All aboard the Freedom Boat Club

A Devon-based boat club says more people across Devon are turning away from traditional ownership in favour of flexible memberships that offer access to the sea without the expense and upkeep of owning a vessel.

Freedom Boat Club, which operates from Beacon Quay in Torquay Harbour, has reported growing interest as rising maintenance costs, storage fees and insurance bills make private boat ownership increasingly expensive for many households.

Instead, members pay a monthly fee to access a fleet of boats that are cleaned, fuelled, insured and maintained by the company.

The club forms part of the wider Freedom Boat Club network, which has more than 440 locations worldwide, but its Torbay base gives members access to some of Devon’s most popular stretches of coastline, including routes towards Salcombe, Dartmouth, Brixham, Exmouth and Sidmouth.

Operators say the appeal is not just about boating itself, but the convenience and lifestyle attached to it.

Rather than spending weekends dealing with repairs, moorings or maintenance, members can simply book a boat for fishing trips, family outings, water sports or coastal cruising before returning it at the end of the day.

The business has continued expanding its local fleet, adding a Quicksilver 675 Open last year, while further additions including a Gulfstream 6.5m and another Quicksilver 805 Open are expected shortly.

The model reflects wider changes in leisure spending habits, where access-based memberships are increasingly replacing ownership across sectors ranging from transport to holiday accommodation.

The club says interest has come from a broad mix of Devon residents, including families, retirees, couples and business owners seeking corporate memberships for staff and client entertainment.

New members receive training and ongoing coaching support, with skippers required to hold an RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification.

The company says many newcomers are also being encouraged to get out on the water before the peak summer season begins, when quieter conditions make it easier to build confidence at sea.

Memberships currently start from £150 per month, alongside an initial joining fee, with promotional offers currently available as the Torquay operation marks its third anniversary.

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