First time to Brixham, any advice please ?

[Sea Ray]

Hi.
I’m looking for some pearls of wisdom for a trip I want to do this summer, a relatively short distance compared to most journeys some of you guys do, but it’s a big hop for me. Most of my boating is done in and around the Solent, but this summer I’m planning a trip out of my comfort zone and want to go to Brixham from Christchurch, ideally in one go.

I visited Brixham & Dartmouth by road last years and it looks a great area to explore by sea. I’ve never been “around the corner” past Swanage before so I’m a bit apprehensive at the prospect, I’m a cautious sort of guy at the best of times. I’ve read various opinions on whether it’s best to hug the coast around Portland Bill and Lyme Bay, or head out further and go straight across. I’ve been told by a fishing boat skipper to keep 6 miles of shore at Weymouth and head straight across, he knows his stuff, but he has a big fishing boat. Obviously a lot depends on the weather; I plan to go at the beginning of July weather permitting. My boat is a Jeanneau Cap Cammart, 7.5mtr, fitted with a single 250hp Suzuki with 20 hours on. I know smaller boats than mine have done this trip, a direct route looks to be about 85 miles and I would hope to maintain 20 – 25 knots for an economical journey, but I’m not sure a direct route is my best option even in calm weather on a boat that size. I’m looking at fitting an auxiliary outboard as it would be a wise thing to do, though I doubt it will be of much use in anything but calm conditions. I’ve never done a journey of such a distance into unknown territory before. Ideally I would just head out and keep well clear of all headlands and obstacles, but I don’t like the idea of being that far offshore, possibly out of sight of land with a single engine. On the flip side, the thought of being maybe only 40ft from shore rounding Portland sounds a bit scary if I’m to be honest. I realise that sounds a bit woosey, but I’ve never had to rely on the Life Boats or anyone else, and I want to keep it that way. So bearing in mind the boat, I would love any advice anyone has to offer, especially on hazards, rounding the main headlands and crossing bays, also the Lulworth Gunnery Range and the best times to go with the tide. It’s the fear of the unknown, once I’ve experienced the trip, ideally inshore and off, I’ll be more confident and probably wonder what I was worrying about !
Regards Andy

 

[kcrane]

I suspect you'll get lots of advice. A few bits from me...

Modern outboard with enough hours to have identified teething problems is unlikely to give you grief on a 4 hour crossing, but I'd also feel more comfortable with a back up
In a light 7m boat the sea conditions will have a lot to say about how fast you can go, as well as usual sources like maritime forecasts maybe use something like Windfinder Pro to give you an idea of likely sea state, plus if you can avoid wind over tide.
I wouldn't go around Lyme Bay, so long as conditions are OK, straight across.
I've done Solent to Plymouth lots of times and until recently had always stayed well off Portland Bill. However having tried the inshore route in an 8m boat a couple of times in November, I would pretty much always do that now. It wasn't anything like as hairy as I thought.
It does feel quite lonely out in Lyme Bay, but that adds to the sense of adventure and achievement.
Oh and yes, the coast from Torbay round via Brixham, Dartmouth, Salcombe is great in a boat.

 

[Andy Bav]

1. If you go offshore, make sure your insurance covers you more than 5 miles off. For our Bowrider and Cuddy, 5 miles max was our limit.
2. With your length you should be OK, but Brixham is popular and sometimes they struggle to fit us in. If you book well in advance you should be fine, but on that point be prepared to move your date of arrival / departure a day or so either way, as whilst its always sunny in Devon its not always calm
3. When we planned our delivery trip from Hamble to Torquay we had the same thoughts, but a combination of the almanac and advice from locals will help you make your mind up. From our homework it seems that if you go inshore its all about timing, and if you go offshore its more about confidence

Enjoy your trip - the destination will be worth the prior planning

 

[gjgm]

Most of the pilot books etc are written for sail boats, and with 250hp on the back you do not always share their lack of power concerns.
My main suggestion is do not fix a date. Fix several dates and only go when the sea is going to be good there AND back. Usually the weather comes in from the west, so can allow yourself a little more scope on the way back as, avoiding wind over tide, you will have the seas with you.
It is several hours across Lyme Bay. You might see the odd boat and the odd mammal, but otherwise it is a little dull. OTOH punching into headseas and worrying about it getting worse is a very miserable experience indeed. So, to make the most of it, do try to wait for those somewhat rare flat seas days.
You are likely to lose sight of land if you go straight across. If any wind is from the north there is a small advantage in hugging the coast, but it also alot more interesting. It adds only 10-15 miles and seeing the geology change is alot more interesting that watching a seagull. You can easily drop into Bridport ( million pots, BTW) and Lyme Regis, both of which will break the journey up into more relaxing spells at the helm.
Portland- no need to frreak out. It is a known horror for what it can be like, but if you are crossing on a good day, just hug 50-100metres off the rocks and you won't even notice. Obviously slack water is a bit better than full flow. Slack isnt HW/LW BTW. Again neaps is always easier than Springs. On the way back, just remember Portland looks like an island from afar.. don't worry, you are still in UK waters! On the way back, head 1/2 mile inland from the point, and then you can swing up as you get nearer. No need deliberately to head into any mess.
Brixham does get busy, but you can usually get into Torquay. If you are that far, you must pop round to Dartmouth. You might encounter swell as you round the headland, and often it seems to me just off Dartmouth. If you then have time, Salcombe is wonderful in good weather.. a day trip if nothing else from Dart.
If you dont have AIS, you can buy it quite cheaply. I dont think you will need it for anti-hazard, but in the middle of Lyme Bay in a light mist it is comforting to see there is SOMEONE else out there on the AIS !
So, the headlands go from docile to truely aweful. They are noted for the aweful. Just avoid those tide and weather times! Also, if you KNOW it is a headland race (even if a bit mild) it is a comfort to know that you might have another 200 metres of this, and not another 4 hours! Choose good seas, because it really is grim in Lyme Bay if the sea is lousy( and a long way). I would go along the coast on the way to break the journey and give you a bit of confidence. When you ahve managed that, hell, blast straight across on the return.

 

[Jurgen]

We have made this journey on several occasions. If taking the inshore passage around Portland stay close in, 40 to 50 feet. It's not as scary as it seems.

If Offshore passage is chosen the 6 to 8 miles would be about right, we go a little further but were 37 foot twin engines.

As previously mentioned taking the direct route across Lyme Bay is mind numbingly dull so if conditions and time permit take the longer route.

Recommend booking Brixham, free if your MDL.

Things to do,

1, Dartmouth
2, Salcombe
3, Fishcombe cove ( 500mtrs from Brixham)

We were based in Brixham for 3 years and loved it and will ultimately return in a few years time.

Hope you enjoy.

Regards

Andy

 

[Ripster]

AS everyone has said, its a great trip. Good thing is that if you get out past the Needles and find its hard going you can go into Poole or Portland/Weymouth for a break.

 

[alancollins]

The only reservation I have about the inshore route round Portland is the number of pot markers. In any tide at all they are pulled just below the surface. Slack water gives you the best chance of missing them, but you need eyes like a hawk.

 

[powerskipper]

Hi.
I’m looking for some pearls of wisdom for a trip I want to do this summer, a relatively short distance compared to most journeys some of you guys do, but it’s a big hop for me. Most of my boating is done in and around the Solent, but this summer I’m planning a trip out of my comfort zone and want to go to Brixham from Christchurch, ideally in one go.

I visited Brixham & Dartmouth by road last years and it looks a great area to explore by sea. I’ve never been “around the corner” past Swanage before so I’m a bit apprehensive at the prospect, I’m a cautious sort of guy at the best of times. I’ve read various opinions on whether it’s best to hug the coast around Portland Bill and Lyme Bay, or head out further and go straight across. I’ve been told by a fishing boat skipper to keep 6 miles of shore at Weymouth and head straight across, he knows his stuff, but he has a big fishing boat. Obviously a lot depends on the weather; I plan to go at the beginning of July weather permitting. My boat is a Jeanneau Cap Cammart, 7.5mtr, fitted with a single 250hp Suzuki with 20 hours on. I know smaller boats than mine have done this trip, a direct route looks to be about 85 miles and I would hope to maintain 20 – 25 knots for an economical journey, but I’m not sure a direct route is my best option even in calm weather on a boat that size. I’m looking at fitting an auxiliary outboard as it would be a wise thing to do, though I doubt it will be of much use in anything but calm conditions. I’ve never done a journey of such a distance into unknown territory before. Ideally I would just head out and keep well clear of all headlands and obstacles, but I don’t like the idea of being that far offshore, possibly out of sight of land with a single engine. On the flip side, the thought of being maybe only 40ft from shore rounding Portland sounds a bit scary if I’m to be honest. I realise that sounds a bit woosey, but I’ve never had to rely on the Life Boats or anyone else, and I want to keep it that way. So bearing in mind the boat, I would love any advice anyone has to offer, especially on hazards, rounding the main headlands and crossing bays, also the Lulworth Gunnery Range and the best times to go with the tide. It’s the fear of the unknown, once I’ve experienced the trip, ideally inshore and off, I’ll be more confident and probably wonder what I was worrying about !
Regards Andy

we have taken our cruise in company in there a few times now, its lovely, like Yarmouth but bigger.
from christchurch you have option, inshore or off shore, but put waypoints in one near Poole and another before portland bill, so if you are not happy you have a turn off to safe haven option. Weymouth or portland, it sells diesel and petrol , so its a fuel stop too. lyme bay can be bumpy, try to be in that area on a slack tide. waypoint in left of brixham bay area and you should see it from that point. Have fun planning and doing the run, its a lovely area to boat in.

 

[beejay190]

To date you have not been very far in your Cap Cam - just the short trip from Christchurch to Swanage. Why not have a cruise down to Weymouth and back - possibly all in one day or stop o/night .This will boost your confidence in preparation for the trip to Brixham - which is a very picturesque harbour / setting. Good luck.

 

[rhino_mac]

Sounds like a great trip. I'm without boat at the moment but I'll never forget the moment we stepped off board in Yarmouth from Poole. Up to then we had only done Poole to Swanage and across to Bournemouth and it felt like such an adventure and a great sense of achievement making it to the IOW. First time I used the VHF too (to contact Yarmouth Harbourmaster for a berth) so I popped two cherries in one trip! The harbourmaster must have thought we were barking mad when we stepped off and tied up. Moonwalking around the pontoons as if we'd made it to the North Pole.

 

[Nigelpickin]

Portland race will look a little daunting in your Cap Cam, (lovely boat btw), so aim for slack tides and take the inshore route and enjoy the Jurassic coastline.
Lyme bay can be very lonely on the offshore route, and the sea state is very unpredictable..you will have options, (that I'm sure you will not need), that will make you feel far more comfortable if you hug the coastline.

Have a great trip think about 2 legs with a Weymouth or Portland stopover, will make it much easier to make Portland at slack water...

 

[longjohnsilver]

Portland race will look a little daunting in your Cap Cam, (lovely boat btw), so aim for slack tides and take the inshore route and enjoy the Jurassic coastline.
Lyme bay can be very lonely on the offshore route, and the sea state is very unpredictable..you will have options, (that I'm sure you will not need), that will make you feel far more comfortable if you hug the coastline.

Have a great trip think about 2 legs with a Weymouth or Portland stopover, will make it much easier to make Portland at slack water...

I'd second the taking of the inshore passage around the Bill, done it quite a few times in various size boats, never had a problem. It almost goes without saying that you don't want an onshore wind of anything over say a F3, and preferably an offshore breeze, which will then give you a flat passage if you go inshore around Lyme bay, with the added huge advantage of seeing some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere along the S coast. You could stop off at Lyme Regis which is one of my favourite places to spend a day or so, or go ashore at Beer, or visit W Bay, home of Broadchurch.

If the wind is offshore and you go straight across Lyme bay, do expect it to be lumpy. Enjoy your trip and wave as you go by on the Dart. You'll love it!

 

[colhel]

i love it when people suggest doing these trips as that is what boating to me is all about. But in this case i would suggest a bit of caution without trying to put the OP off too much. perhaps he would be better off breaking the trip into 2 by stopping off at Weymouth. He would still have the overalls at ST Albans to negotiate which I guess could still have some effect due to tide if taking the in shore passage around Portland, and will see a beautiful part of the coastline, perhaps a stop over in Lulworth Cove for lunch and then on to Weymouth or Portland where accommodation is readily available and then consider the Bill and timing for the tides onto Brixham.

 

[Sea Ray]

Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated, it’s invaluable to a first timer like me. Andy Bav thanks for the insurance tip, it never even occurred to me I might not be covered, I've checked and I am. With everyone’s input I've started to formulate a plan. Nearer the time I’ll do my homework and see how the tides and times work out at the headlands. I’m going to make a conscious effort to enjoy the journey rather than just get there as quick as I can. With such scenery on offer it seems a shame to blast past offshore, so wind and tide permitting I plan to go the inshore route, timing it as best I can for slack tides and watching out for the pots. The offshore route does appeal, but only as an experience to get under my belt. Going inshore, the thought of being that close to the rocks is a bit daunting, but I have faith in the boat and i’ll have a few more hours’ run-time before I go in July for any reliability niggles to surface. The Cap Cam does inspire confidence, far more nimble in the chop than my last boat. Thank you gjgm for the wind direction advice, duly noted. I've booked to leave the boat in Brixham for 4 weeks, and the plan is to have a week (hopefully 2, work permitting) down there, and a couple of long weekends before I journey back, I just hope the weather behaves. Now I’m starting to work out my options I’m eager to just go, I’ll just have to be patient and I've still plenty of homework to do ! Thanks again guys and gals, keep the tips coming, I'm hoping to get out and about as much as I can for the time i'm down there.

 

[Seven Spades]

I have done this trip loads of times in July as this is the time of year I take my holidays and despite its reputation every time I have crossed the water has been smooth and calm. Going inside is easy so take which ever route is the shortest, tide permitting obviously if going inside you want to be at the bill near slack and watch out for pots.

 

[Gentlemanracer]

We did Portsmouth to Brixham as out first long trip last year. Lesson learned was to make a point of wrapping up warm, even on an excellent summers day. Routed across Lime Bay & 6+NM off Portland (it's an easy 270 deg heading) although we all had inshore jacket, salopette & LJ's on and our rate (open cockpit) was pretty swift, I remember we all had the shivers on arrival. Marina friendly, no hesitation to go back: enjoy!

 

[jon_bailey]

I agree with other comments about Lyme Bay, it can feel a long way in less than ideal conditions. You may want to consider an inside route and stop at West Bay - underused and underrated.

Once in Brixham I suggest the following: Anstey's Cove (Nice Anchorage), Babbacombe Bay (lovely bay and you can take the tender into the Cary Arms. There are plenty of small beaches between Torbay and Teignmouth that will be deserted even on a lovely sunny day, (unlike the Solent). Teignmouth is well worth a visit (I may be a bit biased as a Harbour Commissioner) but we have visitor pontoons and half way up the estuary is Coombe Cellars that is well worth a visit on the top of the tide. There is always plenty happening and several good pubs and restaurants in both Teignmouth and Shaldon. Send PM for more info.

I am surprised LJS did not invite you into the Exe. Plenty of places to explore and a good floating seafood restaurant in the middle of the estuary. If you run out of options, Dartmouth and the Dart estuary is beautiful.

That should keep you busy for a few days! Have fun

 

[longjohnsilver]

I agree with other comments about Lyme Bay, it can feel a long way in less than ideal conditions. You may want to consider an inside route and stop at West Bay - underused and underrated.

Once in Brixham I suggest the following: Anstey's Cove (Nice Anchorage), Babbacombe Bay (lovely bay and you can take the tender into the Cary Arms. There are plenty of small beaches between Torbay and Teignmouth that will be deserted even on a lovely sunny day, (unlike the Solent). Teignmouth is well worth a visit (I may be a bit biased as a Harbour Commissioner) but we have visitor pontoons and half way up the estuary is Coombe Cellars that is well worth a visit on the top of the tide. There is always plenty happening and several good pubs and restaurants in both Teignmouth and Shaldon. Send PM for more info.

I am surprised LJS did not invite you into the Exe. Plenty of places to explore and a good floating seafood restaurant in the middle of the estuary. If you run out of options, Dartmouth and the Dart estuary is beautiful.

That should keep you busy for a few days! Have fun

Hi Jon, long time no hear! Yes, we both know about what the Exe offers, but not great for an overnight stay.

Teignmouth Harbour Commissioner eh! Will we have to call you sir?. Have called in a few times with Eos and Calypso (our Exe dive boat). PS the link in your signature does not appear to work.

 

[jon_bailey]

Hi Jon, long time no hear! Yes, we both know about what the Exe offers, but not great for an overnight stay.

Teignmouth Harbour Commissioner eh! Will we have to call you sir?. Have called in a few times with Eos and Calypso (our Exe dive boat). PS the link in your signature does not appear to work.

Currently boating out of Plymouth because even as a Harbour Commissioner I cannot get a deep water mooring in Teignmouth! No need to be called sir, but doffing your skipper's cap should be ok.

Circumnavigation was nearly 3 years ago so have taken link out of sig.

If you fancy a beer then send PM.

 

[Red]

Hello, a great trip which i have done may a time. It will all depend on the weather and if you know our summers, you can assure that come August it will be SW 6/7/8 when you intnded to leave. Make a plan to get to Weymouth and only go on if the weather is fine as that trip to Brixam could be bleak.......