Yachting Monthly - July 2018

N

BRIXHAM

0 1nm

Torquay

Marina

Torbay Controlled Area

Marine

Farms

Mew Stone

Cod Rk

East Thatcher Rk

Shag

West

Shag

Hope Hope’s Nose

Cove

Tor Bay

Ore Stone

Torquay Lead Stone or Flat Rk

Berry Head

Churston

Point

Breakwater

Inner harbour

Outer harbour LH

Paignton

Roundham Head

Brixham

Marina

N

Controlled Area

Main Fairway

Outer

harbour

Oxen

Cove

Inner

harbour

Fish quay

MVF Basin Town pontoon

LH

Brixham

Marina

0 2 cables

Yacht

Small craft moorings

moorings

Wave screen

Fishcombe

Cove

A

C

B

DE

F

GH

I

5

5

5

Brixham YC

Victoria Breakwater

PILOTAGE

This welcoming harbour is accessible

at all times of the day and at all states

of tide. Pilotage is straightforward,

although beware of trawlers and

ferries coming in and out of the

harbour. There are also controlled

areas in Tor Bay, mainly for swimmers

and waterskiing and marked by buoys

(May-Sept). There’s good shelter

but the outer harbour can become

uncomfortable in north-westerlies.

On approach, the first sighting is

of the long Victoria Breakwater at

the end of which is a white lighthouse

(Oc R 15s). Once rounded, you arrive

at the main fairway which is marked

by port and starboard buoys.

On either side of the channel are

several swinging moorings, and as

you progress you will see the modern

trawlers and the walled fishing

harbour to starboard. Opposite

the fishing harbour is the marina.

The marina is conspicuous by a

large wave screen. The eastern end

is marked by two Fl G 5s vert lights,

and the south-western end by 2 Fl R

5s vert. Most of the marina pontoons

are accessed at the south-western

side of the wave screen (A-F, with

A being closest to the shore; G-I

are accessed from the eastern end).

At the point where the wave screen

is to port, the marina events pontoon

is straight ahead and to the right

of the events pontoon is the town

pontoon, where the Heritage Trawlers

are berthed. Further off to the right,

there is an inner harbour with local

drying moorings and a wall for repairs.

MOORING

The swinging moorings on either side

of the main fairway are for local boats

and not available for visitors. This is

also the case for the inner harbour.

Anchoring is permitted to the north-

west of the fairway, seaward of the

moorings. It is uncomfortable in north-

westerly winds and there can be

swell if the wind is coming from the

north or north-east. No anchoring

allowed in the harbour itself. On

arrival, contact the harbour office

prior to entering the fairway. http://www.

tor-bay-harbour.co.uk; 01803 853321;

VHF: Ch 14 BRIXHAMHARBOUR.

MARINA FACILITIES

BRIXHAM MARINA

The 485-berth MDL marina found in

the south-east corner of the harbour

offers convenience and good shelter

from south-westerly winds. Call ahead

as it can be busy at peak times of the

year. There are a range of facilities

including wifi, laundrette, showers,

waste and recycling, electricity, water,

diesel (petrol is available in cans from

the garage or alongside in Torquay)

and chemical toilet disposal. There

is a 50-tonne hoist. Gas is available

from Bayside Marine Chandlery which

delivers to the marina.

The marina also has an events

pontoon which is shore linked. It

is available for boats to raft up for

events. There is no electricity or

water but you can use the marina

facilities. http://www.brixhammarina.co.uk;

01803 882929; VHF Ch 80

BRIXHAM MARINA.

TOWN PONTOON

Contact the Harbour Authority

for availability, checking that your

draught is suitable. The pontoon

offers water and electricity and

a place to leave your tender. There

are no facilities but showers are

available for a small donation from

the local yacht club. Be aware

of the depth at low water towards

the shore side of the pontoon.

BRIXHAM YACHT CLUB

It has a number of options including

two island pontoons which can

accommodate four larger yachts

(up to 40ft). Smaller craft can raft

up. A water taxi service is available,

otherwise you will need a dinghy to

get ashore. http://www.brixhamyachtclub.

com; 01803 853332.

DAY SAILS

Torquay is just a short four-mile sail

across the bay from Brixham. Either

stay in the harbour or head to one

of the anchorages beyond Hope’s

Nose at Hope Cove, Anstey’s Cove

or Babbacombe Bay.

Just 11 miles away is the beautiful

River Dart, with its castles and

colourful houses on either side.

There is a wide choice of berthing

up and down the river.

CHARTS AND GUIDES

Admiralty Leisure Folio 5602;

Imray Chart Pack 2300;

West Coast Cruising Companion,

8th edition, by Mark Fishwick

(Fernhurst, £34.99).

A LONG WEEKEND

THE

LOCA L

PI LOT

Brixham

Torquay is a short sail away

and other quiet coves are

within easy reach

Moorings in the inner harbour

are not available to visiting yachts