Starcross Yacht Club is situated on the west bank of the River Exe estuary on England’s south coast. It offers the potential of drying out on the sands fronting the club or anchoring off the fairway nearby.

Tucked away in the north end of the estuary it affords total protection from the west and tolerable protection from all other points except strong southerly conditions. Daylight approaches are straightforward as, although the Exe entrance is challenging, it is well marked with lateral marks some of which are lit. However, as it has to be approached near high water, some planning is required to time the approach appropriately.

The entrance of the Exe should not be approached in any developed southwest around to southeast conditions, particularly on the ebb. Once inside the river mouth, the body of water in the estuary is largely protected.

Keyfacts for Starcross Yacht Club

Position and approaches

Haven position

50° 38.829' N, 003° 26.974' W

This is the club mooring area off the club slip.

What is the initial fix?

This is the position of the 'Exe' Safe Water Light Buoy Mo(A)10s from which the first lateral marks of the entrance channel can be seen.

What are the key points of the approach?

Not what you need?

To find locations with the specific attributes you need try:

What's the story here?

Starcross Yacht Club is situated on Powderham Point on the west bank of the River Exe estuary, and a little over a mile northward of the small waterside village of Starcross. The fine clubhouse and grounds are located in a magnificent rural setting with outstanding views out over the River Exe estuary.

The club does not provide moorings for visitors but it is possible to dry out on Powderham Sands in front of the club or anchor just off the fairway nearby. P: +44 1626 890470 during evenings or race days.

How to get in?

Use southwestern England’s coastal overview from Portland Bill to Start Point , Exmouth for seaward approaches from the River Exe Initial Fix and Topsham for the River Exe up to the Starboard No. 27, Fl.G.5s.

From here Starcross Yacht Club will be seen 400 metres ahead on Powderham Point. Powderham Castle with its iconic Belvedere Tower stands prominently on a hill a little inshore, largely obscured by trees. St Clement's Church, with a square tower and flagstaff, stands close to the shore behind the club.



Dry out on the sands or anchor according to draft and conditions nearby.

Why visit here?

The history of sailing in the British Isles is dominated by famous clubs such as Cowes’ Royal Yacht Squadron, London’ Royal Thames Yacht Club, and Plymouth’s Royal Western Yacht Club. With such a focus on the big three, it comes as a surprise that the clubs with the longest pedigree are in the most unlikely of places. Especially so today as it is generally accepted that Cowes, that hosted races from the 1770s, is the cradle of yachting as we know it.




It is, however, Crosshaven’s Royal Cork Yacht Club, that claims its descent from the 1720 Cork Harbour Water Club, that is recorded as being the oldest yacht club in the world. Just two years later, on the 8th July 1772, in the small village of Starcross a mile southward, Lord Courtenay with his friend Sir Lawrence Palk of Haldon, along with twenty-seven other members of the nobility, gentry and clergy formed what was then the Starcross Club. It was founded for the purpose of organising annual sailing regattas, the first of which being held that year with races being recorded as early as 1775.



This was three years before The Royal Thames Yacht Club was formed in 1775, originally called the Cumberland Fleet, and a century before the Royal Thames Yacht Club which was founded in 1823. At Cowes, The Yacht Club was only established in 1815 by forty-two yacht owners, becoming the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1833. So this club is by far the oldest active club in Britain. It could also be said to be the oldest continuous serving club in the world as interest seems to have been lost in the Cork club in 1765, when it was disbanded to be reformed later as another club in 1806.

Starcross Club went on to be renamed Starcross Yacht Club in 1827 but it was not until 1933 that it had a permanent location, albeit a modest hut on Starcross Quay. This all changed in 1959 when the club moved up to present wonderful secluded site at Powderham. The current clubhouse was completed in 1966 where it provided the best of facilities to its keen sailors. It remains today an active modern and informal family club devoted to the pursuit of small boat sailing.

The club also stands close to the wonderful Powderham Castle set back ¼ of a mile from the shore of the estuary amidst its extensive deer park. The mediaeval core of the present structure was built by Sir Philip Courtenay. He is the 5th or perhaps 6th son of Hugh Courtenay, 2nd Earl of Devon, who famously built the weirs that cut off Exeter from the Exe to further the interests of his quay at Topsham. The estate was built upon the successes of Topsham and the various tolls for all shipping to and from there, which so embittered the city of Exeter. The castle was expanded and altered extensively in the 18th and 19th centuries, most notably by James Wyatt in the 1790s. It remains to this day the seat of the Courtenay family, Earls of Devon.

From a boating point of view, this is another quiet gem on the estuary off the oldest active club in Britain. Another place to sit back and enjoy life in a wonderfully tranquil setting. However, a visit to Powderham Castle, that is open to the public, makes for a enjoyable day out that should not be missed.

What facilities are available?

Starcross Yacht Club welcomes visitors to their facilities. The well-appointed clubhouse situated in wonderful grounds has all the club facilities of showers, bar etc you would expect. There is a slip and storage racks for tenders.

With thanks to:

eOceanic