Storm damage in Devon & Cornwall marinas?

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Coaster

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We hope to move our boat to Plymouth in 2014. The present berth is very sheltered. Recent storms led us to wonder how the south west's marinas and moorings fared, especially after reading about Darthaven.

Can anyone let us know which other marinas were affected by storm action? How did Mayflower, QAB and Plymouth Yacht Haven do?
 
We are in Sutton Harbour in Plymouth - behind the lock gate! We had 50kts through the marina, 70kts at Rame head just west of the Sound. No damage in the marina that I am aware of. The lock gates are closed throughout stormy weather - boats wishing to transit the lock have to lock through regardless of the state of tide. The water level in the marina is kept low so that boats are less impacted by the wind going straight over the top. We were on board throughout the Christmas storm, we were heeled in the big gusts but totally safe and secure. Its one of the biggest reasons that we are at Sutton Harbour.

I walked to QAB after the storm to have a look, there was considerable surge in the marina even the day after, it must have been pretty horrendous during the storm. There were many burst fenders in evidence.

I've heard no reports of Mayflower or Yachthaven.

Rob
 
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This is my first winter with a boat afloat, and she's at Mylor. I've been glued to the webcam, but with 50kts blowing at Culdrose it was not far off mill pond conditions at Mylor. I'm posting this from the boat now - 20-35kts SSW, and we're rocking very slightly. Easterlies aren't so clever though.
 
For what it's worth given the title and in case anyone looks, Falmouth and Mylor appeared untouched when I was there a couple of days ago.
 
lustyd said:
For what it's worth given the title and in case anyone looks, Falmouth and Mylor appeared untouched when I was there a couple of days ago.
Click to expand...

Easterly winds are the problem Falmouth / Mylor, just starting to pick-up again but WSW 21 kts gusting 30 kts.

Brian
 
Coaster said:
We hope to move our boat to Plymouth in 2014. The present berth is very sheltered. Recent storms led us to wonder how the south west's marinas and moorings fared, especially after reading about Darthaven.

Can anyone let us know which other marinas were affected by storm action? How did Mayflower, QAB and Plymouth Yacht Haven do?
Click to expand...

We have been in Yacht Haven for 10 years and suffered damage this week for the first time, the boat sharing the space between the two pontoon fingers broke her warps and was blown on to our stern quarter, causing chipped gel coat and abrasion. For what it's worth we were the only casualties. The staff were very good and re secured the wondering yacht virtually straight away.
 
oldbilbo said:
Who can offer perspective on conditions experienced on the Tamar moorings just south of the bridges....? These are open to fetch from the south.
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Looked pretty rough from the Torpoint Ferry on Christmas Eve. Then again on Boxing Day, together with all the very large wind blown tree trunks floating down the Tamar. Lots of burst fenders swirling in the tide near Royal William yard too.

Saw a porpoise/small dolphin playing near the ferry chains as well!
 
Robih said:
We are in Sutton Harbour in Plymouth - behind the lock gate! We had 50kts through the marina, 70kts at Rame head just west of the Sound. No damage in the marina that I am aware of. The lock gates are closed throughout stormy weather - boats wishing to transit the lock have to lock through regardless of the state of tide. The water level in the marina is kept low so that boats are less impacted by the wind going straight over the top. We were on board throughout the Christmas storm, we were heeled in the big gusts but totally safe and secure. Its one of the biggest reasons that we are at Sutton Harbour.

I walked to QAB after the storm to have a look, there was considerable surge in the marina even the day after, it must have been pretty horrendous during the storm. There were many burst fenders in evidence.

I've heard no reports of Mayflower or Yachthaven.

Rob
Click to expand...

+1 our boat is in Sutton and facilities and protection first rate, very helpful staff whole place verty well maintained.
 
Pleiades spent most of last winter on the Fal. View attachment 38583
Falmouth Yacht Haven was untenable at times during the worst gales and storms - particularly the easterlies with huge swell on the pontoons and the few boats unfortunate enough to be moored there going like demented rocking horses - walking along the pontoons was extremely hazardous - when it is too rough the Yacht Haven is effectively locked down - the Pilot boats hide over at the main Port. Falmouth Marina (Premier) up towards Penryn is much more sheltered and we rode out some storm force winds there in comfort. Winds blowing down from Penryn direction do raise a steep chop on the outer pontoons however and I had to secure one yacht which had broken free at the bows - due to feeble dock lines. Many boats had squished their fenders and were riding the pontoons or as was the case with a lovely Rustler 42 simply leant over so far in the wind that the timber work was rubbing on the pontoons. So as ever, bigger is better for fenders and use more than decent dock lines if you are overwintering on the Fal. On the outer pontoons I would also try to mismatch masts with your neighbour so that they do not conflict. I have not stayed in Pendennis Marina during winter storms so can't say much about it other than it would be far better than the Yacht Haven. Mylor is very open to East so I would not fancy it there - it was bouncy enough in a summer blow.
Robin
Pleiades of Birdham
MXWQ5
 
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