PLYMOUTH SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Sailing the Sound: A four‑hour educational voyage aboard Bounty around Plymouth’s forts and shores
A compact, school‑focused sail from Mount Batten that blends maritime history, wildlife interpretation and hands‑on seamanship for young people.
Sailing the Sound: A four‑hour educational voyage aboard Bounty around Plymouth’s forts and shores.
Board Bounty at Mount Batten for a purpose‑built, four‑hour exploration of Plymouth Sound: a guided sail past Drake’s Island, Mount Edgecumbe and the Hoe, a stop at Cawsand Bay and close inspections of the Breakwater and Bovisand forts that frame the entrance to the Sound.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Packed lunch for every young person
Every participant receives a packed lunch as part of the programme, removing one logistical worry for group leaders and ensuring children have energy for the day ashore and afloat.
Skills on the water and teamwork
The programme is designed to give young people practical water skills and structured opportunities to work together as a crew, reinforcing teamwork while afloat.
Historic forts, islands and coastal habitats
The itinerary takes the replica launch close to Drake’s Island, Cawsand Bay and key fortifications around the Sound, pairing on‑deck storytelling with first‑hand views of local marine environments.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
A short, focused day: check in at Mount Batten, a safety briefing and then the rhythm of the sail—interpretation of Plymouth Sound’s history and wildlife en route to Drake’s Island, a supervised stop at Cawsand Bay and close passes of Breakwater and Bovisand forts before returning for debrief and lunch.
THE PROVISION
Packed lunch for every young person
Every participant receives a packed lunch as part of the programme, removing one logistical worry for group leaders and ensuring children have energy for the day ashore and afloat.
THE CURRICULUM
Skills on the water and teamwork
The programme is designed to give young people practical water skills and structured opportunities to work together as a crew, reinforcing teamwork while afloat.
THE SITES
Historic forts, islands and coastal habitats
The itinerary takes the replica launch close to Drake’s Island, Cawsand Bay and key fortifications around the Sound, pairing on‑deck storytelling with first‑hand views of local marine environments.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this programme is for — and who it isn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, a hat, suncream, soft shoes (trainers), a bottle of water or soft drink and money for an ice cream.
Bring clothing suitable for changeable coastal weather and comfortable, soft‑soled footwear for on‑deck activity; personal water bottles are recommended.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the activity?
The programme runs for four hours.
Where do we meet?
Meet at Mount Batten Water Sports Centre for check‑in and the safety briefing.
Who can attend?
The programme is exclusively for children who receive free school meals and participants must be aged 8–16.
Is food provided?
A packed lunch is provided for every young person on the programme.
What should participants bring?
Bring warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, hat, suncream, soft shoes (trainers), a bottle of water/soft drink and a little money for an ice cream.
What will we see on the sail?
The sail includes views and interpretation of Plymouth Sound, Drake’s Island, Mount Edgecumbe, the Hoe, Cawsand Bay and the Breakwater and Bovisand forts.