About Sailing at Exeter
The University of Exeter Sailing Club competes in BUCS Sailing and RYA University events with access to some of the finest sailing water available to any UK university. The Exe Estuary — tidal, variable, and beautiful — provides exceptional racing conditions and open-water experience. Roadford Lake near Okehampton gives sheltered training in flat water conditions ideal for technique work and novice sailors. Coastal sailing trips to Torbay and beyond supplement the estuary programme and provide the kind of offshore experience that few inland university clubs can offer. The club has a strong racing programme and an equally important social dimension through cruising, touring, and the end-of-year awards dinner.
Club History
Exeter Sailing Club established its current competitive structure through the BUCS Sailing programme and RYA University Series affiliations. The Exe Estuary has always been the club's defining asset — the tidal conditions provide race practice that gives Exeter sailors an advantage in BUCS fleet racing over competitors from flat, sheltered inland waters. Several Exeter alumni have gone on to offshore and keelboat racing careers. The club's coastal programme — extending beyond the estuary to open sea sailing — has been a consistent feature distinguishing Exeter from most South West university sailing clubs.
Joining the Sailing Club
RYA beginner courses run at the start of the autumn term for students with no sailing experience. The club accommodates students from Learn to Sail level through to experienced offshore and keelboat sailors. Racing teams are selected based on demonstrated ability in early-season fleet racing. Social and cruising sailing is open to all members regardless of racing ambitions.
Training
Racing squad: fleet racing training sessions on the Exe Estuary (Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings). Technique and tactics coaching provided by RYA-qualified instructors. Novice programme: RYA Level 1 and 2 courses at Roadford Lake in October. Coastal trips: monthly or bi-monthly day or overnight sailing to Torbay, Dartmouth, and Plymouth.
BUCS Competition
BUCS Sailing fleet racing and team racing events at RYA-affiliated venues nationally. RYA University Series provides additional competitive racing. Exeter fleet racing at the Exe Estuary provides home competition experience.
Teams
Highlights & Alumni
BUCS fleet racing and team racing competition results across multiple seasons. Coastal sailing programme extending to Torbay and Plymouth distinguishes the club from inland competitors. Alumni with offshore and keelboat racing careers post-university.
Tips for Prospective Members
- A car is a significant advantage for Exeter sailing — transport to competition venues across the South West is otherwise logistically challenging
- The RYA beginner courses in October are the easiest entry point — you don't need any experience
- Tidal sailing on the Exe gives you skills that flat-water dinghy sailors never develop — it's a genuine competitive advantage in BUCS racing
- Topsham Road and Heavitree have the best bus connections to the estuary area from student accommodation
- The monthly coastal trips to Torbay are unmissable — the offshore experience they provide is unique among South West university sailing clubs
Student Accommodation for Sailing Players
Transport access to the estuary and Roadford Lake is more important than campus proximity for sailing students. Topsham Road and Heavitree have reasonable bus connections to the estuary area. Car owners are at a significant advantage for transport to competition venues across the South West. City centre accommodation also works for students whose sailing is primarily social.
View Properties Near the University →Popular Areas for Sailing Players
Most University of Exeter sailing players live in one of these student areas — all within easy reach of Streatham Campus and Sports Park:
Related Sports at Exeter University
If you play sailing you may also be interested in these Exeter University clubs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Exeter University Sailing Club sail?
The Exe Estuary for training and club racing, Roadford Lake for novice and flat-water technique work, and coastal trips to Torbay, Dartmouth, and Plymouth for offshore sailing experience.
Can I learn to sail at Exeter University with no experience?
Yes — RYA Level 1 and 2 beginner courses run at Roadford Lake in October for complete novices.
Does Exeter University Sailing Club compete in BUCS?
Yes — BUCS Sailing fleet racing and team racing events at RYA affiliated national venues. The Exe Estuary gives Exeter sailors tidal racing experience that is a genuine competitive advantage.
Is Devon good for university sailing?
Devon is outstanding — the Exe Estuary provides tidal racing conditions, Roadford Lake gives sheltered flat-water training, and coastal access to Torbay, Dartmouth, and Plymouth offers offshore experience unavailable to most UK university clubs.
What accommodation suits Exeter University sailing students?
Transport access to the estuary matters more than campus proximity. Topsham Road and Heavitree have bus connections to the estuary area. Car owners have the most flexibility for competition venues across the South West.
What makes Exeter University Sailing distinctive?
The tidal Exe Estuary racing combined with coastal sailing to Torbay and beyond gives Exeter sailors open-water experience that most UK inland university clubs cannot provide.