Any good sailing NW Devon/Cornwall?

[ash2020]

We're hoping to move to the North West coast of Devon or Cornwall and I'm wondering if I have to give up sailing?
Any good places between Ilfracombe and St Ives? If not, why not?

 

[fisherman]

The ports are tidal and a long way apart, with often hazardous entries. From Hartland point to Pendeen light, a watery grave by day or night.

 

[Sandy]

There is the North Devon Yacht Club at Instow. Watermouth Cove is a delightful spot at high water.

Padstow had several yachts in the harbour when we visit a few weeks ago.

The reason why is geology.

The south coast is not that far and is a delight, France (with decent coffee) is only a days sail away.

 

[ash2020]

The ports are tidal and a long way apart, with often hazardous entries. From Hartland point to Pendeen light, a watery grave by day or night.

Oh dear, that sounds offputting.

 

[ash2020]

There is the North Devon Yacht Club at Instow. Watermouth Cove is a delightful spot at high water.

Padstow had several yachts in the harbour when we visit a few weeks ago.

The reason why is geology.

The south coast is not that far and is a delight, France (with decent coffee) is only a days sail away.

Thank you, I'll have a look at those.

 

[Martin_J]

I grew up half way between the north and south coasts of Cornwall.

We always went to the north coast (Gwithian, Porthtowan, Portreath or Perranporth) for surfing, or south coast (Falmouth and the Helford) for sailing.

Never considered trying to surf on the south coast, or sail on the north coast...

Or you could stick to the middle and sail, windsurf, canoe or foil on the fresh water of Stithians reservoir...

 

[Martin_J]

Thinking about it, we did then windsurf on the north coast but you had to be good in waves!

 

[fisherman]

Spring tides if you go for a day sail the ports are dry for six hours, OK if you want to cruise about. Neaps, push the flood out and the ebb back. You can't sail somewhere for lunch , and overnight stops are limited to Padstow, or St Ives if you can anchor outside, otherwise take the hard bottom. Ireland can be nice, as can Wales

 

[Martin_J]

Sorry for sounding negative about sailing on the north coast.

What I was trying to say was that if you're far enough west to be in the narrow bit... it's not too far to get to the south coast.. (although I'm sure there is sailing to be had on the north, but no so many easy places to visit in a day or places for refuge).

 

[Martin_J]

Okay... I could suggest Rock Sailing club which is just opposite Padstow.. still rather more tidal than the south coast though.

 

[fisherman]

I suggest you do some imaginary passage planning. Then consider living further west where the N coast is closer to the S.

 

[doug748]

We're hoping to move to the North West coast of Devon or Cornwall and I'm wondering if I have to give up sailing?
Any good places between Ilfracombe and St Ives? If not, why not?

The good news is that property is a relative bargain in the area, it's a long winter and not much night life. Keep a sailing boat in South Wales or South Devon

.

 

[ash2020]

I grew up half way between the north and south coasts of Cornwall.

We always went to the north coast (Gwithian, Porthtowan, Portreath or Perranporth) for surfing, or south coast (Falmouth and the Helford) for sailing.

Never considered trying to surf on the south coast, or sail on the north coast...

Or you could stick to the middle and sail, windsurf, canoe or foil on the fresh water of Stithians reservoir...

Thank you Martin. We'll be surfing and sailing so maybe somewhere in the middle.

Spring tides if you go for a day sail the ports are dry for six hours, OK if you want to cruise about. Neaps, push the flood out and the ebb back. You can't sail somewhere for lunch , and overnight stops are limited to Padstow, or St Ives if you can anchor outside, otherwise take the hard bottom. Ireland can be nice, as can Wales

Pretty stuffed all round really!

Sorry for sounding negative about sailing on the north coast.

What I was trying to say was that if you're far enough west to be in the narrow bit... it's not too far to get to the south coast.. (although I'm sure there is sailing to be had on the north, but no so many easy places to visit in a day or places for refuge).

Only trouble then is that you're a long way from everywhere else!

 

[ash2020]

I suggest you do some imaginary passage planning. Then consider living further west where the N coast is closer to the S.

Good idea!

 

[Martin_J]

Thank you Martin. We'll be surfing and sailing so maybe somewhere in the middle.


Only trouble then is that you're a long way from everywhere else!

What else do you need

 

[Goldie]

Only trouble then is that you're a long way from everywhere else!

Bonus!!!! Even better, everywhere else is a long way from you!

 

[lustyd]

St Ives is a surprisingly good anchorage until the local fishermen wake you up and ask you to move so they can drag a net through the anchorage!

 

[ash2020]

What else do you need

Visit grandkids occasionally.

 

[ash2020]

Bonus!!!! Even better, everywhere else is a long way from you!

That's definitely a big attraction!

 

[ash2020]

St Ives is a surprisingly good anchorage until the local fishermen wake you up and ask you to move so they can drag a net through the anchorage!

My answer wouldn't be printable!