Barnstable and Bideford Moorings

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PhilTJ

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What is the chance of getting a swinging or drying mooring in either place? I would anticipate a 26' (ish) bilge-keeler


We've decided to move house. SWMO has found something she likes about 15 miles from both Bideford and Barnstable.
Error: Should read "SWMO has found something we like" ...

In order to facilitate house sale, we sold our Moody 34 on the S coast and wish to downsize house (and boat!). We've sailed the Bristol Channel before, from Uphill, WsM and would like to return.

Any thoughts welcome

(I did a search on the forums, but the last post on this matter went in an unanticipated direction before stopping!)

Thanks

Phil
 
Hi Phil,

not a lot of chance in Barnstaple if it is a yacht. The new road bridge has effectivly stopped you go any further in a yacht. Instow, Bideford, Braunton, and chivenor have swinging and drying moorings.

Watermouth and Ilfracombe are both active sailing areas, reasonably priced although i believe there may be a waiting list. The sailing is much better an less restricitve without Bideford Bar

I used to keep a boat in Braunton, which ws great for a very short sail, however i really would reccomend the extra 15 minute drive to ilfracombe, it is a much better experiance.

ilfracombe yacht club is very friendly and very active

I moved away a few years ago and stil visit the folks who sail out of ilfracombe.
 
The Torridge is a freeport, so you 'just' need to contact the garage in Instow, and he will lay a mooring for you. Can be a bit hairy in spate conditions with the odd tree coming down, and you will need to consider how the boat takes the ground. It usually requires a couple of weeks to wash out a boat-shaped depression.

Agreed, NDYC is excellent, and the new crane should be able to take your weight to winter haulout.
 
Bristol channel is always going to be a bit limited by tides and you have Bideford Bar to consider as well with an Instow or Appledore mooring, however, you can lay your own mooring and annual cost is low (if not free as Appledore is a 'Free Port')
Call Phil Hammond for advice and cost of laying a mooring 07789 773895

Ilfracombe had a 3 year waiting list when I applied in 2007
Winter storage is in council carpark(s); they hire a crane and everyone has to come out and go in on the same weekend, also parking may be an issue during the summer

I'm more than happy at Watermouth and there's a small but very friendly club
Call Harbourmaster Keith Allsford 01271 865422 to see if a mooring may be available as boats come and go each year, also he has a crane so you can be lifted in/out at any time to suit and parking is included

pm me with a tel number if you want more info on Watermouth
Here's a link to the club - the site hasn't been updated for a few years but it gives a flavour, and it is a beautiful place to have a boat
http://www.watermouthyachtclub.co.uk/
 
Having sailed from Braunton and Instow in the past I would be inclined to look at the access at least spend a bit of time getting to know the area.

I put a my own swinging mooring in then found dinghy sailing in the estuary easier.

I would look at Exmouth. Don't get get me wrong I love it there, I will be down this weekend to visit mum and have a pint in Instow. :D
 
Thanks

Thank you all for some really helpful information. I see there's another thread going where some people are advocating travelling to the south coast.

Exmouth's certainly an option - we had a drying mooring there a few years ago. My inclination at the moment is to go for close to where (we will) live. I always felt our house was too far from our last mooring.

Meanwhile, we need to decide about the house (for some reason my wife is giving somewhere to live more priority than, "Can we get a mooring there?")

If we do move to the area, I'll certainly follow-up the comments which are much appreciated.

Phil
 
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