Penzance Lock time Question

[eastlaked]

Hi Guys,

I'm planning the move of my boat from the east coast to Milford.

I know Penzance is slightly out of the Bristol Channel area, but I thought as you guys were so knowledgeable ...

When does the Penzance lock open ?

It says HW-2 to HW+1 in the almanac, I presume it refers to the local HW.

But I wanted to check it wasn't the HW of the standard port (Plymouth) as local differences are -45 mins to - 1 hr 5 mins, so it could make a big difference.

Thanks,
David.

 

[bert49uk]

why not use Newyn ?

 

[Gelfie]

The lock times are local HW.

Newlyn is a much better option as it's open at any state of the tide.

 

[Allan]

The lock times are local HW.

Newlyn is a much better option as it's open at any state of the tide.

I've been round the corner many times and 100% agree that Newlyn is better. If you round Lands End at the right time, you can get a push for 8 hours+ up the Cornish coast. If you go into Penzance you have to come out and anchor to wait for the right time to leave.
Last year we met a couple in Newlyn who were travelling to Scotland from the Hamble and were waiting for a weather window. They had been into Penzance and said it was horrible. I'm not sure what in particular they disliked but they said they thought Newlyn was much nicer.
Allan

 

[G12]

I've been round the corner many times and 100% agree that Newlyn is better. If you round Lands End at the right time, you can get a push for 8 hours+ up the Cornish coast. If you go into Penzance you have to come out and anchor to wait for the right time to leave.
Last year we met a couple in Newlyn who were travelling to Scotland from the Hamble and were waiting for a weather window. They had been into Penzance and said it was horrible. I'm not sure what in particular they disliked but they said they thought Newlyn was much nicer.
Allan

Yes it is local HW.
As for Newlyn being "better" than Penzance - I'm not sure I agree. I will start by telling you that I live there and I do know what I'm talking about.

Newlyn - Commercial fishing port, good access in most conditions although I wouldn't want to be going there in a SE blow - Read Reeds notes.
They don't particularly like yachts there and fishing vessels have priority over the berths. There are some pontoons for yachts although small FV's use these too. Things regularly go missing from yachts if left out.
A little closer for going around Lands End than Penzance.
Engineering facilities limited to fishing boat stuff really.
Newlyn itself, small, a few shops, post office, cosalt and I'm sure someone will kill me for this but it's a bit rough. Don't go to drink in the Swordfish if you're not local.

Penzance - Yes you have to lock in and out. Can be a bouncy place to be if you're on the free visitors moorings off the quay, equally it can be a lovely place to be.
Inside the harbour it is very sheltered, engineering facilities are still more FV based but the yachtsman is catered for in a small way.
Fuel and water easily available right off the quay.
Penzance itself - Much larger than Newlyn, usual shops, restaurant's and cafe's all within easy walking distance of the harbour. More yachtie friendly than Newlyn.


Might I suggest that if you're not wanting to visit as such and are just looking for a stop/sleep/go then weather permitting you anchor off Mousehole inside Mousehole island. Its a fabulous spot, only one rock to watch out for, it's on the chart and you're even closer to Lands End. Pop out, turn right and you're on your way towards Tater Du and the Runnelstone.
If there's some North in the wind then you can also anchor off Lamorna, that too is a great spot not often frequented, sandy bottom, easy peasy. Even closer to Lands End.

EDIT: I should add that you'd be crazy not to visit Scilly unless you're on a tight schedule. It's truly another world there.

 

[Allan]

G12, what you have said above is almost word for word what I had been told before my first visit about four years ago. When we arrived on that visit, the first fisherman we met took our ropes, took the pi$$ out of the eye patch I was wearing, charged my mobile phone on his boat, looked up the weather forecast for us and gave us a new lead for the dog. He also told us we would be mad not to stay for the fish festival which was the next day. We had a great time. I'm sure you are correct about it being a bit rough as there were loads of police around in the evening but we saw no trouble. I don't know where the Swordfish is, when on a few delivery trips I have used the pub next to the Chinese take away. When that was very busy I have been to the one just down the street. I normally eat on board but we had some great food in the pub on the edge of the village, towards Penzance.
When I was there last year, on route to Brittany I was chatting to the guy who takes the money and told him I was off to meet my girlfriend at Penzance station. He told me it was quite a walk so I should take his car.
I am certainly not disagreeing with what you have said, maybe I have been lucky, but I love visiting Newlyn. I should add that I'm not the normal posh yachty who walks about in that poncy gear and living in a pretty rough area of Bristol, my expectations may not be the same as some people.
Allan

 

[G12]

G12, what you have said above is almost word for word what I had been told before my first visit about four years ago. When we arrived on that visit, the first fisherman we met took our ropes, took the pi$$ out of the eye patch I was wearing, charged my mobile phone on his boat, looked up the weather forecast for us and gave us a new lead for the dog. He also told us we would be mad not to stay for the fish festival which was the next day. We had a great time. I'm sure you are correct about it being a bit rough as there were loads of police around in the evening but we saw no trouble. I don't know where the Swordfish is, when on a few delivery trips I have used the pub next to the Chinese take away. When that was very busy I have been to the one just down the street. I normally eat on board but we had some great food in the pub on the edge of the village, towards Penzance.
When I was there last year, on route to Brittany I was chatting to the guy who takes the money and told him I was off to meet my girlfriend at Penzance station. He told me it was quite a walk so I should take his car.
I am certainly not disagreeing with what you have said, maybe I have been lucky, but I love visiting Newlyn. I should add that I'm not the normal posh yachty who walks about in that poncy gear and living in a pretty rough area of Bristol, my expectations may not be the same as some people.
Allan

Ahh yes, the Newlyn Fish Festival, that's got very popular in recent years and see's all sorts of people from miles around decend on Newlyn, it's a big party atmosphere and very friendly event. I do think things have improved there in recent years also but it is still a busy working port and retains that air about it.
Penzance is similar in that The Gry Maritha and Scillonian are run from there but generally yachts get put in their own area so nobody is bothered.
I was fortunate enough to be in Pz harbour for Mazey Day (massive town celebration) and I can tell you that it was totally fantastic...... I also got special berthing rates too

I'm not saying everyone in Newlyn is bad or anything, just that I view Newlyn as somewhere to go when either the weather is bad and you can't get into PZ or the lock times will restrict your onward passage. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my boat unattended over an evening there, and she's not dripping in fancy kit. It's probably not a fisherman that would nick anything, more the local junkie trying to find something to sell.

I'm glad you had a good time there, it's good to hear positive reports. Cornwall relies on it's summer visitors so much and although it gets very crowded in the summer I don't think Cornwall could survive without them.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

The lock times are local HW.

Newlyn is a much better option as it's open at any state of the tide.

Not IMO. You cant get diesel in Newlyn and you are perched on the end of what are actually fishing industry pontoons with lots of comings and goings. To thye harbour staff you are a bit of a nuisance and they show it in my experience.
Penzance is a proper protected harbour with a great and very helpful staff, diesel and water and leccy. Outside Penzance you have holding buoys and in fact you can spend a night on them and no one will come to collect money from you. Bit choppy mind - they've put the buoys in the wrong place.

Going in the direction you are, Penzance lock gates are no problem. Come out as the gates are shutting, dawdle for an hour or so and you will then nicely catch the turn of the tide as you come through the inshore passage. Depending on the speed of your boat this will allow you to nicely catch the lock at Padstein.

After that it gets a bit more difficult.

P.S. " I view Newlyn as somewhere to go when either the weather is bad and you can't get into PZ " sums up my view too - and I must have done the trip more than 40 times in each direction by now.

 

[Allan]

G12, by coincidence when I said above that the harbour master offered me his car. I didn't mention that I turned it down as I planned to go and enjoy the Mazey day celebrations. I'm not one for funfair but loads of the other events were great. We delayed our departure from Newlyn to go and see a world record number of pirates.

Bosun, I have bought diesel a few times in Newlyn. Not the most convenient place to buy it but still available. All you have to do is find the guy who drives the tanker! I think his name is Trevor or Terry.
Allan

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Bosun, I have bought diesel a few times in Newlyn. Not the most convenient place to buy it but still available. All you have to do is find the guy who drives the tanker! I think his name is Trevor or Terry.
Allan

Refused me point blank. Wasnt prepared to handle the paperwork required by HMRC when supplying yotties. Mind you that was not too long after the 60/40 split was introduced so he may now have altered his tune. No problems in Penzance, even a willingness to accept other than 60/40 ( I like to keep warm. )
.

 

[G12]

Allan,

I've come to the conclusion that you must have a boat full of gorgeous female crew or something. This would ensure consistantly high levels of service wherever you go and is an excellent tactic.
I have used the same one myself - Take one 6ft2in Norwegian blonde to a North Sea oil rig and its amazing how the deck crew can't wait to help you out. You want something done? Send her to ask and it's done. Easy!

 

[Allan]

Allan,

I've come to the conclusion that you must have a boat full of gorgeous female crew or something. This would ensure consistantly high levels of service wherever you go and is an excellent tactic.
I have used the same one myself - Take one 6ft2in Norwegian blonde to a North Sea oil rig and its amazing how the deck crew can't wait to help you out. You want something done? Send her to ask and it's done. Easy!

Unfortunately not a boat full, although my girlfriend is very attractive. We also often have Lilly the dog with us. On a good day she can melt even the hardest heart. People at our club know the truth about her and call her the devil dog!
On a more serious note. I have seen loads of yachties who treat everywhere like a marina, ie. "I'm paying loads of money, do this, do that etc." This may work where yachties are primary source of income. At places like Newlyn we are, understandably, at the bottom of the list and should act accordingly. I try to be happy, friendly and helpful.
Maybe my liking for places like Newlyn stems from the fact that for generations my family have been fishermen of the north east coast?
Good luck, I hope to be in Newlyn a couple of times in June, maybe I'll see you there?
Allan

 

[Bosun Higgs]

At places like Newlyn we are, understandably, at the bottom of the list and should act accordingly.

Do you tug your forelock too? You can be sure that we pay more per night than a similar sized fishing boat, not that its a money issue anyway.

 

[G12]

Unfortunately not a boat full, although my girlfriend is very attractive. We also often have Lilly the dog with us. On a good day she can melt even the hardest heart. People at our club know the truth about her and call her the devil dog!
On a more serious note. I have seen loads of yachties who treat everywhere like a marina, ie. "I'm paying loads of money, do this, do that etc." This may work where yachties are primary source of income. At places like Newlyn we are, understandably, at the bottom of the list and should act accordingly. I try to be happy, friendly and helpful.
Maybe my liking for places like Newlyn stems from the fact that for generations my family have been fishermen of the north east coast?
Good luck, I hope to be in Newlyn a couple of times in June, maybe I'll see you there?
Allan

Allan, you are clearly a master craftsman, a hot girl AND a dog is a combination that can't fail to win!

You won't see me in Newlyn this year - at least not in the harbour anyway, boat is having a year on the hard while I make some changes to her and also I work away a lot at the moment. That's the plan anyway, if I get the jobs done then I will prep her for a launch just incase I can get a couple of weeks off.

 

[Allan]

Do you tug your forelock too? You can be sure that we pay more per night than a similar sized fishing boat, not that its a money issue anyway.

If I had a forelock I would tug it to nobody! As said by G12, Newlyn is a fishing port. The pontoons we use were paid for by an EU fishing grant. We are the least important boats there. I have found that if I act like I understand that, my visits are enjoyable and I get what I need.
Places like Portishead and Watchet are aimed pleasure boaters, my expectations when I am there are somewhat higher.
Allan

 

[Bosun Higgs]

You must suffer a lot of disappointment in Watchet

 

[Allan]

You must suffer a lot of disappointment in Watchet

Yes that was true, a few years ago. The first time I took my present boat there it was £26 a night, all the electric points near our mooring were full and when I tried to move the boat I was stuck in the silt. I complained to the office that the price was higher than most places on the south coast. I was told it was because they had to dredge more often and the electric was free! I stayed away until the price went down.
In recent years the price, although high is not as bad and the guys on the pontoons are nice and friendly. I also like Watchet as a town, it is old fashioned, which suits me. Alberts Ardware shop is worth a visit. There are also a couple of shops that I use to enhance my wardrobe and help the slightly less fortunate. Last time I went was the BCYA English rally. Half price mooring and loads of bon amis!
Allan

 

[Sneds]

I to like Watchet although Swmbo isn't to keen.
Probably as a result of being stuck there for four days a few years back, mechanical failure and we have no sails!
Good chippy near "the gaol" and always buy some dry bait in the marina office/shop. Must try fishing one day

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Good chippy near "the gaol" and always buy some dry bait in the marina office/shop. Must try fishing one day

Is it you who cooks the curry?

 

[channel]

Penzance wins hands down for me everytime although the visitor moorings outside are horrid (go to Newlyn instead if that's all thats available). They do come in useful
when waiting the tide though . . .

Penzance Harbour has a special charm to it, like no other harbour I've visited.

Who mentioned Curry . . . Taj Mahal in Daniel Place is a fine curry house in Penzance . . . the Bath Inn serves a great pint too!