Dartmouth regatta possible visit

[treerat]

All

I'm looking at the possibility of going down to Dartmouth this August and taking in the regatta and I'm hopeful for some advice over the event.

I was thinking of taking the family and camping then using the rib rather than the car.

Looking on google earth there seems to be a number of camp sites up river with a couple of slipways close ish - the one that seems to look nearest to a good camp site (that excepts boats) is the one by Tonto Marine Services.

Is this slipway accessible at all tide states or will we be restricted? Are there any other sensible options (we did think perhaps Brixham?)

Will visiting the regatta by boat be a fun way to see what's going on and give us the option to tie up and jump on shore if something catches our eye?

Many thanks

[lakelandterrier]

Hi Andy,
Dartmouth Regatta is great, but the harbour's it's not that friendly for ribs over 4m, as there's very limited room to tie up shore-side. There are 2 pontoons that do not dry - a tender pontoon by the boatfloat, and a seasonasl pontoon by the Yacht Club - but both are always extremely crowded. The only other opption is deepwater pontoons and water taxi / tender to get ashore.

Dartside slip is OK upto 3hrs either side of HW - but don't take any chances or you'll be stuck on the mud for 6 embarassing hours! You're also some way up from Dartmouth. A better solution may be to camp at Far Cotton, launch from the public slip at the Higher Ferry and either run back up to the campsite & ctach the bus back down, or arrange some pontoon space with one of the marinas, or Ribraff on here does offer a launch / retrieve service.
I'll be down for regatta myself. PM me if you want more local info.
LT

[landlord]

Definitely recommend Dartmouth Regatta by boat especially the fireworks. Raft up to one of the bigger boats in the middle of the River and get a front row seat. I have launched at Totnes in the past and had a lovely trip down the river, just need to get your tides right but a nice easy trip, just watch your speed

[John Kennett]

We'll be staying at Vipers Quay in Dittisham from 23-30 August and will probably have a couple of SIBs with us.

I don't know if we'll brave the firework crowds, but we'll probably be out and about quite a lot if the weather is good. Look out for a nearly matched pair of Aerotec 380s!

[ribraff]

Try Little Cotton Campsite at the top of Dartmouth, it's right next to my workshop, Nasher and Davybuoy on here use it every year, fairly convenient for town with launching at the slip next to the Higher Ferry and you can store the trailer on the park for a small fee which is directly opposite.

[treerat]

Thank you all

We'll be heading that way then

Now to try and book and work out a launching schedule!

ta muchly

[woody73]

Hi Treerat

Myself and the family go to Devon each year and the way we do it is based from Brixham.
There are a couple of camp sites very close to Brixham and you can keep the boat in the marina, from there you have brilliant access to Torquay and all of Torbay. The Dart is a short trip around Berry Head and along the coast.
I refuse to use the car all week, down there 20th July can't wait

[Nasher]

Originally Posted by ribraff

Try Little Cotton Campsite at the top of Dartmouth, it's right next to my workshop, Nasher and Davybuoy on here use it every year, fairly convenient for town with launching at the slip next to the Higher Ferry and you can store the trailer on the park for a small fee which is directly opposite.

Yep, great camp site little cotton.
You can launch at the slip, drop the car and trailer back to the site and return to the slip on the park and ride bus.
Or if using Eds services you can throw stones at his workshop roof from the campsite to get his attention.

Not long now Ed, see you in a couple of months.

Nasher.

[treerat]

Sounds like they'll be a party at the camp site then - what's the crack with the service for launch and recover please (Ed?)

Looking for the easiest and simplest options with two kids and the wife in tow.

[ribraff]

Hi Andy

Sorry but i'm not going to be here for the Regatta so would be unable to offer any Launch and Recovery service.
As I say, Little Cotton campsite and the Higher Ferry slip will probably work out as the easiest option, go and see Colin who runs the Kiosk and the trailer/boat park, buy a Coffee off him and slip a couple of quid in the Dartmouth Gig Club charity box and he'll be your pal for life.
That's my tip!

[treerat]

Originally Posted by ribraff

Hi Andy

Sorry but i'm not going to be here for the Regatta so would be unable to offer any Launch and Recovery service.
As I say, Little Cotton campsite and the Higher Ferry slip will probably work out as the easiest option, go and see Colin who runs the Kiosk and the trailer/boat park, buy a Coffee off him and slip a couple of quid in the Dartmouth Gig Club charity box and he'll be your pal for life.
That's my tip!

Always willing to follow up local advice - shame we won't meet but I'm sure we'll be back

Thank you

[lakelandterrier]

"go and see Colin who runs the Kiosk and the trailer/boat park, buy a Coffee off him and slip a couple of quid in the Dartmouth Gig Club charity box and he'll be your pal for life."

Best bacon & egg sarnie for miles around from Brownies inCcoronation Park!