Salcombe Yacht Club

Cliff House, Cliff Rd, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8JQ

01548 842593

https://www.salcombeyc.org.uk/

manager@salcombeyc.org.uk

K1 Salcombe Open

21st 22nd September 2025

Visiting Salcombe

Renowned for offering some of the best sailing conditions in the UK, Salcombe is also a treasure trove of breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves — making it the perfect venue for the whole family to enjoy.

Salcombe is a very interesting place to sail, with most of the sailing in the harbour and creeks so it can feel like sailing on a large inland lake with tides. There are some marks placed outside of the bar which can be used subject to wind and sea conditions.

Hopefully for the K1 events we will encourage the Race Officer to send us out beyond the bar so we have a real mix of sailing.

Download Course Map

Where to launch

You do have a choice, if you book and launch from the beach it would be convenient if you are staying on the East Portlemouth side although you may have to sail your boat over and arrange for your launching trolley to be transported there. The other advantage is you are nearer the start line which is fixed so do not have to sail to it or from Batson. The ferry runs during the daytime on a regular basis from East Portlemouth to Salcombe.

I (Mark Savage) keep my K1 at Batson and launch from there using the slipway and have no problem, you will need to book a space for your boat and also your car. Trolleys can be left at the top of the slipway in the designated place when racing and a tap and hose is available to wash the salt off. Parking in Salcombe if you have not booked a place can be difficult if the Town is busy.

Batson is on the Town side so a walk into town and to the club house is not to much of an effort.

Racing

Things you need to be aware of.

If you hit a moored boat you must do turns and complete an online collision form to the harbour master.

The Fairway is marked by yellow marks, with the end marks having an X on them.

The fairway is operated during race starts and 2nd Sub Pennant will fly from the watch house as well as yellow flashing light. Not only will the club race officials be watching but the Harbour master staff will report anyone. If you enter this area and are reported you will be immediately disqualified.

The area known as the Bags can be very frustrating with the tide rushing through be prepared for holes and if travelling away towards mark 7 or 8 when you leave the Bags stay in the channel and do not be tempted by lovely open water if the tide is in as you will soon find the mud flats.

The biggest choice always when sailing against the tide Beach side or Town side that will be up to you!

Salcombe Clubhouse

Probably the best place to view the estuary and the racing in the Town either from the bar lounge of the terrace subject to weather.

As well as a bar (cheaper than the Salcombe pubs) it offers an excellent menu all of which can be found on the club website

https://www.salcombeyc.org.uk/

Changing facilities and hot showers are available but due to the walk to Batson many tend to come ready to sail or change in the car park.

Travel

Assuming most will becoming down the M5 from Exeter direction, your satnav will probably suggest you come off the A38 towards Modbury and take you via Loddiswell.

This is fine and shorter, but is narrow in places and can actually take longer if meeting traffic including tractors and lorries coming in the other direction

Personally when towing the K1 I come off the A38 earlier and join the A385 to Totnes, it is also signposted to Salcombe, this is a wider road and less windy.

If you need fuel when you come into Totnes (watch out for the 30mph and average speed cameras) rather than turning right onto the A381 at the traffic light carry straight on over the railway and you will find a Morrison fuel station on your right.