Plymouth fireworks

[snowleopard]

No, nothing to do with the Fastnet. Did anyone go out to see the fireworks last night or going tonight? I know it wasn't cancelled because we could see it in the distance.

Tonight the tides suit so we're planning to take some friends out. We haven't seen them from the water before so wondering how crowded it's likely to be and whether to drop the hook or jill around and hope to miss everyone else. Anyone got experiences to share?

(I'm aware that we'll have to keep clear of Fastnet finishers heading for QAB)

 

[Skyva_2]

We watched from the downs above Jennycliff Bay 2 years ago. The bay looked fairly crowded with anchored boats but quite manageable. The exodus after the display ended needed a bit of care, but it looked a good place to watch.

 

[Brian_B]

It gets pretty crowded in and around Jennycliff and if it's windy there's bound to be a few people making a mess of anchoring.
If you do decide to go out on the water, try to avoid the dash back at the end. It's quite frightening watching drunk skippers charging back onto the marina showing a random selection of nav lights.

 

[hlb]

We watched them a couple of years ago. No problems, though there were alot of boats anchored. Just dont get to close to the breakwater, or you will be covered in sparks.

 

[jamesjermain]

We've anchored in Jennycliff and to of the eastern end of Drakes Island. The latter gives the best view, the former better shelter and holding though neither are particularly good if there is a swell coming into the Sound. We tend to stay at anchor for an hour after the end to let the rush die down.


Mind you, the very best place to watch is from the breakwater at Queen Ann's Battery Marina but with all the Fastnet retirees in residence you probably won't get in, even if you are prepared to pay for a night's moorings.

 

[snowleopard]

We're coming over from Cawsand and returning there for the night. We should be clear of the hordes returning to the Hamoaze & Cattewater. I'll look at the area E of Drake's Island as a poss anchorage.

 

[pugwash]

A couple of years ago I did exactly what you are intending to do but I didn't anchor and was relieved because there was a lot of close-quarter stuff and problems such as skippers failing to look behind them before going full astern. Best to jill around, I'd say. Or maybe anchor until it gets dark then get under weigh again.