Sailing

Dinghies are the quickest and easiest way to learn to sail. Haven Banks Dinghies are small, easy to handle and light to launch. Learn to sail on your own in a Topper, Pico or Zepher or a Laser Stratos with a crew member or have a relaxing estuary sail in our Drascombe Longboat. You can potter about exploring the River Exe or Exe Estuary or join one of our many adults weekend & evening courses, or younger people can join one of our courses or sessions running throughout the Spring, Summer orAutumn Half-Term & Easter & Summer Holidays or our Saturday Sailing Club. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, we will literally "show you the ropes" so that you are sailing comfortably & confidently under the power of the wind alone. As a recognised RYA Teaching Establishment, the Centre delivers a variety of Nationally recognised introductory & intermediate courses. These include RYA Levels 1 & 2, Seamanship Skills, Dinghy Day sailing. For young people, the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stages 1 to 4. However, outdoor & adventurous activities aren't always about awards, there is so much more to get from the activities & sailing is no exception.

Sessions & courses can be tailored to suit your needs, & there is nothing better or more relaxing than helming your own dinghy, either with or without a crew!

The duration of your session or course is your choice & we have a variety of 1 session, through to 6 week course options available for you to choose from.

Haven Banks runs sailing sessions & courses both locally on the River Exe, close to Exeters historic quayside, where introductory single - handed sessions are taught & experienced. This area is particularly suited to younger children or adults who are new to sailing or those wishing to practice close quarter manoeuvres. Our larger sailing base is on the Exe Estuary, from Starcross Yacht Club. Here you can experience tidal sailing at its best!

Overlooked by Powderham Castle & stunning grounds, this really is a lovely venue for all types of activities, sailing included. The estuary of the River Exe is also renowned nationally and beyond as a site of special scientific interest and an important habitat for wading and migrating birds. Here we have a choice off sailing destinations. Many groups & individuals like a day sail to Topsham or The Turf or perhap head south down the estuary towards Dawlish Warren & Exmouth. Alternatively sail training areas are chosen according to the groups or individuals ability level, as well as the the prevailing tidal & weather conditions.

Whether it's sailing from the Centre or on the Estuary, both venues lnot only lend themselves to outdoor activities, but also to historical, geological, botanical & ornithological educational input.