After an eventful sail from Dartmouth to Salcombe (see Sailing Adventures: Part 7), we were very pleased to enter the calm of Kingsbridge Estuary. This name is misleading as it is not actually a true estuary fed by a river. Instead it is a ria – a ‘drowned’ valley caused by rising sea levels.
It is a designated ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ and a Local Nature Reserve. It is an extremely popular location for tourists, including hundreds of boaters.
We were fortunate to arrive in October, which is classed as off peak season. It was much quieter than the busy summer months and also cheaper!
The harbour master who came to collect the dues, informed us that the mooring buoys can take up to 5 boats and on the pontoon we were on, there could be boats rafted up five deep.
After spending two nights on the visitors’ pontoon, we moved around to the town, managing to get a space on Normandy Quay. This is only available off season, as it is usually reserved for the many ferries and boat trips which leave Salcombe regularly. Visiting boats usually moor off shore and dinghy in. Even at this time of year, the dinghy park was busy. I was pleased that we could just walk ashore.
Making the most of our convenient berth and the reasonable weather, we walked down the estuary towards the headland. Once there, we were rewarded with panaramic views back down the estuary.
On the return walk, we passed South Sands Beach in time to see the arrival of the ferry. This provides a valuable service from the centre of Salcombe to South Sands, carrying foot passengers, prams and dogs. It is an interesting experience as it offers chance to travel by the famous ‘sea tractor’. The tractor drives down the beach straight into the water and the ferry ‘ docks’ into the specially shaped front. Passengers can then walk across between the tractor and the ferry and continue their journey.
At the end of the walk, we passed the bakers. I know we were not actually in Cornwall, but we couldn’t resist the Cornish pasties!
It’s all looking very good and you seem to be enjoying your south coast adventure. Have a lovely Christmas and safe sailing.
Love John and Heather
Hi John and Heather,
Great to hear from you both.
We had a brilliant trip to the south coast. We were actually away for just over 7 weeks and learnt lots!
Back in Ipswich now and berthed up at the marina for winter. Still working on boat jobs, so not bored yet.
Hope you and the family are all well and have as lovely, but safe, Christmas.
Love Caron and Martin x
When are you leaving the Uk coast and heading into the big wide world ? Maybe somewhere hotter at this time of year.
What is your grand plan, or are you free styling. 😃
☺️
John
Hi John,
The grand plan was to leave the UK in June 2020 and spend two months travelling down the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal. Then pop into Gibraltar, before heading for Morocco for a month or two. Next stop was to be the Canary Islands where we were going to join the ARC+ (a rally of over 100 boats heading to Cape Verde and then the Caribbean). This would have got us to St Vincent by the beginning of December, so Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean. From there, we were to head up the East Coast of America to New Year and hopefully Maine. This would have got us out of the hurricane season. Back to Caribbean in December 2021 and then in January 2022 join the World ARC (rally around the world).
Obviously, as with most people around the world, 2020 has not turned out as planned and we made the decision not to set off this year. We really want to be able to experience the places that we visit and didn’t feel that this would have been possible with the current restrictions.
So all is delayed until 2021. We are hoping that by June/July travel, while not being back to what it was, will be better. However, sailing is all about being flexible so there is always a plan B and even C to fall back on.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Caron
Sounds amazing. Have a lovely Xmas x