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Skippered Yacht Charter - Sailing Cruises on a Luxury Skippered Catamaran Climb aboard for a fantastic day out exploring some of the UK’s most idyllic, sheltered waterways on the south coast of Cornwall, covering the River Fal and Falmouth Bay and Helford River. |
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Falmouth
Falmouth is not as old as many of Cornwall's towns and it was not until Sir Walter Raleigh put into the Fal on his return from New Guinea that the expanse of sheltered water in the Carrick Roads became known outside the local area. Before this time it had been used by local fishing boats and, of course, by pirates and smugglers, who knew well the advantages of such a sheltered anchorage.
Truro, 11 miles up the river Fal, and Penryn were both flourishing ports and the proposals for the development of a new port at the mouth of the river were wholly opposed by both towns. However, the objections were overruled and by 1670 the new town of Falmouth had a quay and a rapidly growing maritime trade. In 1688 Falmouth was selected as a Mail Packet Station carrying mail to and from London and the rest of the world.
The port also became popular as the first and last port of call for the big sailing ships of the grain trade and it was only the advent of steamships that stopped Falmouth from growing to be the most important port on the south coast. When at last Falmouth was linked to London and the rest of the country by rail, in 1863, the mail trade had already moved to Southampton and the port of Falmouth was in decline.
By fortuitous chance this decline coincided with the beginning of the holiday travel business and Falmouth, with its striking scenery and mild climate, rapidly became a major centre for tourism, which it has held to this day. The town itself is split into two, with the harbour and town centre on the north side and the beach resort, with hotels, guesthouses and gardens to the south. The long main street of the town runs parallel with the water, and stepped alleys run down to the river giving glimpses of the estuary and the boats. The Maritime Museum is well worth a visit and it features boats moored alongside as well as a land based museum concentrating on the seafaring history of the town. Another historic building of interest is Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII as part of the south coast defences to resist invasion by the French. It is now owned by English Heritage and is immaculately preserved.
Harbour
characteristics
Beyond Black Rock, which lies slightly to the west of centre of the harbour entrance and is well marked, there are few hazards. Keep an eye open for vessels using the docks, on the port side.
Visitors' Moorings
Visitors' Yacht Haven (172 metres of floating pontoons situated at North Quay): space for about 50 boats of up to 12 metres (40 ft) and up to 1.8 metres draught (6ft). VHF radio: Channels 16 and 12.
Deep water moorings
Space for half a dozen moorings exclusively for the use of visitors, the largest of which is capable of taking yachts or other vessels up to 100 ft in length. These moorings are marked by green buoys and are situated nearest the Falmouth side of the main channel between Greenbank Quay and Prince of Wales Pier. These moorings allocated on arrival by contacting the Harbour Patrol or Harbour Office.
Falmouth Yacht Marina (pontoons): proportion of 230 berths reserved for visitors. Up to 70ft; 10ft draught. Off North Parade, Falmouth. Contact Falmouth Yacht Marina; VHF channel 37 (m). Grove Place Boat Park, a boat park where small boats may be launched, recovered and stowed ashore.
Pilotage
Only navigational problem is the Black Rock virtually in the middle of the Fal Estuary entrance. It is marked by a black conical beacon topped by two spheres, erected on the rock, Though the beacon is unlit, the nearby Black Rock Buoy is lit and should be left to port when entering the harbour.
Falmouth Harbour is easily entered at night.
Other Harbours of the Carrick Roads
The Fal Estuary is the third largest natural harbour in the world and the area known as the Carrick Roads extends 4 miles from Black Rock to Turnaware Point with nowhere being less than 1 mile wide. Its huge expanse of sheltered water is accessible in all weathers and at all states of the tide.
The famous Helford River is close by, and the many miles of beautiful waters within the estuary provide enjoyable sailing even when there is a full gale in the English Channel.
The shoreline of the Fal Estuary is broken by creeks and inlets, the exploration of which can be vastly rewarding. But, although the presence of boats at moorings often indicates the channels, those with deep-draft boats would be wise to make their first visit on a flood tide.
There is an 8 knot speed limit in force within the Penryn River, Falmouth Inner Harbour (i.e. all that area west of the docks) and north of Turnaware Bar. There is a 5 knot speed limit in force within the Percuil River and St. Mawes, St. Just Creek, Mylor Creek and Restronguet Creek.
Take care to avoid anchorage or grounding on the oyster beds, which cover a considerable area and are marked with withies.
Penryn
At HALF-TIDE, it is possible to follow the Penryn River as far as the ancient town of Penryn. The Town Quay is extensively used by fishing boats and it is wise to have a word with the Harbourmaster, whose office is on the quay, if you come alongside.
Mylor
Mylor Yacht Harbour was for many years the smallest Royal Navy dockyard in the country. There are impressive facilities, including a well-stocked chandlery, a fuelling berth, boat hoist and cranes, workshops and a visitors' pontoon.
Malpas & Truro
Vessels bound for Malpas and Truro may anchor outside the navigable channel, and may lay alongside Town Quay, Truro outside the Harbourmaster's Office. The Harbour Office also monitors Channel 12 VHF (call sign Carrick One). There are a number of deepwater fore and aft yacht moorings for large yachts 40-100 feet LOA in addition to the visitors' moorings at Malpas. For those wishing to anchor, please remember to keep dear of the channels and fairways, and show anchor lights and/or shapes. Good anchorages can be found at Channels Creek, (although you may have to move if a laid up vessel is entering the port) Kea Rech, Coombe Creek and Tolverne.
St
Mawes
St Mawes boasts a wide entrance, the only hazard being Lugo Rock which is always covered and is marked by a South Cardinal buoy. No boats to lay alongside quay steps except for embarkation and disembarkation. Visitors' moorings by arrangement.
Helford River
The Helford River offers a straightforward approach, the only danger being a reef to the north of the entrance known as August Rock. or The Gedges. lt is marked by a green conical buoy (Fl G.5s). Further upriver, the channel to Gweek looks formidable but is in fact well marked with port and starboard-hand top marks.
Stithians Lake
Situated deep in the heart of Cornwall, only three miles from Redruth and 7 miles from Falmouth, and is best reached off the A30 through Redruth. Although it is only 170m above sea level, the 270 acre lake is one of the windiest places in England and the prevailing south westerly winds blow cross shore, providing superb sailing for improvers and experts. Stithians is not just for the experienced sailor, however, and the Centre provides tuition by qualified instructors.
There is an extensive array of equipment available for hire to suit all levels of ability and there is rescue boat cover during the day. There is plenty of car parking space and a large lakeside area for rigging and launching as well as a slipway for larger craft. Showers and changing facilities are available.
THE EAST COAST
Mevagissey
Mevagissey is one of Cornwall's most photographed old fishing harbours, and has the distinction of remaining a true fishing harbour. Up to 50 fishing boats sail out of the harbour, and tourist craft add to the inevitable congestion in high season. As a consequence, berths for visitors are reasonably difficult to obtain.
The harbour is well protected from the weather, with the notable exception of a southeasterly wind. In such winds a strong swell makes the outer harbour dangerous, and entrance should never be attempted because seas can break off the mouth. There are submerged rocks to the north and south of the harbour and on both sides of the north pier. Once ashore, facilities for visitors are good.
Harbour
Characteristics
The Inner harbour and sides of the outer harbour dry out, though a central area remains in which boats can stay afloat.
Visitors' Moorings
Provision made on South Pier. Temporary berths needed by fishing craft must be vacated immediately. VHF Channel 16. A safe anchorage is available off the harbour wall in calm conditions of offshore winds. Moorings for visiting boats up to 18 feet in length are available throughout the season. Owners to enquire at Harbour Office.
Visiting craft should moor alongside South Quay, and owners/masters report to the Harbourmaster.
Pilotage
Approach and entry are uncomplicated, subject to weather conditions mentioned above.
Fowey
Fowey, like Falmouth, has an outstanding and extensive natural harbour, which makes it one of Cornwall's primary sailing centres. Its size ensures that it is rarely uncomfortably congested, and there are facilities for all types and sizes of craft.
The River Fowey is a long, navigable river with numerous inlets and creeks, extending north to the historic town of Lostwithiel. Deep water extends as far as the north end of Wiseman's Reach; above this point the river can dry out and should be navigated with caution and with regard to the tide tables.
The town and its twin on the east bank of the river, Polruan, is a commercial port, largely concerned with the shipment of china clay. More than a million tonnes are exported annually in 500 ships. The commercial jetties to the north of Bodinnick on the west side of the river are privately operated and must not be used by visiting craft.
Information and assistance can be obtained from the Harbourmaster's office on Albert Quay and it is here that harbour dues are paid. During the summer months the Boat Marshall is afloat in the Harbour Patrol boat to assist and collect harbour dues. VHF Channel 12.
A water taxi is operational in the summer, called on VHF Channel 06, for ease of getting ashore.

Harbour Characteristics
Approach and entry are straightforward in any conditions and at any state of the tide. If required, there are Fowey Harbour Commission pilots on 24-hour call. Foot passenger ferries cross the harbour between Fowey and Polruan, with a car ferry upriver at Bodinnick.
Visitors' Moorings
Visitors' pontoons provided by the harbour commissioners. Moorings are white and marked FHC VISITORS, and are situated at the north end of Polruan Pool and on the east side of the river opposite the town and at the entrance to Pont Creek. Multi-berthing may be required at busy times. RNSA has a swinging mooring (members only) at north end of Polruan Pool. Anchoring permitted at direction of Harbourmaster, depending on movement of commercial shipping. Harbour Office is on Albert Quay; open weekdays 0900 to 1700 hrs, Saturday 0930 to 1200 hrs. VHF Channel 12.
Pilotage
Deep water harbour channel, 200 metres wide, kept clear for commercial shipping. Pilotage is compulsory for any craft over 37.5 feet. Pilots operate on VHF Channel 9.
Looe
East Looe and West Looe stand on either side of a tidal river, together forming one of south east Cornwall's major tourist centres. One of the resort's outstanding attractions is a fine land-locked harbour formed by two rivers which unite just above the town, and there is an equally fine seven-arched. Bridge spanning the river and uniting the two communities. The harbour entrance is picked out by the distinctive banjo-shaped pier. The harbour itself is a drying one, and primarily caters for a fishing fleet of 35 boats and pleasure craft Looe is also notable for its dinghy sailing, the sailing club having hosted a series of national championships, and for its shark fishing. The Shark Angling Club of Great Britain has its headquarters here.
For small craft of up to 16ft the river is navigable at high water for perhaps 2 miles, though the river itself runs almost to Liskeard 9 miles to the north. For larger boats, the bridge provides an effective stop.
The town is well supplied with shops and facilities, but no great provision is made for visiting yachters.
Harbour
Characteristics
Landlocked, drying harbour, largely used by fishing boats and other commercial craft and by pleasure craft. Looe Island - also known as St. George's Island - lies 300 metres from the harbour entrance, but approach and entry remain uncomplicated.
Visitors' Moorings
Quayside berth on port-hand side, marked yellow, can cater for small boats further upriver. Commercial activities preclude anchorage in harbour middle.
Pilotage
Rocks to port side of harbour entrance and to west side of beaches are marked; flashing light at night. Nailzee Rock, close under cliffs, submerged at high tide, also marked.
Torpoint
Torpoint Marina stands just inside the western bank of the River Tamar, facing Plymouth's great naval dockyard. Although not a holiday resort, its situation makes it a natural centre for sailing as well as for sea and river angling.
The town itself has no harbour as such, but in recent years the 200-year-old Ballast Pound, a scheduled ancient monument, has been developed into a yachting harbour capable of accommodating up to 100 craft.
The
Ballast Pound is a square tidal harbour on the foreshore, 3 miles from
the breakwater. Built by the Navy Board in 1784 as a shelter for ballast
barges which served the sailing ships of that day, it consists of four
240ft walls enclosing 1.25 acres of water. Access to the river can be
gained at every tide through a 35ft entrance on the seaward side. The
River Tamar itself is navigable well past the ancient town of Saltash
where the twin Tamar and Royal Albert Bridges span the river between Cornwall
and Devon. Just beyond the town the St. Germans (or Lynher) River branches
off west to St. Germans, Cornwall's ecclesiastical capital, offering a
further 5 miles of creeks and tributaries. Outside the breakwater, there
are anchorages off Kingsand and Cawsand for those not wanting to venture
upriver.
Harbour Characteristics
Ballast Pound is well sheltered and the channel has been dredged to 6ft below chart datum and is accessible at all states of the tide.
Visitors' Moorings
Pontoon moorings on deep water are available as well as quayside moorings for vessels able to take the ground.
Pilotage
Normal charter pilotage from Plymouth breakwater, through the narrows, to west bank of River Tamar, Ballast Pound quarter of a mile downstream from chain ferry. Bearing 31 0°T from Battery Buoy in the narrows.
Errors & Ommissions excluded. Please verify all information
before using.
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