Advice for launching at Hayle, St Ives Bay

jake 4589 · 07 July 2011, 18:58

Hi guys,

I'm in Cornwall with the wife and kids this August for our annual pilgrimage to Good places, food beer etc

Unfortunately unlike last year the tide times at Hayle aren't perfect for launch and recovery from a trailler on our 3.8m Honwave for planned trips out. It's fitted with the launch wheels, so actually launching into the river at Hayle shouldn't be a problem, what concerns me is I heard last year one of the locals mention getting over the sandbar.

Is it possible for me to get over the sandbar at any state of tide or if not what are the limitations?

Cheers

Jake

Razorbill · 08 July 2011, 06:44

I have my hardboat, a 9m Taskforce on a mooring at Hayle Harbour, I work on 2.5 hours either side of HW, it doesn't seem to matter too much whether it spring or neap tides. Last week I did push my luck at 3 hours; we'd had a diesel contamination problem and were running late!
I suggest you go take a walk on the beach and check out the extent of the Bar at low tide, you will see the poles that mark the outer channel. The bar extends from the second to last pole (when leaving Hayle) across to the eastern shore approx 90-100m.
The channel has been fairly consistent since the recent dredging programme, I have it logged in the plotter so just follow the line in.
What you must be aware of is that sometimes short swells can build up on the bar, particularly on the ebb tide, but I guess you will only be out in good conditions anyway? Always err on the side of caution, there's plenty of water at Falmouth or Penzance to play in too.

Mollers · 08 July 2011, 09:28

Hayle!!!

jake 4589 · 08 July 2011, 17:42

Thanks Razorbill,

Much appreciated as that helps to plan our trips better for when we get down there.

Promised the kids that we'd have a trip to Seal Island (Carracks) and over to Godrevy lighthouse. Strong possibility that we may have to stop in St Ives and support the Sloop Inn during these difficult Economic times as well

We also plan to take a couple of trips out of Penzance as well. The one I'm looking forward to the most is what were calling our Penlee Lifeboat trip. It basically involves visiting all the places connected to the Penlee lifeboat disaster such as Newlyn, Mousehole, Lamorna Cove Tater -Du etc.
Taech the kids about real heroes and pay respects, especially with this year being the 30th anniversary.

Next Year might have to take a look at Penryn and see what the fuss is all about..... can't see it being better than Hayle though

Cheers

Jake