sailing into Torquay and Dartmouth

The final UK 'sailing into' pilotage video features the facilities at Torquay and the River Dart

[@Huisjongste]

In 2019 I was for the first time in Kingswear - after a heavy upwind trip with average windspeeds of about 22-32 Kts from l'Orient with a Dehler 39 a friend just had bought - but really enjoyed that eastside of the river. We also went to the "Steampacket Inn" ; a pub with a very good kitchen! Coincidentally meeting a local fisherman who saw us eating their Scallops in garlic butter - which this fisherman had catched earlier that day! While enjoying some smalltalk about our origin and homeport(The Netherlands - IJsselmeer), and where we were heading (Weymounth) he gave me the advise to stay as close as possible to Bill of Portland in order to save time and unnessacary miles having to sail around Port Ledge. He said: "If you can spit on it, you're doing it right!" So we did! Good tip! I went back with my wife and kid a year later by car (sold the Dehler 33JV at a Corona price ;) ) to enjoy Devon's and Cornwall's coastline by car. I actually rentend a house in Kingswear which beautifully overlooks Dartmouth. (The pink house next to the travellift at 11:41!) The owner of that house is a yachtsman too! There's enough too see and discover over there; for instance a trip with a steamtrain, and open doubledecker and a paddle steamer in that area. Or a stroll to Greenway House(Agatha Christie's place) Anyway: I really enjoy your videos, they're good inspiration for trip to the southcoast! Meanwhile I own a Dufour 44 performance, which is very fast and comfortable, but makes you check your charts more than I was used to due to it's 2.31m draught!

[@SailingGently]

I am so pleased to hear that the video brought back such good memories of Dartmouth and Kingswear. Certainly most Brits agree that Devon and Cornwall are probably the most picturesque counties in England... You gave me good memories in return of the 4 years I kept my boat in Monnickendam and sailed mainly in the Ijsselmeer and north sea when I was living and working in Amsterdam/Aalsmeer... Its one of the best parts of sailing - visiting other peoples countries! Thank you for watching

[@StemtoSternSailing]

No bells and whistles, just an honest story about: This was how I experienced it. Congratulations on your success with your publishing's. Best regards from Jarle. P.s. very well spoken, a somewhat sophisticated general speaking with a wide variety words and expressions stands out these days. Take me for instance, my ramblings are crude and simple with a rather slim spectre of words. This makes the speech in my videos alot less colorful and lively. I envy you this gift of speech. However I'm a Norwegian living in Norway, speaking Norwegian every day, so I guess I have an excuse, but that doesn't make it easier on my audience. So again very well spoken, I enjoyed watching your video.

[@SailingGently]

I just wish I was as good a linguist as you.. your English is brilliant.. I have lived in France for ages but still Franglais! So pleased you like the video. Thank you for watching

[@ozprimo]

The Sailing Gentleman, as always, enjoyable to sail along with you Michael. Also, for us older blokes, an inspiration to get out there!

[@SailingGently]

Many thanks Ozprimo - if I didn't mess about in boats what else would I do!

[@chriskiwi2601]

You are dead right Michael, the world has changed, even here in New Zealand. Great videos, thanks.

[@SailingGently]

I enjoyed my visit to Auckland a while back Chris and am saddened to hear it too has changed... I got my shaft very expertly replaced and lined up there

[@ericbuckner8182]

Just want to say , love the production style. Great video.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Eric - I was not sure anyone would be interested in this video but it seems I was wrong..... Also they were 'lost footage' I wiped a hard drive by mistake and had forgotten there was a back up until I started having a tidy up!

[@ericbuckner8182]

@@SailingGently Micheal i am following your show , with great enthusiasm. Im looking at bene’s in the 40/45 foot and see some charters in the BVI/A and am selling it all for the gypsy pirate life. And your my Jack Sparrow . I want a bow thruster or i would look at the 32s . Tally how my man. Are you planning on sailing back to the med eventually?

[@SailingGently]

Eric I think around 32/6 foot works well if you single hand but when my partner was alive we had a Westerly Ocean 43 and that size worked perfectly for us... The bigger the boat the bigger the running/repair costs is also perhaps a consideration - Fair winds for your project -

[@MrCupidstunt8372]

Hello Sir, I'm sorry that you're experience whilst fuelling up wasn't what you'd expect. Since the Covid pandemic we stopped all staff from accessing the Fuel Pontoon for Social Distancing and injury from trying to pull Yachts in against the wind/tide. We do understand that some people sail on their own though, so if i customer radio's ahead on CH.6 and says they are on their own we will come down and help. In the height of the Summer we can serve over 100 Yachts daily which means we can't always help everybody. We are also currently looking at putting extra lines onto the pontoon which can be picked up by crew. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your stay and we look forward to welcoming you back another time.

[@SailingGently]

Dear Simon, Thank you for your comments and I am glad the video gave you fuel for thought... Certainly the fuel barge operation, like the old steam train, is quaint and perhaps that is part of the charm of the Dart? The fuel attendant, who probably got a 100% refund from the 'Charm School', saw me approaching and scuttled away into his shed until I was moored up... I single hand and do not expect help but am always pleased when it's offered! From 15 years in the Med out of Gib & Barcelona I was disappointed because: I could not see a sign saying VHF06 was your working channel - or if it does there was no response - I remember calling on the radio. I expect there to be adequate soft fendering along the edge of the pontoon to supplement my own fenders. More cleats each with a line attached to suit every size of boat A box or roll of paper serviettes to mop up fuel drips... To have the pump head brought to the boat and handed to me by the attendant so I do not have to get on and off twice. To have the fuel head collected from the boat so I don't..... It would have been courteous to give a hand casting off, as the fast flowing river makes it tricky.. OK much of the above is labour intensive - but if you can't take a joke then perhaps you shouldn't have joined.... To be fair several other viewers of the video have commented how kind and helpful the fuel attendants have been so perhaps my visit was atypical.. Here in northern France almost all Fuel Facilities are DIY working with credit cards 24/7 and very easy for people like me to operate with all the aforementioned facilities. The previous time I had fueled up was in Alderney Braye where the young lady did everything and was charming... Similar awkward mooring. I only write at length because you did Simon.. I was not upset or angry just a little disappointed by the attitude that it was a privilege to be allowed to buy fuel rather than... Michael ([e-mail])

[@lolapalooza5068]

What a lovely man.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@seryenai]

I must say my experience of Dartmouth fuel barge in Aug 2022 was a considerable improvement on yours but I quite agree, a single-handed sailor should be able to expect a little assistance

[@SailingGently]

I suspect normally they are better than my experience but I can only 'film' what is actually happening

[@terrydickinson7252]

Waking up on Saturday in Suzhou, China with a coffee and a Sailing Gently video!

[@SailingGently]

That's a long way away Terry... Pleased to have helped start your day pleasantly

[@richardwheeler103]

Good to hear from you, Michael. I have no experience in the UK but I was thinking along the same lines when you mentioned your surprise with the fueling procedures. And you docked single-handedly two other times and there was no one alert enough to take your line. Anyway, well done by you!

[@SailingGently]

Thanks for that Richard... The British don't really have a service industry when it comes boat - they just charge like angry bulls - I think...

[@kevgermany]

Torquay. Must get there, I believe I was made there, but have never visited. You'll soon be in warmer lands. Looking forward to your loading video.

[@SailingGently]

Made in Torquay.... Sounds good Kevin... I look forward to warmer weather too!

[@tomriley5790]

Lovely video Michael! Nice to follow your adventures!

[@SailingGently]

Glad you like them Tom... The Caribbean awaits - I hope!

[@stephenconway4976]

Just a joy to watch. I hope you are well. Thank you.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Stephen... Glad you enjoy the videos

[@stevev5510]

Entertaining and informative as usual!

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Steve. Glad you liked it

[@TroofNews]

I enjoy your videos Michael. Look forward to the next one and the Caribbean adventure. safe travels

[@SailingGently]

Thanks. So pleased you like the videos - I was not very happy with this one but it seems to be quite popular

[@chemicalcowpoke307]

Nice little run. Thanks for the intelligence.

[@SailingGently]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching

[@andypidsley2688]

Dart Harbour always has availability even during the regatta. Not always walk ashore but the water taxi is very cheap. I have never seen the point in paying more for the marinas. The yacht club is good for a shower and decent food. I am sorry you didn’t have a good experience to start with. I totally agree with the comments about fuel barges in. The area, I am usually on my own and they just stand and watch as you have to handle the lines yourself.

[@johng2400]

I agree, I’ve always managed to find a berth with dart harbour and the guys there are extremely helpful. Outside of the town quay is perfect and cheap as long as you don’t mind leaving by 8.45! The problem with the marinas is so few of the boats ever leave their pontoons that there are therefore virtually no visitor berths available. If Dartmouth itself is full head upstream to ditisham where there are plenty of mooring buoys.

[@SailingGently]

Interesting about Dart Harbour Andy- I didn't do enough research... Just assumed there would be a space free in the marinas... So odd that the service part of the fuel barge is so poor compared to other countries

[@andypidsley2688]

@@SailingGently being on a fuel barge is obviously not the most interesting job but you would think handling a few lines would give a sense of actually helping people. Thanks for all of your great information it is much appreciated.

[@TheAncientMarinersBlog]

Lovely video! Dartmouth is an absolute treasure trove; personally I have always found the guys on the Fuel Barge to be extremely friendly and helpful (but extremely intolerant of fools). The anchorage right outside Darthaven Marina offers good holding and the Council-funded water taxi is only £1 each way. Facilities are available ashore at the Dartmouth Yacht Club, and the town centre has a decent Coop (although the Lidl and fuel stations are a bus ride away up a steep hill). Noss Marina remains a "work in progress" and other than the fantastic cafe/fry-up van halfway up the hill, is a long way from anywhere; in contrast, further up the the river places such as Stoke Gabriel and Dittisham offer plentiful and easily usable anchorages/mooring buoys and reasonable shoreshide facilities. The further you venture up the river, the better it gets...

[@SailingGently]

Your right! I should have spent longer there and explored the upper reaches!

[@johng2400]

Totally agree, I’ve kept boats there for a few years

[@SailingGently]

I only film what I see and just pictured how the fuel barge works but maybe I am not up to the standard they expect from customers - I will try harder should I visit again... It is a lovely destination but perhaps a victim of it's own success -

[@SailingGently]

@@johng2400 I agree John, I think if you live in the area it would be the perfect place to keep a boat

[@studebaker4217]

In Torquay centre there are a Tesco Metro and small Co-op food store.

[@SailingGently]

Is there? I got the feeling they were a long way from the marina but I am grateful for the feedback - thank you

[@richardayres2949]

Lots of midstream pontoon berths usually available in Dartmouth, Dartnav. The harbour master will always help you.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Richard. I didn't know that!

[@andrewlaming]

Darthaven Marina has really good marine services if you need any fixes

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Andrew... It certainly appeared to be a well resourced place

[@billgiles3261]

Having been to both Brixham and Torquay the former is much more lively and interesting. Although Brixham is a bit of a ‘kiss-me-quick’ holiday resort it has better facilities in the marina.

[@SailingGently]

That's interesting - thank you Bill

[@nmorton100]

There’s seems no continuity of the journey. Weren’t you heading to Martinique a month ago?

[@SailingGently]

You right... Still heading towards Martinique currently in Southampton waiting to load.. This video was from footage I thought I had lost!

[@johng2400]

Welcome to Dartmouth fuel barge, Englands most expensive fuel!!

[@studebaker4217]

You should have got fuel at Brixham Marina. On berths, it might help if you add "please"?

[@SailingGently]

I was surprised at myself not saying please. Perhaps I was a bit 'puffed' climbing on and off that fuel barge multiple times although when using 'radio' in work scenarios I frequently don't say please... but you are right to correct me!