Boating in South DevonA brief resume of the ports and harbours along the South Devon Coast River Yealm Harbour Situated just to the East of Plymouth Sound, this must be one of the most beautiful harbours in Britain. Use up to date charts to enter and follow the leading marks/buoys to avoid the sand bar. Harbour Master 01752 872533 (24-hour answering machine, office open Monday - Friday 0900 - 1200). There are two visitor's pontoons and three swinging moorings. Toilets and showers are now available. Alongside berths for up to 20 minutes to take on stores or water. Ring the Harbour Master for further information. Salcombe Harbour The most Southerly harbour in Devon is in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The leading lines into the harbour are well lit as are the isolated dangers on each side. The bar can be dangerous in bad weather, if in doubt call the harbour on Channel 14 for advice. Use up to date charts to enter. The Harbour office should be called on VHF Channel 14 when entering and a mooring will be allocated. During busy times of the year you may well be escorted to a visitor's mooring. For advance information telephone the Harbour Office on 01548 843791 or email salcombe.harbour@southhams.gov.uk Toilets and showers are provided by both the Salcombe Yacht Club, the Island Cruising Club (the latter on their converted ferry Egremont in the bag) and the Kingsbridge Leisure Centre on the Quay at Kingsbridge. No alongside moorings for longer than 30 minutes to take on stores and water. Dartmouth and the River Dart The entrance to historic Dartmouth is well lit, and can be entered in most conditions. Consult your almanac and charts for advice. Call Dart Harbour on VHF Channel 11 when entering the harbour. Dart Harbour has an excellent web site, www.dartharbour.org.uk which is worth consulting when making cruise preparations or telephone 01803 832337 for more information. Toilets and showers are available at both yacht clubs and at a municipal block in Coronation Park. Alongside moorings are available at Darthaven marina and at the Town Quay. The river is navigable, on the tide, to Totnes, although you will need a good chart and directions (available on the Harbour web site) to follow the winding bends. There are moorings off Dittisham and Stoke Gabriel and anchorages further upstream that provide perfect peace in beautiful scenery. Brixham Brixham is a busy commercial fishing port which has a large marina providing permanent and visitors' moorings. Full details of the entrance to the port and the municipal moorings are given on the port's web site www.torbay.gov.uk/index/leisure/harbours/brixhamharbour.htm. Brixham Marina's web site is www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/marinas/brixham. Call on VHF Channel 80 on approach or telephone 01803 882929. The town is a busy bustling place with numerous shops, pubs and restaurants to suit all tastes. Torquay Torquay Marina can be contacted on VHF Channel 80 or telephone number 01803 200210. Their web site is www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/marinas/torquay/ for further information. Torquay Harbour's web site gives entrance instructions and the availability of services, www.torbay.gov.uk/index/leisure/harbours/torquayharbour.htm The telephone number of the Harbour Office is 01803 292429 and the email address is marine.services@torbay.gov.uk for further information. The towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham which surround Torbay are a colourful mixture of seaside resort, maritime industry, history and residential areas. Teignmouth The entrance to the River Teign requires the transit of a sand bar which can shift. This is not a major problem in good summer weather but the Harbour Master's office should be contacted on Channel 12 before entering. The port caters for commercial traffic as well as pleasure craft. Full details of the Harbour Commissioner's services are available on their web site www.teignmouth-harbour.com telephone number 01626 773165. Teignmouth Corinthian Yacht Club welcomes visitors and information is on http://homepages.rya-online.net/tcyc/visitors.htm. River Exe The river entrance is well buoyed and lit but extreme caution should be exercised due to the extensive sand banks in the area. The river is managed by the Exe Estuary Partnership and is and an important conservation area. Full details can be found on www.exe-estuary.org/index2.htm. There is a marina at Exmouth, telephone number 01395 232855 or email alec@green-dale.co.uk for further information. |
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