Mooring in the Barnstaple/Bideford area

[38Super]

Hi All

I am moving to this area in September and I will be looking for a mooring for the rest of the summer.

Boat is a 30' catamaran on stub keels, currently in Scotland so I will have to 'waste' most of August sailing her down to Devon. It will be a terrible hardship but I will struggle through.

Previously I've been based at Uphill and then Portishead when it opened. Over the years I have done most of the Bristol Channel from Swansea to Tewkesbury but never got further than Watchet on the southerm coast.

Does anyone have any advice on moorings in the Taw or Torridge.
I am planning to drop in to the NDYC on Saturday and ask them but any other comments will be much appreciated.

This will make my fourth new cruising area in five years, variety really is the spice of life.

 

[Allan]

I have been to the area three times recently and would recommend it wholeheartedly. The people I have met from NDYC have all been true gentlemen. Two of them recently drove crews from two of our boats from Appledore to Instow and back. I have been told that Bideford is a freeport, although I'm not sure what that means. There was a cat moored on the sand down towards the shipyard, I'm not sure if it is still there.
Allan

 

[38Super]

Thanks Allan.

I spent a very pleasant evening in the NDYC clubhouse at the weekend talking to very nice people and getting the local info. One of the most pleasant, welcoming and relaxed yacht clubs I have been to.

I just need to arrange to have a mooring laid in an appropriate place. Apparently another cat owner has used a helical ground screw very successfully. Given that my boat is very light for her size (2 tons) this would seem to be a good option. I'm not sure where to source one from yet but they seem to be fairly common in the construction industry.

I always associated a 'freeport' with pirates but I think they may have moved on.

Rob

 

[sarabande]

Charles 1 granted Appledore the status of freeport after he stayed there one night. Amongst other rights, this means that anyone can put down a semi-permanent mooring on the seabed.

I wouldn't think of a screwtype ; the moorings are laid by a chap in the garage at Instow, who has much experience of the the best type and size. Usually a socking great tractor wheel with tons of concrete.

There are a couple of cats which dry out in the vicinity of NDYC. There is a slight element of risk from 'visitors' if you dry out on the sand, but if you moor out on the really muddy bits, it's safer.

Also some risk of branches - even whole trees - coming down river if you have a big storm with lots of rain. There are lots of benevolent eyes around so make friends, even join that lovely club NDYC, and leave your phone number with them.

I guess you are going to be the biggest and smartest cat around, so a security device might be advisable.

(ex-NDYC member for several years.)

 

[38Super]

It will certainly be a first for me if my boat is the 'biggest and smartest' in the area.

Out on the mud will definitely be my preferred option to deter the aforesaid 'visitors'. I will probably just let the garage at Instow sort it out anyway.

I don't think there is much I can do about trees in the river but she will only be in for the summer so hopefully that will be a rare event. Joining the club is definitely on the agenda if only to enjoy the view from the clubhouse window.

Looks like some kind of alarm will be another task on the list although I rarely leave anything on board worth the effort. It is usually the damage caused by people trying to get in which is the biggest problem.

 

[Bunchats]

'Free' does not mean 'free' or give any rights

"Charles 1 granted Appledore the status of freeport after he stayed there one night. Amongst other rights, this means that anyone can put down a semi-permanent mooring on the seabed. "

Christie Estates may be concerned with moorings.

Freeport only means that: Goods may be landed for storage and handling, and possibly processed into manufactured goods. Duty is charged only if the goods are moved from the free port into the adjacent territory. They can be exported to other countries without duty being charged.

In a nutshell, saves all the paper work and helps business move more quickly.

When did that yacht club become friendly, a friend of a friend tells me they don't sort out the plausible drunk at corner of the bar with the loud, foul language and threatening behaviour towards women.

 

[Allan]

"Charles 1 granted Appledore the status of freeport after he stayed there one night. Amongst other rights, this means that anyone can put down a semi-permanent mooring on the seabed. "

Christie Estates may be concerned with moorings.

Freeport only means that: Goods may be landed for storage and handling, and possibly processed into manufactured goods. Duty is charged only if the goods are moved from the free port into the adjacent territory. They can be exported to other countries without duty being charged.

In a nutshell, saves all the paper work and helps business move more quickly.

When did that yacht club become friendly, a friend of a friend tells me they don't sort out the plausible drunk at corner of the bar with the loud, foul language and threatening behaviour towards women.

I was told by the owner of a yacht on Bideford quay that he was asked to pay for the first month he was there. By the time they came back for the second months money he had been told of the Freeport status, when he told the official, he was never asked again.
I have been to the area 3 times recently, on the last trip we dried next to Appledore quay (account at http://cardiffyachtclub.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=cruisingchat&action=display&thread=719 ) Members of NYDC came over to see us and drove some crew member over to the club and back for drinks. I never saw any drunks but have only been there a few times. Everyone I have met from the club has been polite and extremely helpfull. We had a visit from an Instow boat at CYC earlier this week, again, nice people.
Allan

 

[Bunchats]

Yes you already said that in your last post

Just clarifying the meaning of 'Freeport' and free berthing has nothing to do with it no point shouting about that.

Being asked to pay - always ask for ID - there used to be a chancer in Padstow estuary who asks for money pretending to be the HM's man. Easy beer money!

Maybe it's the same guy trying to make reparation for the foulest acts - plausible.

The calm weather has made the bar unusually calm and I'm told has brought a number of boats to the estuary - in a swell, watch your right shoulder!

Anchoring/mooring - bilging can be a major problem there - the chain wraps around the bilge keel and 'saws' it during the strongest part of the tide - many go through to the metal beneath!

 

[38Super]

No sign of that when I was there just lots of friendly people enjoying their evening, plenty of useful advice and all happy to help.

My thanks to them.

 

[Bunchats]

Yes

So you keep saying

 

[38Super]

So you keep saying

I like to say nice things about people I have actually met rather than badmouth them based on third-hand hearsay.

 

[Allan]

Yes

So you keep saying

As with 38Super, I am more than happy to give my honest, first hand experience of people, places and companies. It is obvious you have a problem with the NDYC, which is secondhand, and possibly with the area in general. Your negative comments about "bilging" which can happen anywhere, and the bar, which is no different from many others, like Padstow and Caernarfon seem to prove that. Good seamanship is required at many places, Bideford bay is no different.
What is your problem with the area or which area are you hoping will benefit from your unsubstantiated negative comments?
Allan

 

[sarabande]

on one or two occasions, well back in the past, the bar has got a bit raucous and people out of hand. As in any yacht club. But it was controlled. There are so many ladies working there that a mouther would get sorted very quickly.

 

[Bunchats]

Assumptions

Amateur psychology extrapolated to suit situations is simplisitc.

If my comments, meant to help save property and injury, were unwelcome, fine, don't read them.

Easily verifiable and has been.

Naturally, helpful members will have told new kid on the block not to moor in the 'gut' as HM would like it cleared.

Seamanship has nothing to do with it - being caught unawares has, and many have - ask. The silence should be deafening. Tips on here don't require slating or ridicule - bad form and gives the impression of unfriendliness.

Fascinating as this subject is, I shan't relate it when I return to Appledore.

As the info is principally meant for the chap with the cat as a caveat between members on here, it doesn't require comment.

 

[Allan]

Amateur psychology extrapolated to suit situations is simplisitc.

If my comments, meant to help save property and injury, were unwelcome, fine, don't read them.

Easily verifiable and has been.

Naturally, helpful members will have told new kid on the block not to moor in the 'gut' as HM would like it cleared.

Seamanship has nothing to do with it - being caught unawares has, and many have - ask. The silence should be deafening. Tips on here don't require slating or ridicule - bad form and gives the impression of unfriendliness.

Fascinating as this subject is, I shan't relate it when I return to Appledore.

As the info is principally meant for the chap with the cat as a caveat between members on here, it doesn't require comment.

I'm not sure what "Amateur psychology extrapolated to suit situations is simplisitc" means. Maybe that makes me simplistic?
As far as I'm concerned, any comments which would help 38Super avoid damage to his property or injury in Instow would have been more than welcome.
As you agree, the member of NDYC are very helpfull and I'm sure they would have passed on any instructions from the harbour masters.
In my opinion, seamanship has everything to do with avoiding "being caught unawares". Research and planning, using every method and tool available, are all part of good seamanship.
People I have have spoken to over the fives years or so I have been visiting the area have mentioned many people getting caught out. There certainly is no silence on that subject.
I don't consider I have slated or ridiculed your "tips" I do however disagree with them. Are you saying I should not give 38Super the benefit of my first hand experience?
Incorrect information and hearsay on here requires correction, in my opinion. If it is not it dilutes the usefullness of the forum as source of good information.
I hope you enjoy your return to Appledore as much as I have enjoyed all the time I have spent there.
Allan

 

[Bunchats]

No

I haven't agreed at all and evidently they haven't told.

At no point have I said I didn't have first hand experience of local club. As before, ask, these things are easily verifiable.

I lived in Appledore for many years, and sailed my yacht out of Appledore to Wales, Lundy etc, etc for all of them - that's first hand, not the ramblings of those who drift in a few times during calm weather and go home telling how they conquered the bar - ooh harr.

"I'm sure they would have passed on any instructions from the harbour masters."

1) There are no instructions, it's under discussion.

2) You complain about hearsay, yet this is worse, an assumption, about people you do not know. So they didn't tell you the most recent and pertinent news then, well that's very remiss isn't it.

"Research and planning, using every method and tool available, are all part of good seamanship." - This should include listening to ALL advice.

I will enjoy my return to Appledore, I still have a house and a mooring there and will be bringing a yacht to stay for August and September to sail the Bristol Channel and Wales awhile.

I passed you earlier this year, I believe, at Middle Ridge on your way in, it was calm then.

You were recently berthed close to the "Coop" slipway rafted to another vessel on your inside and facing north. Not far from my house.

I'm blocking you now so you take care and listen for the engines when you're berthed alongside.

 

[Allan]

I haven't agreed at all and evidently they haven't told.

At no point have I said I didn't have first hand experience of local club. As before, ask, these things are easily verifiable.

I lived in Appledore for many years, and sailed my yacht out of Appledore to Wales, Lundy etc, etc for all of them - that's first hand, not the ramblings of those who drift in a few times during calm weather and go home telling how they conquered the bar - ooh harr.

"I'm sure they would have passed on any instructions from the harbour masters."

1) There are no instructions, it's under discussion.

2) You complain about hearsay, yet this is worse, an assumption, about people you do not know. So they didn't tell you the most recent and pertinent news then, well that's very remiss isn't it.

"Research and planning, using every method and tool available, are all part of good seamanship." - This should include listening to ALL advice.

I will enjoy my return to Appledore, I still have a house and a mooring there and will be bringing a yacht to stay for August and September to sail the Bristol Channel and Wales awhile.

I passed you earlier this year, I believe, at Middle Ridge on your way in, it was calm then.

You were recently berthed close to the "Coop" slipway rafted to another vessel on your inside and facing north. Not far from my house.

I'm blocking you now so you take care and listen for the engines when you're berthed alongside.

38Super is thinking of a mooring on the mud, someway outside the gut.
At no point have I said you didn't have first hand knowledge of the NDYC, you said the particular point was hearsay. That is verified by your post.
1. In most harbours there are many bye-laws (instructions) I'm sure the good people at NDYC would be one of many sources for such things.
2. I have made no assumptions, for instance I'm sure you know a lot of facts about the area. It is just some, as you have said on this subject, are hearsay. Others apply equally to other places, like catching mooring/anchor chains between bilge keels.

"Research and planning, using every method and tool available, are all part of good seamanship." - This should include listening to ALL CORRECT AND VERIFIED advice. In my opinion.

I'm not sure which of my visits it was when you passed me, fortunatly all have been in calm weather, as I have said in all my posts on this and other fora.

You are mistaking my boat for the yacht Alana. I was moored, facing north, against the wall. My boat is Chausey.

May I wish you a good sailing especially in the Bristol channel and hope to see you at CYC soon. If you like to cruise in company, you may be interested in knowing some members of NDYC are hoping to visit later this year.
Allan

 

[davey]

Moorings in the Appledore area (beware of Jobsworths!)

An old colleague is a dyed-in-the-wool sailor. He has sailed to Australia in a Westerly 28 and one can't sail much further than that! A couple of years ago we went to Newton Abbot Boat Jumble where he managed to buy a Mariner 3.3HP 2 stroke outboard (from an Exeter boat dealer and all legit with paperwork, original handbook and guarantee) As he was itching to try the motor I loaned him an inflatable dinghy which he took to Instow. It was a Sunday and the weather was quite exceptional, it was picture postcard weather. As soon as the dinghy was out of the car a Jobsworth appeared. "No launching boats without a permit from the council" he said. Of course most people don't have mobile Internet but in actual fact the councils own web page states that boats which can be carried by one person are exempt. Evidently the Jobsworth didn't know that and according to "Captain Bligh" there was an hour long heated argument that only ended when the Jobsworth threatened to call the Police. Of course if one had got the exemption in black and white one could let him call the Police and let him get the sack. Jobsworths are IMHO a useless species and a total waste of taxpayers money.

Councils don't you just love them? Where does one get a permit from the council on a Sunday afternoon? (a permit that you don't need anyway) SNAFU.

At another beach there is a large sign "No Parking, No 4x4s, No jetskis" but when one looks there is a council lifeguard with a 4x4 and a jetski. The term "taking the pi$$" comes to mind.

 

[sarabande]

I was on the beach and around NDYC this aftyernoon for a couple of hours while worthy types worked on their boats.

The Christie Estate is beginning to try it on a bit, and there are rumblings that their statements and charges are going to be tested.


I'd really like to know where "their" land officially ends.