Your 3 most favourite spots west of the solent??

aquaholic

aquaholic

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Ok, so I have a couple of weeks in August on the boat, cant decide where to go. Moving the boat down to the Solent next week in preparation, all I know is I fancy heading west. The wife would like the Channel Islands, however i dont feel confident enough yet for a 12 hr crossing then managing the tidal races, maybe in another season or two. Anyway your suggestions would be much appreciated.
BTW 1.5 mt draught, marina's not essential but a few 'easy' nights plugged in would be nice :)
 
Well as you go West from Solent, anchorages depend on weather and wind direction, Alum Bay as you leave, Studland, Lulworth, Warbarrow Pool, Mupe Bay, or into Weymouth, either in harbour (rafting deep at this time of year, but great fun) or in marina, then you are into Lyme Bay, so you can either go straight across, or if conditions very good I'll dig out an old thread on following the coastline. Torquay has a marina, Dartmouth is spectacular, as is Salcombe, but go up the Bag (personal preference)....plenty further on,but that should get you going.
 
I have not been into Torbay so cannot comment there but any of the rivers and harbours from the Dart westwards are worth a visit.

Explore the major rivers such as the Dart,Tamar, Fowey, Fal , even find a quiet spot to anchor.

Not been there but commercial fishing harbours like Penzance may be places to miss

regarding the CIs.
Mixed feelings about Alderney. Nice I suppose in settled weather. Would not have wanted not to have been there.

St Helier and St Peter Port both good places to base yourself for a few days. Hire a car and see some of the touristy spots.
 
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Found the post by LJS about Lyme Bay, though bear in mind, with powerboat in mind, not with keel (or same speed, especially to get out of bad weather trouble)......! :)

"creep around Portland Bill about 50- 100 yards off and then hug the coast around Lyme Bay, maybe stop for lunch in Lyme Regis, use a visitors buoy and dinghy to the Cobb, good food and drink in the Cobb Arms. Then onwards past Beer (you could well find Blue Fisher somewhere between Lyme and Exmouth on one of our favourite dive sites), maybe call into Exmouth for a pint, you can always moor alongside me or use my mooring if I'm not there. From my mooring it's only about 20 yards onto Dawlish Warren which has great sandy beaches, but watch out for the currents. The sand dunes are great, easy to find a secluded bit all to yourself even at the busiest times. Have a good explore, there's ponds, loads of wildlife and even a golf course!

Then on to Teignmouth, only go in around high water, but well worth the effort, pretty, good beaches and some good pubs on the quay. Next on to Babbacombe tucked away in the corner of the bay only a few miles away from Torquay. There's a little pier that you can tie up to at high tide, or else anchor 50 yards or so off at low water, with an excellent pub only 50 yards or so away. And a few hundred yards away is a cliff railway, up to the top for some great views. There are often dolphins around this area, an added bonus.

Then round the corner to Torbay, not my favourite place although Brixham is interesting in places, particularly recommended is Brixham Yacht Club, fantastic views of the bay with good food and a good choice of beers. From there a short hop around to Dartmouth, maybe stopping at Scabbacombe sands for the girls to play (watch out for the nudists!) and then into Dartmouth, loads of places to stop, or for somewhere a bit quieter up to Dittisham or again at high water, all the way to Totnes.

Leaving Dartmouth for Salcombe you have some great beaches in Start Bay, Blackpool Sands being one of the best. Look out for the abandoned houses at Hallsands, lots of history there. Creep around Start Point avoiding the Skerries and Salcombe is just around the corner. Look for the wreckage on Prawle point, an old ship which broke its tow some years ago. Salcombe has some of the best beaches in the country with golden sands and clear water, and always somewhere sheltered to moor or anchor.

There you have it, Lyme Bay and beyond in easy steps, all great fun and not at all difficult in settled weather."
 
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aquaholic said:
Ok, so I have a couple of weeks in August on the boat, cant decide where to go. Moving the boat down to the Solent next week in preparation, all I know is I fancy heading west. The wife would like the Channel Islands, however i dont feel confident enough yet for a 12 hr crossing then managing the tidal races, maybe in another season or two. Anyway your suggestions would be much appreciated.
BTW 1.5 mt draught, marina's not essential but a few 'easy' nights plugged in would be nice :)
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Collin, the CI's are fairly boring compared to the West Country. Plus there are loads of tides to work out, when nipping around. Also got locks and stuff to slow you down.

Weymouth has to be yer first port, or Portland if you like. Bit of a slog across Lyme bay, a mobo can go round it and enjoy Lyme Reggis and stuff. Go round the inside of Portland Bill, easy enough. Then I'd go to Tiegnmouth if weather is good. You will get in most any time, short of low springs. The pontoon is ten yards from the beach and pubs, it should knock a few miles off going to the usual haunts. Keep leftish going in.

After that, the worlds yer oyster. Torquay is a bit boring, Brixham better, particularly the HM pontoon. Salcolmbe is something special, if not been before. As is Dartmouth. The more West you go the better it gets. Mind Lands end is a bit of a bummer.:eek:
 
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