Salcombe options

[chris-s]

We are currently in Plymouth and thinking of venturing to Salcombe tomorrow for a couple of nights before returning to Falmouth

We have a small 23’ bilge keeler and would look to anchor off the Fairway or raft up on a mooring buoy if this is permitted. We are not interested in drying out. I have looked in the Salcombe harbour guide but it mentions nothing about rafting, is it allowed? Any limitations or just be sensible?

Or is it just stupidly busy there and not worth the trek as unlikely to find refuge?

Chris

 

[lustyd]

Plenty of room up the river at Frogmore Creek. When we were there they were rafting three to a buoy but the anchorage was empty most of the time. Worth the longer dinghy ride. It’s a very dirty river though, lots of sewage floating back and forth with the tide. Dartmouth is a little further but much cleaner and certainly quieter.

 

[Robin]

Is there still a visitor pontoon in the 'Bag' where rafting is sometimes needed at busy times? I would not consider rafting on a visitor buoy down by the town due to the wind against current swells induced in the river, that way lies potential damage.

 

[Sandy]

I like Salt Stone further up the ria. You will need a dinghy or the water taxi if you want to go ashore. It is quieter and less rolly than the town.

 

[doug748]

Well worth a visit and you will always find room with your boat.

I would keep out of the main "river" as the tide runs quite hard, it can be busy and it is not the best holding. Rafting is not permitted on resident moorings but is very common on the visitors moorings at this time of year. Pick one as near to the town as you can find or you could go upriver, as mentioned, and anchor at Frogmore Creek - tip (particularly with your boat) tuck yourself well into the creek not directly below the Saltstone - where in any breeze you find yourself sheering about all over the place.
I would also look at anchoring in Southpool Creek, where you will find room where the moorings run out and it is handier for town. Neap tides as well .

.

 

[James_Calvert]

If you announce your arrival on Ch 14, typically a harbour master's launch will meet you in the fairway and they'll tell you what's available.

They are very helpful.

 

[neilf39]

There can be 3 on a visitor buoy when busy so rafting allowed. HM launch will advise.

 

[laika]

Per James_Calvert, harbour master will meet you during day/early evening. If you can tolerate rafting and don't want to anchor, they'll probably find you a spot. I always assume summer is going to be a nightmare raftfest which I'm not a fan of and have tended to anchor up near the salt stone. Last year on the way down to the west country we took the buoy option due to a non-functional depth gauge and more boats than I'd ever seen anchored there taking the best spots and we were predictably in (thankfully on the outside) a raft of 3. On the way back though...on a saturday night in the second half of august...not only did we have a buoy to ourselves all night but the one next to us remained free. Weather was rather unpleasant though...

 

[ashtead]

Can anyone advise re the Bag pontoon usage and depth etc? Never been to Salcombe as fear of small dinghies and DFL?

 

[Concerto]

Can anyone advise re the Bag pontoon usage and depth etc? Never been to Salcombe as fear of small dinghies and DFL?

Stayed at the pontoon in the Bag many times. No problem with depth but you can get about a knot of tide. Generally very quiet there. No water or electricity or walk ashore. Use a dinghy or the water taxi.

 

[MikeCC]

Might be busy Wednesday on with boats avoiding Dartmouth Regatta fleet.

 

[KeelsonGraham]

We are currently in Plymouth and thinking of venturing to Salcombe tomorrow for a couple of nights before returning to Falmouth

We have a small 23’ bilge keeler and would look to anchor off the Fairway or raft up on a mooring buoy if this is permitted. We are not interested in drying out. I have looked in the Salcombe harbour guide but it mentions nothing about rafting, is it allowed? Any limitations or just be sensible?

Or is it just stupidly busy there and not worth the trek as unlikely to find refuge?

Chris

we were there last weekend. It’s not stupidly busy. Rafting is allowed and there were plenty of free moorings for boats under 9m. Only one mooring had rafting - us

 

[clyst]

Plenty of room up the river at Frogmore Creek. When we were there they were rafting three to a buoy but the anchorage was empty most of the time. Worth the longer dinghy ride. It’s a very dirty river though, lots of sewage floating back and forth with the tide. Dartmouth is a little further but much cleaner and certainly quieter.

....... except its not a river .?

 

[mainsail1]

Salcombe is great fun. Go for it! All kinds of places to park the boat or anchor.

 

[johnalison]

In ordinary weather rafting on a buoy is perfectly OK, as is rafting on the pontoon. Salcombe, although a mad house, can be great fun but just imagine that you are abroad and they are all foreigners.

 

[chris-s]

Thanks for all the replies. After a drizzly rolly motor sail from Plymouth, the sun came out as we arrived at Salcombe and we found a free buoy as well. Sails away and passage drinks!

 

[DJE]

Thanks for all the replies. After a drizzly rolly motor sail from Plymouth, the sun came out as we arrived at Salcombe and we found a free buoy as well. Sails away and passage drinks!

When we were there last year the town was a madhouse - all the pubs and restaurants were packed. But the Yacht Club was and oasis of calm serving good beer and good food. And if you fancy a bit of a hike then the path round Bolt Head is well worth the effort. Have fun.

 

[Yealm]

Water taxi guy said it was generally quiet this year.
At the weekend some 2 boat rafting on the pontoon.

 

[lustyd]

....... except its not a river .?

No, but everyone else understood so no problem. I was talking about the long narrow stretch of water at Salcombe, in case you’re still struggling.

 

[clyst]

No, but everyone else understood so no problem. I was talking about the long narrow stretch of water at Salcombe, in case you’re still struggling.

No need for the sarcasm mate .