This year the Westcountry cruise explores the stunning Tamar and Lynher rivers. We base ourselves on the public quay at Saltash which offers a wide slip and ample parking.

On Saturday, we hope to take full advantage of the midday high tide and be away by 10.00am to give us two hours to sail up the Tamar River to the historic quay at Cotehele, owned by the National Trust. The house and quay were built by the Edgcumbe family in Tudor times. The quay boasts its own pub which now offers a range of refreshments. The quay is also home to the historic sailing barge Shamrock, so it has a quaintness and interest all of its own. Tide and weather permitting, we may venture further up river where you can see evocative industrial ruins of the old tin mines that were a feature of this area.

Cream teas are an essential feature of the West Country cruise. You won’t be disappointed – plans are afoot to partake of tea on both Saturday and Sunday at riverside venues. On Saturday night we shall gather at the Saltash sailing Club, just a short distance from the public quay. We have been promised excellent fayre at reasonable prices, providing we can promise a minimum of twenty participants. The Club house capacity however is 45 – so plenty of opportunity to expand the fleet!.

On Sunday, we shall sail up the Lynher River to St German’s Quay. This is equally wonderful sailing with large expanses of water at high tide. The quay is unspoilt and tranquil and sits beneath an amazing viaduct built by Brunel. The tide is high at 1410 so a good opportunity to explore the less accessible creeks. There are no refreshments to be had so a picnic lunch will be required. In the evening we shall probably gather at the China Fleet Club for a meal, which is just upriver from Saltash.

And finally Monday, which we shall keep short to allow folks to leave in good time for their return journeys. We shall sail against the incoming tide down towards the Cremyll Ferry and no doubt share a coffee or drink in the pub, which sits on the shoreline overlooking Devonport.

The charge for the weekend will be £15 per boat. Local accommodation is probably best sourced through the Plymouth Tourist Information Office : 01752 306330 or the South East Cornwall Tourist Office : 01503 262072. 

You should feel comfortable sailing in sheltered tidal waters. Outboard engines, if you have one, might be helpful but no worries if you want to rely on sail! Hope you can join us for another great sailing weekend, mixed with the usual social activities off the water.

David Davies

West Country Cruise organiser.

Tel: 01364 631322      davejilld@hotmail.com