From it's early beginnings as an isolated fishing village at the southernmost point of Devon, in the 19th century Salcombe developed into a thriving port that flourished on the fruit trade. This trade was supported by wooden shipbuilding and sail making that died out when steam and steel hulls were introduced. The Salcombe Yawl is a descendant from those days and these can often be seen racing in the estuary or out at sea.