Sailing offers a completely different way to complete your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. On this Bronze expedition you’ll live and work as part of a team on board a traditional wooden boat, learning new skills while meeting the DofE expedition requirements. It’s a fun and supportive environment where you’ll take responsibility, learn the ropes, and create memories with your crewmates.
Day 1 – Arrival and Preparation
You’ll arrive at 4pm to meet your skipper and fellow crewmates. The first evening focuses on preparation, including safety briefings, stowing kit, planning meals, and organising provisions for the voyage. You’ll also set team goals and discuss how responsibilities will be shared.
Day 2 – Qualifying Expedition Day
The first full day at sea is spent getting to grips with the basics of sailing. You’ll take part in hoisting sails, steering, simple navigation, and working as a crew to manage the boat. Everyone also shares responsibility for cooking, tidying, and general boat upkeep.
Day 3 – Qualifying Expedition and Assessment
On your final day you’ll continue sailing as a team, taking on more responsibility for decision-making and boat handling. The DofE Assessor (who may also be the skipper at Bronze level) will review your teamwork, independence, and overall performance to confirm that you’ve successfully completed your Bronze expedition.
The expeditions take place along the scenic south coast of Devon and Cornwall. This coastline is dotted with harbours, small islands, and sheltered anchorages, giving you the chance to see different sailing environments within a relatively short passage. The exact route depends on the weather, but wherever you sail, you’ll experience the natural beauty and variety of this part of the UK.
The starting point for the expedition is Plymouth, a historic maritime city with strong naval connections. From here, your voyage might take you east toward the quiet inlets of the South Hams or west to explore Cornish harbours and hidden coves. This varied setting ensures that every group gets a unique experience.
During the expedition, the traditional wooden sailing vessel itself becomes your accommodation. Sleeping quarters are shared, with bunks and communal living space below deck. Life is simple and practical, encouraging you to adapt, cooperate, and enjoy the sense of being part of a team.
Meals are prepared on board as a group, giving everyone the opportunity to contribute to cooking as well as learning about living at sea. It’s an authentic sailing experience, where the boat provides everything you need: a place to sleep, eat, learn, and work together.
Some sailing knowledge or previous experience in yachts or dinghies is helpful, but not essential. The expedition is designed to be accessible and achievable for anyone committed to completing their Bronze Award.
All participants must be comfortable living on board, working as part of a team, and prepared to take an active role in both the sailing and the day-to-day running of the boat.
The centre has been supporting young people for over 50 years, offering opportunities for those who may not otherwise have the chance to experience sailing. With expert staff, traditional boats, and a strong focus on inclusion, every participant receives guidance and encouragement tailored to their needs.
By joining an expedition, you’ll not only achieve your Bronze DofE requirements but also gain confidence, independence, and valuable skills that extend far beyond the sailing itself. Many young people return with a renewed sense of motivation and friendships that last well beyond the voyage.
No prior sailing experience is necessary for the Bronze expedition. The programme is designed to introduce you to the basics of sailing while meeting the DofE requirements. You’ll receive guidance on everything from hoisting sails to steering the boat, with professional staff on hand at all times.
The focus is on teamwork and learning through doing, so you’ll quickly pick up the skills you need. The Bronze level is an excellent introduction to life at sea, giving you the confidence to handle simple sailing tasks while developing independence and problem-solving abilities.
The Bronze expedition takes place on a traditional sailing vessel with a maximum group size of seven participants. This small group ensures that everyone has the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of sailing and day-to-day life on board.
Keeping the group size limited also helps foster a strong team environment. You’ll get to know your fellow crewmates well over the three days, building friendships and learning how to support each other.
The fee covers all food on board, accommodation, safety equipment, tuition from qualified sailing staff, and the official DofE assessment. You will also have access to all the learning resources provided on board to help you develop sailing skills.
The only additional costs are personal clothing, travel to and from Plymouth, personal insurance, and optional extras such as purchasing an RYA logbook. Everything else required for the expedition is provided for you.
Your Bronze expedition will explore the south coast of Devon and Cornwall, sailing from Plymouth. The route varies depending on weather conditions but may include sheltered bays, quiet harbours, and scenic coves.
This coastline provides the perfect environment for a short sailing expedition. You’ll experience real sea passages but always within a safe and supportive framework.
The Bronze expedition is run on a traditional wooden sailing vessel. These boats are fully equipped for training purposes and provide an authentic experience of life at sea.
Accommodation is below deck in shared bunk spaces. The boat also has a galley for cooking and a communal living area where you’ll eat, plan, and socialise with the rest of the crew.
All meals are prepared and eaten on board. You and your crewmates will take turns helping with cooking, following menus that you will help plan on the first evening. Meals are hearty, simple, and designed to provide plenty of energy for long days at sea.
Dietary requirements can usually be catered for if communicated in advance. Cooking is part of the teamwork element of the expedition, teaching responsibility as well as practical life skills.
You’ll need to bring clothing suitable for outdoor activity, waterproofs, sleeping bag and pillow, toiletries, and personal items. A full kit list will be provided to you in advance so you know exactly what to pack.
Specialist sailing gear is not required, as safety equipment such as lifejackets is provided. Sturdy shoes or boots with good grip are essential for moving safely around the deck.
The assessment is built into the final day of the expedition. At Bronze level, the Assessor may also be the skipper who has supervised your voyage. They’ll review how well you’ve worked as part of a team, your independence, and your ability to meet the DofE expedition criteria.
The process is informal and supportive, focusing on ensuring that you’ve engaged fully with the experience. Feedback will be provided so you can see what you’ve achieved and where you’ve developed during the expedition.
Yes, although the focus is on the expedition requirements, there will be time to relax and enjoy the sailing environment. Depending on the weather and location, you might swim off the boat, explore ashore, or simply enjoy being out at sea.
Socialising on deck with your crewmates is also part of the experience. Many participants say that the friendships formed during the expedition are one of the highlights of their Bronze DofE.
About the centre
Plymouth Yacht Haven, Shaw Way, Mount Batten, Plymouth, PL9 9XH
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