Torbay Pilot Notes & Charts

The Following Pilot notes are exctracts taken from www.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk for more in depth information please visit their site

TORQUAY:Approaches Harbour Entrance position: 50 27’.45 N ; 03 31’.72 W Admiralty Chart No 26 ‘Harbours on the South Coast of Devon’ Once in Tor Bay, the daylight approach to Torquay Harbour is straightforward. When you have navigated into the enclosed harbour, the 96 metre seasonal visitor pontoons can be found to your starboard, lying adjacent to the North side of Haldon Pier. Beware, during hours of darkness, the navigation lights can become confusing against Torquay’s backdrop of bright lights! Visitors should contact the harbour office on VHF Channel 14 with call-sign “TORQUAY HARBOUR” for specific berthing instructions. In emergencies or out of office hourse, Torbay Council's Control team can be contacted on (0)1803 550405. Berthing A 96 metre visitors pontoon can be found on the north side of Haldon Pier between May and September each year. This facility is also used for hosting Maritime Events as and when required throughout the season. Visitors facilities may therefore be limited during large events. Visiting vessels will always have the option to berth on Torquay Marina (MDL) (Tel: +44 (0)1803 200210 (VHF Ch80))as an alternative to the pontoons provided by the Harbour Authority. Depending on demand, visitors may be required to raft-up on vessels of a similar size, especially during the peak holiday weeks and bank holiday weekends. There is no reduction for doubling up. Please announce your presence at the harbour office or to a member of the Marine Services staff on the quay-side. Alternatively, please call "TORQUAY HARBOUR" on VHF Channel 14 for berthing instructions. Both water and electricity are available at the pontoon although you will probably need to supply your own extension cable or hose pipe. Electric cards can be purchased from the Harbour Office along with the key to the electric box if needed. There are also shower facilities available on request (0700hrs-1900hrs). Regrettably, there are no swing or trot moorings for visiting vessels in Torquay Harbour, so please refrain from using them. However, as previously stated both visiting and permanent facilities can be found within Torquay Marina (MDL) Tel: +44 (0)1803 200210 (VHF Ch80) Visiting vessels to Torquay Harbour are allowed to stay on the visitor pontoons for up to two hours with no charge. Visitors staying more than 3 nights get one night free.

PAIGNTON:Approaches and Berthing Harbour Entrance position: 50 25’.95 N ; 03 33’.35 W Admiralty Chart No 26 ‘Harbours on the South Coast of Devon’ Paignton Harbour can be readily located, being ¼ mile south of the Paington Pier landmark. An East Cardinal mark, warns approaching mariners of rocks located to the east of Paignton Harbour, whilst a unique port hand mark, displaying the ‘N’ flag, denotes opposite to convention access (ie vessels when entering the harbour keep to the port side of the fairway). A (quick) flashing Red light marks the end of East Quay. Mariners should be particularly aware of the state of tide when planning to visit the Harbour. The harbour dries out at low tide, so any prolonged visits require vessels to be either bilge keel or flat bottomed. Visitors should contact the Harbour Office on VHF channel 14 with call-sign “PAIGNTON HARBOUR” for specific berthing instructions. Alongside berthing is very limited and please contact the Paignton Harbour Office for further advice and permission.

BRIXHAM:Approaches and Berthing Harbour Entrance position: 50 24’.32 N ; 03 30’.85 W Admiralty Chart No 26 ‘Harbours on the South Coast of Devon’ A white lighthouse is situated at the outer end (Oc R 15s) of Brixham’s half-mile long Victoria breakwater and is easy to locate from Berry Head. Give the breakwater end a wide berth, as large beam trawlers can often emerge from behind it and you should then keep to the starboard side of the 75m wide fairway, marked by port hand (FIR) and starboard hand (FIG) buoys right up to the fish quays and the Marina. At night the fairway is covered by the white sector of a (Dir Iso WRG 5s) light located on the southern side of the harbour which has a quick flashing light immediately above it to help identify it against the background lights of the town. The eastern end of the Marina wave screen breakwater is indicated by (2 FI G 5s vert) lights, the south-western end (2 FI R 5s Vert). Anchoring Anchoring is prohibited in the fairway, and the only feasible place to lie to your own gear is to seaward of the moorings, on the west side of the harbour, which is sheltered in all but north-westerly winds but uncomfortable in north or north-easterly conditions when a ground swell runs in. The bottom is foul in places and a trip line is essential. Anchoring is also prohibited in the fairway along the inside of Victoria Breakwater, which is kept clear for the lifeboat. An alternative anchorage, though less convenient for the town, is Fishcombe Cove just west of the harbour. It is sheltered and peaceful in southerly and westerly weather, and also free. On arrival all vessels should contact "BRIXHAM HARBOUR" on VHF Radio channel 14 prior to entering the fairway for berthing instructions. Town Pontoon Limited berthing alongside the Town pontoon is available all year round. Follow the main fairway, keeping the Marina to port and the fishing vessel basin to starboard. Please contact the harbour office by VHF Radio first for availability and berthing instructions.