Dartmouth Harbour Mooring Advice

[fastjedi]

I understand waiting lists are running at 3 - 10 years depending on requirements. I have been meaning to join the list(s) for a couple of years ... but everytime I pick up the forms I remember why I gave up last time! As good as it would be to have a mooring in or around Dartmouth I am assuming the waiting lists are long. I've concentrated my attention further up river (I don't know the R Dart too well between Noss & Totnes). I don't want my sailing times too heavily restricted and have ruled out drying moorings (even though I have a twin keel yacht with a draft of 0.94m). For all I know I might tick a box for a location where there is only one shallow mooring .... and that has just been taken by a 17 year old that has just aquired his grandads 1920's family gaffer! I guess my questions are
1. Who does car park and dinghy deals on the R Dart?
2. Any advice on location?
Information gathering is made more difficult as my boat is in the R Hamble at the moment and I would rather be sailing than walking the R Dart!

 

[pragmatist]

I'm really surprised to hear about 3-10 yr wait - although some types of mooring from DHNA have waiting lists I know of several people who have got straight onto the moorings (including us although admittedly that was 9 yrs ago). We had some friends buy a boat about 4 yrs ago - stayed on the visitors pontoons for the winter and by the start of the season had obtained a pontoon berth. I would suggest that you try chatting to the harbour authority people (01803 832337 - although if you can manage it in person you may do better still). I'd be really surprised if you couldn't at least get a fore and aft trot mooring (full tide).

Moorings - there are moorings from just above Darthaven Marina on the Kingswear side - lots up as far as the Higher Ferry and then a diminishing number up river towards and past Dittisham. Up river is really quiet and pretty but it's more difficult to sort parking - you can launch at places like Greenway Quay but its not easy and I gather can be quite pricey. Most people park at Darthaven Marina (not cheap but convenient) - its £3 per day or you can get an annual contract which I think is about £400 (not entirely sure as our deal includes a dory place in the marina - like golddust !!!) - the added benefit to the annual fee is that when regatta is on you can still park as you've already paid for it !

I believe Darthaven also have a dinghy rack or you might get lucky and get a DHNA space on the rack just up from Darthaven. I think this is probably quite a bit cheaper but you have to lug your stuff about 2-300 yds which can be a bit like hard work with outboard, gear etc.

There are also dinghy pontoons on the Dartmouth side but Dartmouth parking is very difficult and if you're coming from somewhere east of the area then Kingswear is a much easier drive (although you will find that it takes ages once you leave Newton Abbot, whichever route you take).

Hope this helps - if you want more info do either post or PM.

 

[John_N]

With twin keels and a draft of under a metre I would be surprised if you had to wait very long. I assume that a drying mooring would be OK and it's all soft mud up-river. Your options are:-

1) Dittisham
2) Galmpton Creek
3) Stoke Gabriel

Car and dinghy parking might be a problem at Dittisham.
No problem at Galmpton as the MDL boatyard at Dartside Quay has plenty of space.
At Stoke Gabriel where I am moored, membership of Stoke Gabriel Boating Association would give you access to the dinghy park and there is a private car park by the quay for which you can buy a season ticket.

All three locations are in lovely surroundings and very sheltered and secure (negligible crime or vandalism). The only downside of Stoke Gabriel is that it is about an hour's trip to the open sea so it's not so convenient if you are mostly interested in day sailing. It's OK for us as we mostly go away for weeks at a time or otherwise enjoy pottering about on the river between Dartmout and Totnes.

PM me if you want futher information or contact numbers.

Regards, John

 

[fastjedi]

Thanks for your advice. I called DHNA on Thursday and got to speak to Steve, very helpfull. Decided to opt for Galmpton as a shortest term option, Kingwear trots as the expected solution and Kingswear Island as my retirement option in 25 years time! Seriously, looks like it will be a good 2 - 3 years before I have the option to join you (even with a small bilge keeler)

 

[pragmatist]

If I were you I'd keep at them, particularly if you could arrange to visit on holiday and chat in person - the concept of queues for various pontoons seems to be - shall we say - "eccentric" with some winners and some losers. The personal touch is definitely appreciated. Best of luck with your quest.

 

[whisper]

Pardon my ignorance but where is Kingswear Island ?

 

[fastjedi]

Wot, You mean there's no Island at Kinswear. It must be a scam. no wonder it's a long waiting list!

It's the pontoons near Darthaven .... without walk on access.