Name: Plymouth Sound
Mission Statement: Discover the delights of this stunning location
Trail Introduction: Take the opportunity to discover the fascinating maritime history of this naval port as well as visiting some great beaches. Along with the chance of seeing dolphins this trail makes for a wonderful day out in clear blue waters and beautiful scenery
About the Area:Plymouth Sound is a beautiful natural harbour at the meeting point of the Rivers Tamar and Plym. Originally a small town, and a centre of fishing and trade it is now home to the largest naval base in Western Europe.
The first Englishman to circumnavigate the world was Sir Francis Drake aboard the Golden Hind. Setting sail from Plymouth, with five other vessels on a journey which would take almost three years, they passed Cape Horn and headed across the Pacific. On his journey Drake plundered Spanish ports and treasure ships until he made it back to Plymouth with only 59 of the original 170 crew members on board, along with a rich cargo of spices and Spanish treasures.
The Pilgrims left for The New World on the Mayflower in 1620 from Plymouth to search for a new life in America. Amongst the 102 passengers and 30 crew were both British and Dutch nationals. There were even some unaccompanied children sent by their families to be looked after by the adults.
Charles Darwin left Plymouth in 1831 on a five-year journey on HMS Beagle, that formulated his thoughts on natural selection and resulted in his book, ʻThe Origin of Species’. Darwin visited four continents, spending his time collecting specimens and investigating local geology. Rather than a eureka moment, it was the steady accumulation of observations that led him to draft his first account of evolution. During the voyage Darwin suffered dreadfully from sea sickness.
The mile-long breakwater took 29 years to complete and about 4 million tonnes of rock to construct. Started in 1812, it was created to protect the fleet during the Napoleonic wars and has protected the anchorage and ships within ever since.
Plymouth made a significant naval contribution during both World Wars with ships taking part in the Battle of Jutland, Battle of the Atlantic and the D-Day landings.
Grading: For advanced and experienced dinghy cruisers only. Users should be aware of the many hazards of The Sound. Use of a chart and additional research is highly recommended for safe passage.
Round Trip Distance: 15 miles
Approximate Time that the Trail will take: 6 hours
In a Wayfarer or similar in F4 winds
OS Map or Chart:OS 201 Admiralty Chart 30
Trail Details:
This map is for information use only, not for navigation.
START / FINISH
1 Launch from the slipway and head east around the Mount Batten Peninsular towards Plymouth Hoe
2 From here, head towards the privately owned Drakes Island keeping well clear of the cross channel ferries.
3 Sail around the north of the island and then head south.
4 The Bridge (near point 4), is a shallow reef which links Drakes Island and
the Cornish mainland. During World War I this reef was incorporated into the port’s defences, with the addition of concrete pyramids. These appear above the waterline as the tide drops. Go through the poles for safe passage. This is critical to safety. Avoid at all costs the concrete pyramids at low water.
5 Pause for lunch at one of the local eateries at Kingsand. Haul up on the pebble beach, which is sheltered anchoring for westerlies. Local bylaws require all boats to be hauled out – they are not permitted to remain at anchor.
6 Sail past the breakwater – smaller boats can sail inside past the breakwater fort.
7 Take a break to build sandcastles on Bovisand beach. If Bovisand Beach is crowded, there is a quieter beach just to the south.
8 Jennycliff Bay is your last pause before heading back to the start. Haul out on the pebble beach, sheltered anchoring for easterlies
Essential research
Trip Extensions:
Take a dip overlooking Plymouth Harbour, Tinside Lido everyoneactive.com/centre/tinside-lido
Launch Point Lat and Long: 50.35964 -4.12621
Launch Point What3Words: https://what3words.com/pack.pies.rocky
Launch Information: Postcode: PL9 9SJ
Costs to launch
Tidal Information:
Things about the tides that are needed to know
Best Tides:
Comma Separated list of the HIGH TIDE times which are best for this dinghy cruise
For instance;
lunchtime high tide = 12,13,14,15
lunchtime low tide = 5,6,7,8
Towing Vehicle Parking:
How and where to park the towing vehicle
Towing vehicle Parking: What3Words:
Towing vehicle Parking Information:
Costs and things to know
Trailer Parking:
How and where to park the trailer
Trailer Parking What3Words:
Trailer Parking Information:
Costs and things to know
Toilets:
This is especially important for Inclusivity
Toilets What3Words:
Toilets Information:
Page Month Published:
Dinghy Trail Sponsor: