After rounding Rame Head and going up Plymouth sound we crossed the 'Bridge' at the western side of Drake Island arriving at the Cremyll Ferry it was time to drop anchor for some hot porridge and a cuppa. 

Anchored at the Cremyll Ferry Terminal

Had a kip and then contacted Mayflower Marina just opposite to reserve a berth for the night.

As winds were from the North I decided to motor up the Tamar for a quick passage and then sail back down.
Lots of interesting things to see as you go up the Tamar passing all the big naval ships on the Starboard side with Torpoint to port. There were three Torpoint ferries working so had to make a dash through in the gap. It was then an easy cruise up to Saltash and the twin bridges. We motored under the bridges and then hoisted the main for a leisurely cruise downwind and river.

The wind picked up as we went further down river so we sailed over to Southdown where there are quite a few traditional boats. After spending most of the day up and down river with a good sail around it was time to go into my berth at Mayflower Marina. Many yachtsmen have commented on the currents that are around the marina so I was interested to discover them for myself. There is plenty of movement in the water around the pontoons but it will depend on the state of the tide. I had spring tides which just means you have to be a bit careful making your landing.

CRINKER at the Mayflower Marina Berth

It was a pleasant stay at the marina, the facilities are good, there is a fuel dock with Diesel, Unleaded and Gas, Fresh water on most pontoons and a chandlery with food and general store items. The private bathrooms were a bit of a luxury and spotless. After having a hot shower I met the MD of the marina who gave me a welcome chat and told me allsorts of local info both on the water and what was available ashore. They are getting ready for the Americas Cup which starts in a couple of weeks. After dinner at Jolly Jacks which is a bar, cafe and restaurant within the marina it was off for a kip onboard. I got the impression that the marina had a great sense of community and a friendly atmosphere from the people I met. There is deep water under most pontoons and some berth holders have lobster pots over the side and one boat owner has reportedly caught a 50lb Conger Eel while alongside.

Cast off from Mayflower Marina at about 06:00 as I had to make the tide in Polperro to be back on my mooring. 

Crossed the 'Bridge' again in the dark. (If you look on your chart the 'Bridge' appears to the west of Drakes Island, a bit of a short cut up the Tamar. Originally this gap was filled with rubble by the Navy during the second world war. They were concerned that the German subs might shoot a torpedo through the gap and up the river. After the war the rubble was left there but they cleared a small channel which is marked and is now called the Bridge)

Crossing the 'Bridge'

Again winds were light NNE so after a short attempt to sail I had to motor to stay on schedule. Reached Polperro a little after 09:00. A good Picarooner roundtrip voyage of approx 40 nautical miles. There are many more interesting things to see and do in the Tamar river so a return voyage will have to be done soon.

 If you enjoyed reading CRINKER'S Log to the Tamar Bridge
why not sign her guestbook. HERE

Short video below