Temporary base in West Country for the summer

matt1

matt1

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Am thinking of exploring new cruising grounds and moving the boat to the West Country for 6 weeks in the summer. The idea would be to go down at weekends for long weekends and see somewhere new....Falmouth, Fowey, possibly the Scillies? Boat is currently based solent (as am I).

Worst case I guess I could put her in a marina for a month or so once there. That would have the advantage of security, ease of access and parking availability but would obviously be pricey in~season. Couple of questions,,,

1) What other mooring options exist eg for 6 weeks or so and assuming they are buoys etc, where could I park the car for a few days and launch the dinghy to get out to the boat?

2) Am thinking Falmouth would be a good "base" but are there better options, where else would you suggest?

Thanks
 
Hi I am thinking of doing the same next summer from the east coast and leaving the boat down there next winter to go across to France the following year. So would also be interested in best place to winter boat in SW
 
Usually several moorings available at our YC at Cargreen, River Tamar. No facilities, except clubhouse, water and somewhere to park your car and dinghy. I'm sure the Moorings Officer would do you a good deal.
 
You could try calling Mayflower Marina. They have some flexible berthing packages for summer visitors that may meet your needs. 30 day flexible berthing package is £59 per metre which doesn't seem too bad compared to daily charges elsewhere.
 
I would advise forgetting Fowey from the point of view of mooring for a month or two , although it's fine for a few days or a week as a visitor on the swinging moorings or pontoons.
As mentioned Mayfower is worth looking at but is way more expensive than Cargreen.
i have moored at both.
Cargreen usually has moorings avialable as a member or a visitor but lies 6nm up river or about 90 mins from the Sound. However it's also very good value.
It depends on what you want and how much you can afford and also what sort of access to the boat you want.
Mayflower like any marina offers all tide access and walk on walk off accessibility.

Cargreen offers great value for money but access is not so good , you are on a swinging mooring with no power etc.

Mylor like any marina is fine but you will pay for it.

Forgotten where you are travelling from but I would guess approaching Plymouth from the A38 v Falmouth will be at least another driving hour , perhaps a bit less if coming down the A30.

In Plymouth there are other places you might consider.
Southdown marina pricewise will lie between Mayflower and Cargreen but does not have all tide access.

You could also look at a swinging mooring with Huggins at or around Torpoint.

In Plymouth there are other marinas , Plymouth Yacht Haven , Queen Anne's Battery , Sutton Harbour and King Point.

You could also see if the Cattewater has any swinging moorings available.
 
Hi

We moored (swinging Mooring) at Weir Quay (not far from Cargreen on the taymar).

Good safe mooring, lovely people running the yard, water taxi, and they check the moored boats daily.

We stayed for 6 weeks last year.

Good luck
 
Once you get past Lyme Bay, the distances are not great, so factors such as fees, convenience and parking might take priority.
 
fisherman said:
I think Gweek Quay boatyard is £1.86/mt/week, if you don't mind being tidal and taking the ground. Space to park, secure etc.
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Just at present, Gweek is in a state of considerable disrepair as they are part way through a major structural 'improvement' . Hope it will return to it's previous status soon and in time for next year. In the meantime we opted not to put our boat there this winter. Work will restart next year I believe.
 
Yes, I didn't know it was affecting space, which would be alongside in this case. Since he wants to go out occasionally I wonder about Newlyn, on the pontoons. I rather expect they only have a nightly charge which would be excessive, but might be worth an ask. No yachty facilities to pay for but secure enough, cctv etc.
 
Mylor's good and there's a water taxi should you wish to use it. There's parking (pay per day unless you can find a spot on the road) and slipways to launch your own dinghy (again, chargeable). In the same bit of water though, and accessed using the same water taxi, are moorings administered by Truro HM so it might be worth giving him a call as I'm sure it would be cheaper. If you plan to use the water taxi (operated by MYH) I suggest that the operating times work for you if you're travelling a distance - or keep the dinghy in the boot just in case.
 
matt1 said:
Am thinking Falmouth would be a good "base" but are there better options, where else would you suggest? Thanks
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I'd consider basing yourself in the Plymouth area. It's shorter and quicker by road than Falmouth or Fowey and from a sailing perspective gives you more options. From Falmouth and whilst the immediate area (Carrick Roads, Helford River) is fantastic, for a longer weekend sail, you'd probably always turn left (East) unless heading for the Scillies. Plymouth offers left (R. Yealm, Salcombe, Brixham, Dartmouth and Torbay) or right (Polperro, Fowey, Mevagissey, Falmouth and the Helford). Not many Falmouth based yachts seem to turn right past the Lizard just for a weekend (Newlyn and Penzance).

If you're content with a swinging mooring, it may be worth making contact with various yacht Clubs - they may know of someone who plans to be away for the summer and they may consider sub-letting the mooring.
 
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