Sailing in Cornwall

Sailing - North Cornwall Coast: PADSTOW | NEWQUAY | PORTREATH
Sailing - Far West Cornwall: ISLES OF SCILLY, ST MARY'S | ST IVES | PENZANCE | NEWLYN
Sailing - South Cornwall Coast: PORTHLEVEN | FALMOUTH | CARRICK ROADS
Sailing - East Cornwall Coast: MEVAGISSEY | FOWEY | LOOE | TORPOINT
Lakes & Reservoirs

THE EAST COAST

Fowey

Fowey, like Falmouth, has an outstanding and extensive natural harbour, which makes it one of Cornwall's primary sailing centres. Its size ensures that it is rarely uncomfortably congested, and there are facilities for all types and sizes of craft.

The River Fowey is a long, navigable river with numerous inlets and creeks, extending north to the historic town of Lostwithiel. Deep water extends as far as the north end of Wiseman's Reach; above this point the river can dry out and should be navigated with caution and with regard to the tide tables.

The town and its twin on the east bank of the river, Polruan, is a commercial port, largely concerned with the shipment of china clay. More than a million tonnes are exported annually in 500 ships. The commercial jetties to the north of Bodinnick on the west side of the river are privately operated and must not be used by visiting craft.

Information and assistance can be obtained from the Harbourmaster's office on Albert Quay and it is here that harbour dues are paid. During the summer months the Boat Marshall is afloat in the Harbour Patrol boat to assist and collect harbour dues. VHF Channel 12.

A water taxi is operational in the summer, called on VHF Channel 06, for ease of getting ashore.

Harbour Characteristics

Approach and entry are straightforward in any conditions and at any state of the tide. If required, there are Fowey Harbour Commission pilots on 24-hour call. Foot passenger ferries cross the harbour between Fowey and Polruan, with a car ferry upriver at Bodinnick.

Visitors' Moorings

Visitors' pontoons provided by the harbour commissioners. Moorings are white and marked FHC VISITORS, and are situated at the north end of Polruan Pool and on the east side of the river opposite the town and at the entrance to Pont Creek. Multi-berthing may be required at busy times. RNSA has a swinging mooring (members only) at north end of Polruan Pool. Anchoring permitted at direction of Harbourmaster, depending on movement of commercial shipping. Harbour Office is on Albert Quay; open weekdays 0900 to 1700 hrs, Saturday 0930 to 1200 hrs. VHF Channel 12.

Pilotage

Deep water harbour channel, 200 metres wide, kept clear for commercial shipping. Pilotage is compulsory for any craft over 37.5 feet. Pilots operate on VHF Channel 9.

Errors & Ommissions excluded. Please verify all information before using.
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