



Enjoy a full day on the water with sailing and wild swimming along the South Devon and Cornwall coast. Take the helm, help with sails, and dive into refreshing sea swims, all under the guidance of an experienced crew. Hot drinks, a hearty lunch, and all safety equipment are provided, so you can focus on fun and adventure.
The day begins at Plymouth Yacht Haven, where the crew will greet you, provide a safety briefing, and fit everyone with life jackets and waterproofs. Over a hot drink, you’ll meet your fellow participants and learn the plan for the day, including sailing and swimming activities. There’s time to ask questions and settle into the boat before casting off.
Once under sail, everyone can get involved with raising and lowering the sails, steering, or simply enjoying the views from the deck. The crew will guide you at every stage, ensuring a safe and hands-on experience. When the ideal swimming spot is reached, the boat will anchor, and participants can enjoy a refreshing sea swim. A safety tender is always deployed to supervise, and tow floats are used for visibility. Between swims, hot drinks, biscuits, and a freshly prepared lunch keep you energised.
Swimming locations are selected based on weather and tides and may include Plymouth Sound, Jennycliff Bay, Bovisand Beach, or the Rame Peninsula near Cawsand. Swims are relaxed and social, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings, sea, and companionship of the group. Participants can swim in wetsuits or skins, depending on preference and skipper guidance.
Moosk is a gaff yawl built in 1906 and listed on the National Historic Ships UK Register. Originally designed as a gentleman’s cruiser, she is celebrated for her balance, seaworthiness, and ease of handling. Her oak frames and teak planking, strapped with iron floors and knees, provide a strong and stable hull that is both safe and responsive under sail.
Throughout her long history, Moosk has been restored and maintained with great care, including a major rebuild completed in 2001. She is well suited to small groups, allowing everyone to participate in sailing tasks while still enjoying a comfortable and characterful environment. The deck provides ample space for relaxing or watching the sailing, while below deck is cosy and functional for breaks and socialising. Her elegance and timeless design make her a unique vessel for a hands-on sailing and wild swimming experience.
The day sails start and finish at Plymouth Yacht Haven, a historic waterfront with excellent facilities and parking. From here, the route explores the South Devon coast, with access to sheltered bays and coves ideal for wild swimming.
Depending on wind and weather, your voyage may head east towards Jennycliff Bay and Bovisand Beach, or west across the Rame Peninsula to Cawsand. The small group size allows the crew to adapt the route to conditions and participant preferences, ensuring a personalised and enjoyable day on the water.
No prior sailing or wild swimming experience is required. All safety equipment, guidance, and supervision are provided.
Participants should be comfortable in open water and able to swim short distances. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended for swimming, sailing, and light duties on deck.
This day offers a rare combination of sailing on a historic wooden vessel and wild swimming in stunning coastal locations. The experienced crew create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment, allowing participants to get hands-on with sailing and enjoy the sea.
By joining this experience, you’re also supporting a charity with decades of experience inspiring and developing participants through sailing. Moosk’s history, construction, and design offer a genuine connection to traditional sailing while giving you an unforgettable day on the water.
No prior experience is necessary. The day is designed for beginners, with the crew providing guidance on handling sails, steering, and safety procedures. You can participate as much or as little as you like, enjoying a mix of learning and relaxation.
For those with sailing experience, there’s plenty to get involved with, including raising and lowering sails, helming, and helping with navigation. You can put your skills to the test while enjoying a classic wooden vessel.
Swimming is optional and can be adapted to your comfort level. You can take a dip, try a longer swim, or simply watch and enjoy from the deck. Tow floats and supervision by the tender ensure everyone remains safe in the water.
The crew will advise on conditions and give guidance on entering and exiting the water safely. Skippers make the final decision on whether swimming can go ahead depending on weather and tides.
Day sails typically explore Plymouth Sound, Jennycliff Bay, Bovisand Beach, and the Rame Peninsula near Cawsand. Each location is chosen for safety, shelter, and the quality of the swimming experience.
The route is flexible and can change depending on wind and sea conditions. Participants will enjoy a variety of coastal scenery and discover some less accessible bays along the way.
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for being outside, including layers for warmth and sturdy shoes. A towel, swimwear, and any personal items like sunscreen or a camera are recommended.
While waterproofs and life jackets are provided, you may bring your own wetsuit if you prefer. A small soft bag is best for storing belongings on board.
Yes, the day includes hot drinks, biscuits, and a hearty lunch prepared by the crew. Snacks and water are available throughout the day to keep you energised for both sailing and swimming.
Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated if mentioned when booking. The crew aim to make everyone’s experience enjoyable and comfortable.
The day involves some light physical activity, such as helping with sails, steering, or swimming. You do not need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness helps you get the most from the experience.
If you prefer a gentler day, you can participate minimally and still enjoy the sailing, scenery, and company of your group.
Safety is a top priority. Tow floats are provided, a tender follows the group in the water, and the crew supervise all swimming activity. Skippers assess conditions carefully before allowing swims to begin.
The relaxed pace ensures that participants can enjoy the experience without pressure. Everyone is encouraged to follow guidance for a safe and enjoyable swim.
Absolutely. The vessel and coastal scenery provide fantastic photo opportunities. You can capture memories of sailing, anchored swims, or life on deck.
Participants are encouraged to keep cameras secure, particularly around water, and the crew can suggest the best vantage points for shots.
About the centre
Plymouth Yacht Haven, Shaw Way, Mountbatten, Plymouth, PL9 9XH
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