Day 1 May 5th – Dartmouth to the River Yealm (35nm)

Off at last!

The day had arrived for our departure. Three of us left from Dartmouth on May 5th. David Lewis, Peter George and myself. Having spent the previous day finding places to stow last minute food stores we were finally leaving. We were waved off at 10am by my Bridget, my wife and my 3 year old daughter Sarah. A few friends had also turned out to see us leave; our departure was even accompanied by fog horn blasts from some of the neighbouring boats in the marina.

Our destination for the first day was the River Yealm. A 35NM passage around Start Point, past the Salcombe estuary and across Bigbury bay. It was strange to be leaving the Dart, heading west, in the knowledge that we would not be returning from that direction. This first passage was also to be our shakedown sail as we had had little time to take Dawn Treader out for a trial sail. Whatever did not work would have to be repaired underway.

The journey started with a windy beat and with an almost full spring tide in our favour we made the River Yealm in record time. The Yealm entrance is situated on the eastern side of Wembury bay just to the east of Plymouth. There are numerous rocks to be avoided but providing the pilot is followed, and the transits obeyed, it would not be a problem. There is a well buoyed sand bar across the entrance to the Yealm so care needs to be taken as to the state of tide.

So after this easy first passage, and a good meal in the Ship Inn at Noss Mayo, tomorrow we will be off to Falmouth.

Passage Stats

• Dartmouth -Yealm : 35NM / 5hrs
• Motor-sailed 1hr / sailed 4hrs

Dartmouth to River Yealm (35NM)

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