Place to launch and have a bit of fun

[thejonesey]

Hi,
We usually boat on the South Coast but I was hoping to do something a little closer to home now we are settled in Cirencester. We have a little 4m Avonsearider for ringoing etc and I was hoping that I could get some advice about where we can launch from and also places to play and visit. I have huge respect for the Bristol Channel so I expect trips and play to be subject to weather and serious tides! For info, we have a bigger boat in the South Coast and I have 20+ years of experience so please don't think of me as an EBay boater!

Many thanks for all advice!

 

[Allan]

A lot depends on whether you mind muddy water or not. If your happy to put up with mud and tidal constraints then Thornbury yacht club is a great place. Very friendly and helpful. Not far west of Ciren.
If you want to go a bit further then Cardiff bay might be fo you. I'm not sure on the attitude to ringoing but they now allow waterskiing now. A call to the harbour authority may be worth it. (029 2087 7900)
Allan

 

[thejonesey]

I don't mind a bit of mud Allan but I might explore Cardiff Bay. Can you go out in the Bay and whizz about? I always assumed that there would be speed limits?

 

[Allan]

There are 5kt speed limits at each end of the bay and in the Taff. These are denoted by yellow buoys. In the centre of the bay you can do whatever you wish.
Heading out through the barrage locks is simple too.
I think you need to get permission to use the Channel view slipway from the CHA.
Allan

 

[bitbaltic]

A lot depends on whether you mind muddy water or not. If your happy to put up with mud and tidal constraints then Thornbury yacht club is a great place. Very friendly and helpful. Not far west of Ciren.
If you want to go a bit further then Cardiff bay might be fo you. I'm not sure on the attitude to ringoing but they now allow waterskiing now. A call to the harbour authority may be worth it. (029 2087 7900)
Allan

Really? I've never seen anyone waterskiing in the bay but I have encountered the occasional idiot doing it in front of boats using the wrach channel.

There's nothing about riding around in towed inflatables in the latest bay handbook but I suspect a dim view would be taken. Swimming is still prohibited and so are rowing vessels in the central part of the bay. People on towed inflatables would seem to parallel or be less safe than those things, as would waterskiers. After all as there is no speed limit a planing mobo would quickly make a mess of a swimmer which is presumably why the no-swim rule exists and I think much the same fate would apply to people falling off toy inflatables.

I don't think the OPs purposes fit the BC very well anywhere east of Nash Point. Perhaps some of the English- side estuaries such as appledore or Bridgewater, even as far south as Padstow? If I was wanting to tow (kids?) on an inflatable I would not do it east of Dale or perhaps Tenby on the Welsh side.

 

[Allan]

The area used for waterskiing is in front of the old ice rink. I'm not sure of the rules but it's used by a local club. A few years ago they organised an event at our club, CYC, for injured service personnel. There is (or at least was until recently) a pontoon at the north end of that area.
I'm not sure why you think the channel is less suitable for the OP's activities than Dale, Tenby or Bridgewater? A bit of mud is not a problem. The fun week at Thornbury makes the most of it with tug-o-war and mud slides! The kids, of all ages, love it!
Allan

 

[TOKOLOSHI]

Beachley Slipway is used quite a lot for launching Jet Skis who race around the area and on the plus side Sara will be on hand for rescue...........................if needed!:encouragement:

 

[bitbaltic]

The area used for waterskiing is in front of the old ice rink. I'm not sure of the rules but it's used by a local club. A few years ago they organised an event at our club, CYC, for injured service personnel. There is (or at least was until recently) a pontoon at the north end of that area.
I'm not sure why you think the channel is less suitable for the OP's activities than Dale, Tenby or Bridgewater? A bit of mud is not a problem. The fun week at Thornbury makes the most of it with tug-o-war and mud slides! The kids, of all ages, love it!
Allan

Ah ok. The pontoon's certainly still there, CBWAC make some us of it for their dinghy courses apparently. I would still wonder if it is on an organised club not individual basis though.

No objection to the mud, it's the average sea state and tidal rates that I was thinking of, but I'll happily admit it's not my area of expertise.

 

[thejonesey]

Many thanks. I will check out both. We are looking for somewhere for a half day trips as anything longer would be done on the South Coast. Thornbury sounds a good option subject to wind and tide. Looking on Google I can find Thornbury Sailing Club - is that the place?

 

[thejonesey]

Beachley Slipway is used quite a lot for launching Jet Skis who race around the area and on the plus side Sara will be on hand for rescue...........................if needed!:encouragement:

Ha ha! I have a work collegues who has been in SARA so I will ask him!

 

[Allan]

Many thanks. I will check out both. We are looking for somewhere for a half day trips as anything longer would be done on the South Coast. Thornbury sounds a good option subject to wind and tide. Looking on Google I can find Thornbury Sailing Club - is that the place?

Yes, that will be the one. The're at Oldbury pill.
Allan

 

[Temujin]

Thornbury is a sailing club only, no motorboats I'm afraid.