Salcombe is often referred to as a ‘sailing resort’, it is famous both as a must visit anchorage for yachts travelling up, down or across the channel and also as the home of a racing fleet of “Salcombe Yawls”. Salcombe is still a busy fishing port, landing the finest brown crab, which is exported worldwide, so it still has the buzz of commercial fishing vessels in harbour.

Salcombe has a long tradition of building wooden vessels, from the Nineteenth Century ‘fruit schooners’ that raced to the Azores, bringing back fresh fruit for the London market; to the world famous ‘Salcombe Yawls’, which are still a vibrant racing fleet in Salcombe today. This harbour and estuary is both an important natural environment and a place for leisure, appreciation and enjoyment.

There are plenty of opportunities to learn more about our maritime history at the Salcombe Maritime Museum; watch the Salcombe Yawls race throughout the season; or experience for yourself a trip on the estuary in a classic Salcombe wooden vessel (more information at reception).

For those interested in purchasing a classic vessel; please speak to Chris Turns, at
www.fineandclassic.co.uk

The Salcombe Yawl is a boat that developed from deep knowledge and experience of these waters. From a background as a working fishing vessel the highly competitive racing of these beautiful and powerful sailing vessels evolved.

From visiting luxury yachts, traditional Brixham sailing trawlers, racing Salcombe Yawls, dinghy sailing and racing to quiet cruising, Salcombe in summer is a buzz with sailing activity. Supported by sailmakers, marine engineers, chandlery and boat brokerage, Salcombe remains a centre of sailing excellence and expertise.

www.salcombeyc.org.uk – Salcombe Yacht Club

www.salcombedinghysailing.co.uk – Salcombe Dinghy Sailing

www.syoa.co.uk/syoa_wp/ – Salcombe Yawl Owners Association

www.islandcruisingclub.com – Island Cruising Club

During summer and winter storms (when the conditions are safe enough), highly experienced surfers can be seen across from the hotel, surfing on the rolling swells as they enter the harbour mouth, rolling over the tide.

A variety of surfing beaches and surfing conditions can be found within a few miles of South Sands, including the nationally famous surf beach at Bantham. From beginner’s schools to challenges for experienced surfers there is much to explore.

www.banthamsurfingacademy.co.uk – Bantham Surfing Academy

The waters around Salcombe can be explored on a R.I.B. Sea ‘n’ Shore offer a high speed 007 style RIB ride around to Hallsands in Start Bay, taking in a wreck at Prawle Point, Start Point Lighthouse and the ruined fishing village of Hallsands.

Courses – RIB Powerboat courses are available. Your holiday is the perfect time to do a full 2 day powerboat course in our spectacular environment.

Coasteering – explore the coast by RIB, jump off, swim to shore and explore cliffs and caves. Experience the thrill of jumping into deep wild blue waters from isolated coves and headlands along our spectacular coastline.

www.salcombeseaschool.com/contact – Salcombe Sea School

The coastline of South Devon, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with a wide variety of landscapes from sheltered coves to rugged headlands offers wonderful places to explore. From experienced kayakers bringing their own equipment ready to explore, to those looking to try out something new – this is a great opportunity to explore our environment.

Sea Kayak Salcombe offer popular adventure kayak tours with fun guides, rental of equipment and also courses. Sea Kayak Salcombe is based in the old lifeboat station next to the hotel.

www.southsandssailing.co.uk – Sea Kayak Salcombe

www.singingpaddles.co.uk – Singing Paddles (Canoeing)

Explore Salcombe’s beautiful marine environment on a stand up paddle board. From experienced boarders to those wishing to try something new, Salcombe Harbour and Kingsbridge Estuary offers a variety of creeks and bays to explore, in a safe environment.

Sea Kayak Salcombe (next door to South Sands) offers an extensive fleet of paddle boards available from an hour to all day and courses and clinics for stand up paddle boarding. 

www.southsandssailing.co.uk – Sea Kayak Salcombe