Exe estuary Dinghy Cruise
For those who might enjoy the pleasures of smaller boat sailing,
we'll introduce you to Devon by taking you on the beautiful Exe
estuary in our Drascombe Lugger. If you want to learn to sail then
we will teach you. Alternatively, just sit back and enjoy the day.
The Exe
The estuary of the River Exe is renowned nationally and beyond as
a site of special scientific interest and an important habitat for
wading and migrating birds. It receives many visitors the whole
year round as a site of pilgrimage for ornithologists who amongst
other things, come to see the magnificent, Avocet. Sailing allows
you to get close to other wildlife too. If you're really lucky you
may even get to see a seal.
The Boat
The Drascombe Lugger is a larger, heavier, stable version of a dinghy,
which will comfortably hold up to six persons. They were first designed
in the early 1960's by John Watkinson, a former Royal Navy officer,
who wanted to build a boat for himself and his family. His requirements
were for a daysailer, capable of being trailed, stable, and safe,
but also capable of giving an experienced sailor a lively and exciting
sail. It is virtually uncapsizable due to its heavy steel centre
plate and rudder.
Your itinery
Your day will begin with a briefing from your skipper, an introduction
to the boat, rigging and possibly launching. If the morning tide
is flooding, then you'll wind your way upstream to the stunning
Turf Locks Hotel, or onwards to the historic port of Topsham for
a picnic aboard or pub lunch. If you really want to do it in style
then Topsham has some of the finest seafood restaurants in the country.
Alternatively, down tide to Starcross and beyond to Exmouth where
you can explore the dunes of Dawlish Warren nature reserve, picnic
afloat off Dawlish beach or lie back and let the world go by as
you watch fishing boats and sailing boats alike, milling around
the harbour.
Experience
No experience is necessary as we will teach you all you need to
know. By the end of the day you'll be happily steering, pulling
on ropes and enjoying the scenery, as you wind your way up back
up the estuary.
Safety
As always, safety is our primary concern. Your skipper
is highly experienced and qualified dinghy instructor and yachtmaster.
The Lugger is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment and
local chart. You will be fully briefed on all aspects of safety
on the water and issued with your own buoyancy aid. For days without
wind we even have a small outboard engine to help us along.
Weather
Tide and wind play a significant role in small boat sailing. We
will provide a plan for you, outlining options for the day based
around tidal conditions. Wind and weather are far less predictable
and may force us to make the decision not to sail. We will do our
utmost to let you know the likelihood of this as much in advance
of your day as possible and will offer you an alternative activity
such as Canoeing. We regret that we cannot give refunds.
Duration
The day will begin at 0900 and we are fairly flexible on return
times. Most days finish at approx. 1700. Some of our guests like
to spend a day; others prefer a whole weekend, feeling that it gives
them chance to really get to grips with the boat and to properly
explore the estuary. If you like the idea of a multi activity weekend,
we'll split the weekend in two and take you canoeing on your second
day.
Clothing
Even the most beautiful, sunny day can turn overcast
and chilly in no time at all. We ask that you bring warm clothes,
(plenty of fleeces!) whatever the predicted weather. They can always
be discarded later. Waterproofs and windproofs are essential gear
at any time of the year. Either bring your own or we can supply
them for a nominal extra charge of £5/set.
Price
The Lugger takes up to 6 guests. The price includes both boat and
skipper. 1 day. £230/group
2 days. £380/group
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