Sailing and Wild Swimming
Cold water sea swimming benefits physical and mental health, improves fitness levels and circulation, boosts mood and the immune system. So, if outdoor open water swimming is your passion, or you fancy dipping your toe in the water, then join us on board for some wonderful sailing and wild swimming along the South Devon and Cornwall coast! We’ll put up the sails and sail away to find the perfect spot to drop anchor and swim from the boat.
Day Sails
On arrival you will be greeted by our friendly Moosk crew and shown to the boat. Before casting off, every trip starts with a warm welcome over a hot drink, and introduction to your fellow swimmers. There will be a comprehensive safety briefing followed by a discussion about the voyage and swimming and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. You can get involved in raising and lowering the sails, helming and more as we sail to the best swimming spot, where we’ll drop the anchor for you to swim from the boat. After your swim there will be time to relax on board before we hoist the sails again to get the boat back to base. Included in the fee is plenty of hot drinks, biscuits and a hot lunch. We will provide you with waterproofs and life jackets for use on the day.
Voyages
Sailing and Wild Swimming voyages are an exciting way to explore and reach the sometimes less accessable places on our coastline. You will spend 5 nights and 4 full days on board, and during this time you will have the opportunity to learn about sailing Johanna Lucretia, whilst also enjoying wonderful wild swims along the South Devon and Cornwall coast. No two days will be the same, you will sail to different spots according to wind and weather conditions and partake in a swim or two. The voyage fee includes accommodation, use of waterproofs, safety equipment, and all meals on board.
What to expect from the sailing
A voyage on Johanna Lucretia and Moosk is very much a hands-on experience – we want you to make the most of your time on board and welcome as much or as little participation in sailing the boat as you are happy with. Those who wish to get involved will have the opportunity to learn about raising and lowering the sails, helming, watch duty, navigation and much more.
What to expect from the wild swimming
The swims are intended to be a relaxed affair taking in the beautiful surroundings, enjoying the sea, and the companionship of the group, they are not intended to be competitive. As a guide you should be fit and able to swim a distance of 1km.
Swimming spots for day sails will be in the Plymouth Sound area, across to Jennycliff Bay / Bovisand Beach to the East or to Cawsand on the Rame Peninsula to the West, depending on the weather and sea conditions.
Swimming spots for 5 night voyages will include some of the following:
- Mothecombe or Wonwell in the Erme Estuary
- Along the coast from Hoist Beach with its 300 feet of sheer cliffs to Westcombe Beach
- A swim around Burgh Island
- South Milton Sands to Thurlestone Rock, under the arch and back again
- Swimming from Inner Hope to Outer Hope
- Exploring the coastline around Soar Mill Cove
- Sugary Cove – Dartmouth. Swimming to or from this lovely small beach exploring the base of Dartmouth Castle
- Mill Bay Cove (Kingswear) where you can look right back in to Dartmouth
- The beautiful Newfoundland Cove (Kingswear)
- Kelly’s Cove towards Coleton (Pudcombe Cove) beneath some impressive sheer cliffs
- Shell Cove to Breakwater Beach (via Shoalstone Lido)
- Exploring Fishcombe and Churstone Coves
- Elburry Cove towards Broadsands
- The Hindu Caves
- Meadfoot Beach out to Shag Rock
- Anstey’s Cove to Redgate Beach or across to Long Quarry
- Maidencombe to Bell Rock
- Teignmouth – swimming parallel to the beach towards Holcombe Sands
Safety during the swims will be of paramount importance. A tender (dinghy) will be deployed to keep an eye on everyone and help if assistance is required.
The choice is up to you whether you swim in skins or choose to wear a wetsuit. It will be expected that you use a tow float for easy identification in the water. It will be the Skipper’s decision on whether swimming is safe to go ahead and we ask that you respect this.
We strongly advise that you take out suitable travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday/place, that provides cover in the event of cancellation, loss or damage to baggage, additional medical or transport costs, which you will need to arrange yourself.
No previous sailing experience is necessary, our professional sailing staff will coach you every step of the way.
For more information or to book
Contact us on 01752 823007, email info@theislandtrust.org.uk, or use the enquiry form at the bottom of this page.
Availability
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| Dates | Price | Itinerary | Vessel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 11 August 2026 Age 18 and over SAILED Children aged 14 and over welcome when accompanied by an adult. | £99 per person | Wild Swimming Day Sail Embark 9:00am Plymouth Disembark 5pm Plymouth | Moosk |
| Voyage dates | Price | Itinerary | Vessel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Please get in touch if you are interested in a Sailing and Wild Swimming voyage on one of our boats | On request | South Devon / South Cornwall Coast | Johanna Lucretia and Moosk |
All voyages and day sails are operated by The Island Trust’s trading subsidiary Island (Cutter) Ltd.
Your safety on board
Crewed by professional sailing staff, qualified at the highest level, all of our vessels have been coded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and inspected for seaworthiness and safety.
The Island Trust and its operating company, Island (Cutter) Ltd, have robust policies and procedures in place to guarantee your safety on board including:
- Health and Safety Policies
- Annual DBS Disclosure for all staff and volunteers
We are members of the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO).
Full time and relief staff are Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmasters and Cruising Instructors or higher, and volunteers are qualified to levels appropriate to the responsibilities they carry in accordance with statutory MCA and RYA regulations and guidelines.
Get in touch
Please phone us on 01752 823007, email info@theislandtrust.org.uk, or use the enquiry form below:
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