West Country

[BigLes]

We've decided to head West in August (20th. or thereabouts) in our little 25'. Last year we made Christchurch and back, via yarmouth and Lymington, over the Bank holiday weekend. This year we plan to go further to say Brixham, via Poole, Weymouth etc. (from Chichester).

I'm aware of the perils of Portland Bill (I think we'll go well out this first time) but was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or warnings we need to take into account? Also are there any West Country almanacs or guides to be recommended?

Thanks in anticipation

Les

 

[ccscott49]

Theres a book called "west country cruising" or similar. Go inside the bill, you can almost run up the beach/rocks, its very deep, right up to about 30 feet from the bill and a very comfortable way of going! mkae sure you get the tide right!

 

[Joe_Cole]

West Country Cruising by Mark Fishwick is excellent. Make sure that you get the latest edition, it came out last year. I still keep seeing old editions for sale in chandlers: needless to say at full price!

I got mine from Amazon.

 

[Rabbie]

Joe. My copy of Fishwicks book is indeed excellent but it starts at the Exe then goes west. Not a lot of good for us small boaters from Chichester. Does the new edition differ?.
Rab.

 

[Joe_Cole]

Good point!

The new edition goes East to Portland Bill, stopping short of Weymouth.

It includes Lyme, West Bay and briefly covers Axmouth.

Much of the new edition of course repeats what was in the earlier edition, but he has made a genuine effort to update it. However, for an occaisional visitor to the South West if you've got the old edition you may not need to buy the new one.

Incidently, we've yet to travel East (we're moored on the Exe) Which pilot book would you recomend for your part of the world?

Joe

 

[LadyInBed]

Re: Portland Bill

If going around PB from Weymouth, take the inner passage. You put yourself in more danger negotiating the shambles bank and going down the side of the race than you would ever be in on the inner passage.
The outer passage - 7 miles off the bill is for those coming straight from Poole / I of W.

 

[BigLes]

I've taken the advice and bought Martin Fishwick's book - so I'll be doing some serious reading over the coming week!

Thanls for all your advice.

Les

 

[johmal]

The Shell pilot probably covers most of what you are looking for.

John M

 

[Rabbie]

Les. Me too!. 'Lucy' will be watching out for 'Aramis'. I hope to get to Weymouth which will be a record for my 18 footer. Bon voyage.
Rab.

 

[rogerroger]

Re: West Country - Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is well worth a visit and breaks up the long slog across Lyme Bay.

However, even if your draft is shallow enough I wouldn't recommend the visitors bouy outside so either dry out in the inner harbour if you have twin keels or again the harbour wall if you've got a fin / long keel.

Call the HM first though to make sure he's got a spot. His name is Mike and is possibly the most helpful and friendly person I've met. He's very welcoming to visiting yachtsmen as most people pass the place by.

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk