology has made it a UNESCO Global Geopark with long sandy beaches, secluded coves and crystal clear waters.  It is rightly renowned as a world-class sailing hub with superb sailing conditions attracting sailors from far and wide.

With its huge stretch of glorious coastline, it is no surprise that Devon’s English Riviera is a sailing hotspot and was the venue for the 1948 Olympic sailing events.  Major sailing championships are frequently hosted here and the English Riviera has been a venue for some of the world’s most prestigious long distance yacht races such as France’s La Solitaire du Figaro.

Learning to Sail and Powerboat

The calm waters of Tor Bay on Devon’s beautiful English Riviera are a wonderful place to learn to sail on yachts and motorboats. Torbay Sea School in Brixham offers a wide range of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) yachting courses from Start Sailing and Competent Crew through Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster. Trained by skilled and fully qualified teachers, students will receive first-hand sailing practice, tuition in navigational techniques and the opportunity to discover Devon 's most beautiful ports. Torbay Sea School also offers powerboat tuition. 

Coastal Sailing

Under the guidance of your professional RYA instructor you can head west from Tor Bay to the stunning ports of Dartmouth, Salcombe, Plymouth, the Yealm and further into the delightful ports along the Cornish Coast. You’ll be learning to crew or skipper a yacht whilst also sleeping and cooking aboard.  Tor Bay Harbour is a great ‘jumping off’ point for the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly and many of the more advanced RYA courses will include trips here. 

Dinghy Sailing

Paignton Sailing Club offers dinghy sailing with a selection of RYA courses from beginners to more advanced sailing with spinnakers – courses for adults and juniors. 

Heritage Sailing

There are a number of heritage vessels moored in the Bay.  You can try sailing on Vigilance of Brixham, a restored 78-foot heritage sailing ketch based in Brixham.  They offer the excitement of sailing a classic yacht on morning, afternoon or evening sailing trips. The Trinity Sailing Trust, also in Brixham operates three traditional sailing vessels: Leader, Provident and Golden Vanity and they offer a range of cruising and training courses.

Disabled Sailing

The Disabled Sailing Association based in Torquay is a non-profit-making service run for the disabled by the disabled and gives you the chance to participate as fully as you are able in a seagoing sailing experience.

Boat Owners and Visiting Yachts

Tor Bay is a popular stopover for yachts cruising the West Country.  The Tor Bay Harbour Authority manages the whole of Tor Bay Harbour including the enclosed harbours of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.  There are easily accessible, modern marinas and plenty of excellent marine services available. Call VHF channel 14 to check berth availability prior to arrival or see website for information on permanent moorings.