Fowey: An Unfailing Cruising Spot that Always Delivers Enjoyment
Thrilling Escapade: An Unexpected Adventure Along Cornwall and Devon's Shore
Sometimes, a rigid plan needs a spontaneous twist, and that's exactly what happened to my wife Jillie and me on our latest boating extravaganza. Initial plans to sail to the Isles of Scilly took an unexpected detour, leading us to a series of extraordinary, sunshine-bathed voyages along Cornwall and Devon's coastline.
After last year's aborted trip to the Isles of Scilly due to unpleasant weather, we were determined to give it another go this year. Armed with our boat, Molly, and meticulous preparations — fuel, water, food, and a prime weather window — we set sail on June 16. But the weather had other ideas; the closer we approached the Lizard, the cloudier and choppier the sea became.
Unwilling to risk another three hours of cloudy skies and facing a potentially nasty journey to the Isles of Scilly, we decided to turn back to Fowey. The forecast crystalized our decision: brighter skies and lighter winds awaited us along Cornwall and Devon's coastline. An unforeseen electrics issue with Molly also played a role in our change of plans.
Warm Welcome in Fowey
Fowey, a charming town we've visited numerous times, soon welcomed us. We secured a spot on a mid-river pontoon, parked our boat next to the lifeboat, and settled in. Despite Fowey's allure, we relished our independence, grilling steaks on our Lotus barbecue, popping open beers, and enjoying gin and tonics.
Waking up to a sun-drenched day, we embarked on our eastbound journey. Our first stop was Cawsand, still within Cornwall's jurisdiction but boasting pristine beaches, adorable cafes, and a sheltered anchorage — although the evening's northwesterly wind made for an uncomfortable first night.
Walking in the Footsteps of History
Intrigued by Mount Edgcumbe's imposing profile across the Tamar River, we decided to explore the former stately home and its grounds while in Cawsand. The scorching heat didn't deter us, and the breathtaking scenery, stunning surroundings, and captivating views made the trek well worthwhile. A refreshing swim followed, and we cooled off before indulging in a leisurely lunch at the Orangery.
Breakfast and Beyond
For our second morning in Cawsand, we opted for a slower start and breakfast ashore at Olives, a lovely caf nelly adjoining Kingsand, offering outdoor seating with picturesque sea views. The tussle with gulls made the Artful Dodger's escapades seem tame, but the exceptional breakfast certainly outweighed any avian opposition.
Adventure Continues in Devon
Heading northeast, we meandered along the coast, pausing at Burgh Island and Bantham Beach before reaching our next destination, Hope Cove. Devon's counterpart to Cawsand, Hope Cove was a tranquil oasis, with calm anchorage waters, sandy beaches, and quaint cottages.
Salcombe, Dartmouth, or Fowey?
As our batteries continued to exhibit some issues, we considered our remaining options: Salcombe, Dartmouth, or our familiar homeport, Fowey. Ultimately, Fowey proved the logical choice, despite its longer journey — a two-and-a-half hour voyage filled with apprehension as we monitored the batteries and minimal power usage. The fridge was turned off, and we opted to manually steer without the autopilot for added peace of mind.
Fowey and a Final Solution
Despite the tension on the journey, we safely reached Fowey and plugged into the shorepower at Mixtow Pill. The gargantuan cruise ship, The World, dominated the harbor, earning our respect for its impressive docking skills.
Back in Fowey, I conducted a thorough investigation of Molly's electrics. The problem turned out to be a loose connection on the alternator, which I fixed with a bit of elbow grease. A new set of solar panels were later installed to ensure our electrical system remained robust for future trips.
Our unexpected coastline adventure concluded on a positive note. With a passionate love for these coastal paradises, we are excitedly planning our next seafaring escapade along the picturesque shores of Cornwall and Devon.
- Even though our initial plan was to sail to the Isles of Scilly, an unforeseen electrics issue with Molly and the weather's unfavorable conditions led us to chart a new course, exploring the luxury of sailing along Cornwall and Devon's coastline.
- As we journeyed eastbound, we cherished the sports of fishing and swimming at the pristine beaches we encountered, such as Cawsand, Burgh Island, and Bantham Beach, immersing ourselves in the travel and lifestyle this adventure had to offer.
- Upon our return to Fowey, with the help of technology and necessary repairs, we were able to remedy Molly's electrical issues and ensure her luxury yacht, flybridge was ready for our next thrilling escapade along the Cornwall and Devon coastline.
