8 Day Silver Duke of Edinburgh Sailing Expedition – 30 July 2026 – South Devon/Cornwall Coast

Choosing to complete your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award by sea makes the Silver expedition an adventure unlike any other. You’ll join a crew on a traditional sailing boat, learning new skills during both practice and qualifying stages. With expert support and plenty of teamwork, you’ll gain confidence and independence while meeting your Award requirements.

⛵ Key Details

• Duration: 8 days (7 nights)
• Group size: Up to 7 participants
• Age range: 14–19 years
• Level: Silver DofE Expedition
• Location: South Devon and South Cornwall coastline

🗓️ Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival and Preparation
Meet your skipper and shipmates at 4pm. After introductions, you’ll prepare the vessel by stowing kit, organising food, and setting out your expedition goals.

Days 2–3 – Practice Expedition
The first two full days at sea are spent learning essential sailing and navigation skills. You’ll be introduced to passage planning, helm duties, sail handling, and living on board as a team. This stage ensures you are fully prepared for the qualifying section.

Day 4 – Rest Day
A short break mid-expedition gives you time to recharge, review your progress, and enjoy some shore time or relaxed moments on deck.

Days 5–7 – Qualifying Expedition
Over these three days, you’ll take more responsibility for sailing decisions. You’ll be expected to plan and carry out a passage, work on advanced navigation, and coordinate as a team to guide the boat safely in and out of harbour.

Day 8 – Departure and Assessment
On the final morning, you’ll complete your expedition presentation and meet with the DofE Assessor, who will review your teamwork, navigation, and independence. Departure is at 4pm.

📍 Location

Your Silver expedition takes place along the varied south coast of Devon and Cornwall. Weather conditions guide the route, but possible highlights include exploring hidden anchorages, learning tidal navigation in estuaries, and experiencing busy harbours. This coastline offers the perfect balance of challenge and beauty for the Silver level.

The meeting point is Plymouth, a city steeped in seafaring history. It provides quick access to sheltered waters as well as open sea passages, giving you a wide range of sailing experiences within the same expedition.

🛏️ Accommodation

Accommodation is on board the sailing vessel throughout the week. You’ll share bunk spaces and live closely with your fellow crew, learning how to support each other through daily routines and sailing responsibilities.

Meals are prepared together on board, giving you practical experience of planning and cooking at sea. The boat serves as your floating home, providing everything from your classroom to your dining room and living quarters.

✅ Prerequisites

Before taking part, you’ll need to complete the RYA Essential Navigation online course at home. This ensures you have a foundation in chart work, passage planning, and safety.

No extensive sailing experience is required, but an interest in working as part of a team and willingness to learn on the water is important for success.

⭐ Why Choose Us

The centre has decades of experience helping young people achieve their DofE Awards through sailing. Every expedition is designed to be inclusive, supportive, and challenging in the right ways.

Alongside earning your Silver Award, you’ll gain practical sailing experience, new friendships, and a sense of independence that goes far beyond the sea. Many participants also achieve the RYA Start Yachting qualification during their expedition.