portsmouth to falmouth

[lionelz]

Guys and gals just about to start planning my second holiday on my boat. Intend going middle 2 weeks of July. This time as the post suggests it's from portsmouth to falmouth. Intend to stay at the premier marina. It a long journey for my 30 ft boat with a single engine. I will not have enough fuel to get all the way so was planing on staying maybe a few nights on the new marina they have just bought on the river dart. I understand there is a fuel pontoon near there. Any pitfalls I should look out for? I understand the tidal rush by portland can be a bit of an issue so am planing to go far enough out to miss it, is that a good idea and if so how far will indeed to go? I know Cornwall is lovely been there before in the car but never in a boat, where should I visit? what bays should I go too, where should I avoid? Any help or advice appreciated. What's the chance of seeing dolphins and seals as this is one of my ambitions to see them when I am on my own boat☺

Lionel

 

[Nigelpickin]

Hi Lionel

You will need to pass the race about 4 miles south, make sure you avoid the shambles also, they're both clearly marked on the chart. You can take the inshore route but its not my cup of tea, lots of pots and waves crashing on rocks

Not tried the new marina at Dartmouth.

I have answered some of the Cornwall stuff on another thread in terms of my opinion re things to do. As you are coming by sea I really recomend a stop over at Fowey.

It does get busy in Cornwall but it's not quite the same as the Solent.

You have a fair chance of seeing dolphins between Fowey and Helford. We had an afternoon with them off Gilly beach in Falmouth while at anchor last year. When there is no swell, when the wind is north or north westerly Falmouth beach, Maenporth beach and Swanpool are fantastic places to drop the hook; you'll be surprised by how quiet it is!

On your trip east back home, I'd recomend a stop at either the Yealm or Salcombe, they are really dreamy places and will whet your appetite for a return west soon.

We have a concierge at work, if you want any recommendations for restaurants, gardens, walks, pubs or any type of attraction; email her and she will gladly put a list together, (mention my name).
she's on
verity@cornishcottageholidays.co.uk



Have a great trip

 

[Robert Wilson]

Dartmouth (extensive, if expensive) and the Ferry Boat Inn above the marina.

And of course St. Mawes - but I'm biased !!:encouragement:
plus
St. Anthony Beach beside the lighthouse (not in southerly - westerly swell n wind), a quiet little beach not easily reached by road.


Pandora Inn, Mylor. Up the Fal, mind the shallows - especially the one right in the middle at low springs. Don't ask me how I know

As well as Portland, look out for Start Point at wrong state of tides and especially The Dodman Point (between Fowey and Falmouth). Go a mile or two out or right in (yards away); best at dead tide.

Good luck, and I hope you have a wonderful, memorable trip.

R

 

[dj43]

We are currently in Falmouth, I would recommend a stop at Weymouth, keep close in to the bill and ok , Dartmouth plenty of space on floating pontoons, a dingy is a must have, we tend to go direct across the bay's, but depending on your range you might find it more comfortable keeping in and making more stops, weather here not been very good apart from yesterday and unable to get a berth in any of the marinas due to the weather, boats not leaving and Pendennis have a super yacht visiting,

 

[lionelz]

Thanks for replies, I have done my route. I have had to change it slightly and am going to spend the night and refuel in Weymouth. I am then going to push on to falmouth. I will be going direct across the bays which will be an adventure in my single engine 30 ft boat, so I need to really watch the weather. I am hoping to go next week, but weather is not looking great, what should I try to avoid any particular winds or tides that I should try and avoid, I know in basic term the tidal flow is east or westerly, I am really hoping to see a couple of good days so I can make the journey. At present it is looking like I may have taken the wrong two weeks off

 

[wonky]

Have you thought about going into Portland rather than Weymouth? It will save a bit of time. Providing you're just dropping in for fuel and a kip. There's not much there!

 

[lionelz]

Has portland got better facilities? I was only going into Weymouth because of the town is have not even booked a berth yet as I don't know when I will be off

 

[wonky]

It's a fairly new marina, built for 2012, so all god marine facilities just very little around the area. Could get a bus/taxi into Weymouth but if you're only stopping for fuel it saves a few miles (not that many in the grand scheme of things though!) I did that trip a few times in my Antares 30 and loved it, just made sure I picked the best weather window, often leaving at 0500 if necessary. I hate mornings but it's special on a boat!

 

[AIDY]

Weymouth can be a pain... You either have to go through the lock bridge or rafted along side the quay. So if you off early and your the inside boat... Make sure everyone knows your intentions... Ones I was rafted 9 deep.

 

[lionelz]

Weymouth can be a pain... You either have to go through the lock bridge or rafted along side the quay. So if you off early and your the inside boat... Make sure everyone knows your intentions... Ones I was rafted 9 deep.

Thanks for that. Might go to Poole then,