Home

Marshall's Sailing School is a small, independent family business with many years sailing and teaching experience. Kate and Jessica started the business over 15 years ago (but now Jessica is all grown up and a qualified Dr she doesn't have much time to teach sailing). We offer expert tuition for all abilities; from complete beginners to experienced racers, ages -7 to +70. We are based at the beach in the picturesque village of Dittisham on the River Dart in Devon. The river is at its widest here and offers a sheltered sailing area surrounded by oak clad banks with shingle beaches. The School's lessons have been featured on CBBC's 'Best of Friends'. The boats we hire are beautiful, stable and 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.  

 

COVID 19.  We are currently operating but on a slightly reduced basis and with a few minor changes.   Up to 2 family or bubble members in a boat with an instructor.   Usual number in hire boats.  Please bring antibacterial hand gel.  

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT MARSHALL SAILING IS NOT AFFILIATED TO DITTISHAM SAILING CLUB SO NON MEMBERS DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO CLUB FACILITIES.  There's a loo and a shower in the car park.  PLEASE come ready to sail as we don't have facilities for changing.  

 

We are fully insured and are licensed by the Dart Harbour Authority.  

PLEASE KEEP CALLING, I KNOW I AM OFTEN HARD TO GET HOLD OF, BUT I DON'T HAVE A SECRETARY SO ALL BOOKINGS ARE DEALT WITH WHILST ON THE WATER OR IN THE SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME I HAVE AT THE START OR FINISH OF THE DAY!

 

This year we have a new member of the team.  My husband Sam and I have a son called Otter.  He has already been sailing a few times and I'm hoping that he will be happy to let me teach sailing this summer but I will probably not be quite as busy as usual.   Ben will be back in July to teach as well.  

WE HAVE A NEW MARSHALL! Jessica and her partner Stefan have had a splendid chap called Sam.  Sam was 13 days old when he first held a tiller.  He is learning the ropes and will hopefully be pulling his weight soon.

33 years ago I was helping Dad with boat maintenance, not much has changed

(yes that's the same shirt Dad's wearing)

Preparing the treasure charts of the River Dart

I have a really great roomy 2 person tent you can hire for camping around the Dart area it is by Field Candy and is super lightweight, really easy to assemble and packs into a small bag. It is fully waterproof and looks great, the patchwork is printed on. It is £20 a night or £35 for 2 nights. I can advise you on good spots to camp locally. I can also supply some other camping equipment.