Insider: Kate Marshall of Marshall’s Sailing School
If you are looking to learn to sail whils visiting South Devon or simply looking for someone to give you a refresher whilst showing you some of the best spots on the River Dart look no further than Marshall’s Sailing School. A small family business with many years sailing and teaching experience. Kate, Jessica and Arthur are all RYA Senior Instructors ( Jessica is all grown up and a qualified Dr so doesn’t have much time to teach sailing anymore). They offer expert tuition for all abilities; from complete beginners to experienced racers, ages 7 to 70. Based in the picturesque village of Dittisham just up the Dart from Dartmouth where the river offers a sheltered sailing area surrounded by oak clad banks with shingle beaches. They also offer truely beautiful and stable boats to hire, which have a very Swallows & Amazons feel, they are ideal for exploring the Dart and stopping for picnics or building your own driftwood fire and having a BBQ.
What do you love most about working/ living in Dartmouth/ Dittisham?
It is one of the most beautiful places I know; even in ‘bad’ weather! It is a real priviledge to get to spend so much time outside and to share it all with my students.
Can you tell us about a favourite day out of yours in the area?
Oh so many places to choose from! Paddleboarding or sailing on the River Dart, stopping for a picnic on a shingle beach (even on my days off) But there are loads of brilliant independent cafes and restaurants and historical building, gardens and museums or stunning coastal or moorland walks.
What is your favourite place to eat/ drink locally?
Again, lost of great ones; Alf Resco has to be one of my favourite breakfast and lunch spots. The Almond Thief at Dartington does brilliant bread and very yummy treats.
Your favourite time of year in this area?
I have to say all year! The Summer is obviously gorgeous but Autumn is often quieter and the weather can be fantastic but Winter brings big stormy waves and beautiful sunrises at a realistic time to be up! And then Spring; bluebells carpeting the woods and spring flowers studding the steep Devon hedgerows make it a beautiful time to visit.
Your favourite local event?
I’m not sure I can tell you, it’s getting too busy! I always enjoyed Regattas when I was younger but I think Candlelit Dartmouth is quite charming. Speaking of ‘charming’ the Blackawton Worm Charming festival has to be experienced to be believed!
Number one tip for tourists?
Bring wellies or walking boots; that way you will deserve lashings of cream teas and ice creams!
Why should people learn to sail whilst visiting Dittisham?
It’s a very beautiful and safe bit of water and because I offer small group or one to one tuition in Swallows and Amazons style stable boats it is the perfect way to try sailing or build skills and confidence whilst exploring the River Dart.
For information and bookings please contact Kate Marshall at:
office: 01803 832898
mobile: 07973 520 515
email: info@marshallsailing.com
