THE ENGLISH RIVIERA
Tor Bay Harbour Visitor Guide
Delivering harbour and marine services for Torbay Council ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Introduction
With 16 square miles of open sea and 22 miles of coastline, Tor Bay Harbour is one of the countries finest coastal water sport locations, nestling within the Western shores of Lyme Bay.
Sharkham Point, located to the It is home to one of the countries South of Berry Head forms the largest fishing fleets, with Brixham Contents Southern limit of Tor Bay, with being an important fishing port, Welcome to Tor Bay Harbour 2 the Northern limit being Mackerel landing the highest valued catch in Torquay Harbour 4 Bay, North of Maidencombe. England and Wales. Marine based Bridge and Cill 8 Tor Bay Harbour Authority is leisure facilities include two large, part of Torbay Council and is privately operated Marinas, with Torquay Harbour map 10 yacht and small craft moorings responsible for providing Brixham Harbour 12 comprehensive and effective populating all three enclosed marine services within the harbours. Brixham Fishing Industry 14 statutory Harbour of Tor Bay. Tor Bay’s location delivers its own Brixham Harbour map 16 The Harbour Authority also favourable micro-climate, which Paignton Harbour 18 controls operations in the three contributes towards the overall Paignton Harbour map 24 enclosed harbours of Brixham, image of the ‘English Riviera’. Torquay and Paignton, each with The Bay is a popular stopover for Maritime Events 26 their individual appeal and identity. boats cruising the West Country Controlled Areas 28 and it is also the venue for a variety This visitor guide is designed to be Tor Bay Beach Guide 30 of particular interest to visitors and of prestigious Maritime Events especially boat owners. It contains throughout the summer season. Ski Lanes 31 general information about Tor Bay The Harbour Authority is proud of Personal Watercraft 34 Harbour and examines each harbou r Tor Bay Harbour and of the quality Rules of the Road 36 in greater detail. It is hoped that this of service. Tor Bay ranks amongst guide will contribute to your safety Stay Safe in Tor Bay 38 the finest harbours in the country and enjoyment of the facilities. and we strive to maintain a high Natural Environment 40 t*OCPBSEBOE0VUCPBSE4FSWJDJOH The Bay offers superb sailing standard. We hope that you enjoy Natural Conservation 42 t:BDIU4FSWJDFT conditions for recreational boating what Tor Bay has to offer . and water sport opportunities. Useful Contacts 44 t"OUJGPVMJOH t4UPSBHF t.BSJOF&MFDUSPOJDT t7BMFUJOH Please visit our harbour website for even more information including, t8BUFSTQPSUT(FBS Local Notices to Mariners, the Harbour Webcam, Harbour Charges, Byelaws, Harbour Authority Policies and Maritime Events. ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk #FBDPO2VBZ 5PSRVBZ %FWPO 52#(tTel: 01803 380 518
1 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Welcome to Tor Bay Harbour
Tor Bay provides a natural refuge for shipping during South Westerly gales, and there are few days History The Attraction Ethics when there is not During the eighteenth century, of Watersports Tor Bays’ coastline, harbours and some vessel anchored before the completion in 1840 of During the 1920s and 30s surrounding waters are a huge the great breakwater sheltering magnificent ‘J’ Class yachts, with resource and highly valued asset for shelter or awaiting Plymouth Sound, Tor Bay provided wealthy owners, raced in Tor Bay which is of vital importance to orders, although the one of the few safe anchorages for and used Torquay as a safe haven. the sustainable future of the the Navy’s Western Fleet. In those Also, rowing clubs have existed at local community. The harbour Bay itself is exposed days Brixham was an important both Torquay and Paignton for anchorages are frequented by to the East. victualling port to the ships, which over a century. Nowadays, the commercial shipping and serviced re-provisioned every six weeks. waters of Tor Bay provide the by local shipping agents and In addition to food, fresh water was playground for a wide range of businesses, highlighting Tor Bay’s also taken out to the ships from a sporting activities including sailing, role as a ‘working harbour’, in Naval Reservoir situated in Brixham. rowing, power boating, water addition to the leisure, tourism Other vessels making history in the skiing, windsurfing, wake-boarding, and recreational aspects of Bay have included the ‘ Bellerophon ’ kayaking, angling, scuba-diving, harbour commerce. in 1815 with the captured swimming and kite surfing. Napoleon on board, and, in 1588, the defeated Spanish Armada ship ‘Nuestra Senora del Rosario ’. Tor Bay also played an important role during World War II. Large D-Day embarkation ramps were built at Torquay and Brixham for use during Operation ‘Overlord’ on 6 June 1944. These structures still remain today. Haldon Pier in Torquay Harbour was an RAF base for an Air Sea Rescue flotilla. Tor Bay hosted the post-war Olympic Sailing events of 1948. The successful London 2012 Olympic bid has witnessed a huge increase in yachting interest, inspiring sailors across the South West.
2 3 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Torquay Harbour 50° 27 ’.45N 03° 31’ .73W
Despite close links with the leisure and tourism industry, Torquay remains a fully operational working harbour and bustling port.
The main outer harbour provides Visiting Vessels Visitors are advised to contact the Launch and Recovery Permanent Berthing Facilities The inner harbour provides 175 both visitor and permanent There are three main options for Harbour Office in advance to check The new outer harbour slipway off Torquay Harbour’s new Town permanent trot moorings which pontoon berthing on the new Town visitor berthing - berthing and slipway availability Beacon Quay offers a friendly Dock Facility has replaced the will soon give rise to improved Dock, with berthing also available during the busy summer months to gradient and extends all the way traditional swing moorings in the pontoon berthing giving modern A seasonal visitor’s pontoon lies on Torquay Marina. The inner avoid disappointment. The demands to the sea bed for launch and outer harbour. The pontoons were affordable facilities with easy alongside Haldon Pier and is harbour features additional of some Maritime Events can recovery at all states of the tide, completed in spring 2008 creating access, plus increased security. also used for hosting a number permanent moorings for vessels occasionally cause slipway delays. with added trailer storage nearby 170 deep water berths, designed of Maritime Events throughout Boat Park Spaces and is located behind a tidal cill. on Haldon Pier. for vessels up to 13 metres plus 19 the season. Please be aware that during peak ‘pods’ for the dry storage of Torquay harbour’s permanent On the harbour-side, the recent holiday weeks and bank holiday Slipway Safety dinghy park spaces are based on The Town Dock facility offers Personal Watercraft. waterfront redevelopment of weekends, visiting craft may be When using the main slipway, Beacon Quay, conveniently berthing for visiting vessels The Town Dock is firmly aimed at Beacon Quay now offers a required to raft-up on vessels of a please take time to read the safety adjacent to the main slipway. alongside the south side of providing affordable berthing and selection of retail outlets, a modern similar size. advice notice. Check the suitability Keelboat storage is situated on the ‘V’ pontoon. the facility is occupied and enjoyed slipway facility and wider quay and roadworthiness of your trailer, south side of South Pier, where Short stay visitors to Torquay by the local community. This also with improved storage for dinghies. Within Torquay’s inner harbour lies check that your boat is sufficiently launch and recovery is completed Harbour are welcome to enjoy a serves an increasing number of via a dedicated lifting davit operated A new toilet and shower facility is 30 metres of pontoon facilities for secured to the trailer and double courtesy period on the visitor visiting yachtsmen to Torquay with by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club. available to all visiting mariners. visitors by prior arrangement only, check that the tow hitch is safely pontoons for up to two hours a visitors’ pontoon, which doubles as there are draft restrictions and attached with a safety chain applied. Cranage without charge. A daily fee applies as a Maritime Events area. Water bridge/cill access will be required. Ensure that you have sufficient For the launching/recovery of after this period, although visitors and electric points are located As an alternative, some visitors helpers and each person is vessels unable to make use of the staying for 3 nights get one within this busy location. may opt for Torquay Marina. competent in what they are to do. slipway, there is a mobile crane and additional night free! The pontoons incorporate features storage compound situated on South The visitor facilities are all accessed Anchoring you’d expect to see on marinas, Call ‘ TORQUAY HARBOUR ’ on Pier. See contacts on page 44. by safe gangways and have water Anchoring is prohibited within such as a trolley park, general VHF Channel 14 for specific and electric supplies nearby. Torquay’s enclosed harbour. waste/recyclable waste receptacles, Fuelling berthing instructions. However, vessels may choose to even davit points for disabled The fuelling station is located on anchor outside the harbour, usually access. The facility has coded the end of South Pier with a to the South East of Haldon Pier or access and is not available to the pontoon on the south side. The to the South West of Princess Pier. general public, thereby maintaining facility supplies petrol, diesel and security and privacy. LPG. See contacts on page 44.
24 Hour Council Emergency Tel 01803 550405 Torquay Harbour Office Tel 01803 292429 (VHF Ch 14)
4 5 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Torquay Harbour
Waste Disposal Personal Safety Out and About Living Coasts There are plenty of waste disposal A number of lifebuoys are close at Beacon Quay is host to several The ‘Living Coasts’ attraction points around the harbour, hand around the harbour to help marine related businesses, plus features a range of fascinating however, for bulkier loads, the in rescuing anyone in danger in the cafés, a restaurant and the ‘Beacon coastal creatures from penguins Harbour Authority can supply water. Ladders, grab chains and Quay’ pub with its own open air to fur seals, puffins to sea ducks large capacity ‘wheelie’ bins on steps will assist with getting out of veranda - ideal for watching the and a variety of other sea birds, request. For the disposal of waste the water. daily harbour ‘goings on’ or simply living on reconstructed beaches, oils or contaminated fuel, a special When promenading around the enjoy the atmosphere of the cliff-faces and an estuary. The waste tank is situated in the harbour, please keep any dogs on a seaside. The town centre is less attraction is distinguished by a shelter on Haldon Pier. If in any lead and keep close supervision on than 1km from the hub of the huge meshed aviary allowing the doubt about the use of this facility, children. Remember, there are Harbour if using the new birds to fly free over your head, please ask for assistance from many harbour attractions to look at footbridge. In town there’s the while special tunnels give stunning harbour staff. but please respect the commercial usual wide variety of pubs, shops, crystal clear views of the birds and operations on the quay and abide restaurants, banks, essentials and seals underwater. by any safety instructions, warning amenities. signs or advice from harbour staff. Royal Torbay Yacht Club Swimming Passenger Ferries The well renowned yacht club was Swimming and diving anywhere Frequent ferries to and from formed on 1st January 1885 by the within Torquay Harbour is strictly Brixham, Paignton and Dartmouth merging of the Royal Torquay Yacht prohibited (Harbour Bye laws). can be caught from designated Club and the Torbay and South departure points around the harbour. Devon Club. It was in 1886 when Angling the club held its first regatta. Fishing within the enclosed Torbay Royal Regatta is now an Harbour is prohibited. However, anglers are welcome to fish from established event and prominent the seaward side of Princess Pier in the seasons events. The Regatta or Haldon Pier. It is always worth fleet is well attended with asking where you can and cannot competing crews from all over fish from – and get some useful the country. tips from the Harbour Office.
6 7 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Bridge and Cill
A half tide cill with pedestrian footbridge spans the entrance to the inner harbour, linking North and South Piers, whilst providing easy access to the town centre.
Two parallel hydraulic ‘gates’ Navigation Harbour traffic control signals Approaches within a fixed cill wall retains the For safety reasons, all mariners located on both sides of the Mariners should keep a sharp lookout water at half tide level, providing should exercise caution when bridge/cill will indicate the for vessels entering or exiting the depths of between 1.0 and 2.8 navigating under the closed bridge. following instructions: Inner Harbour, especially passenger metres within the inner harbour. This is due to the restricted craft accessing North Pier and any The cill gates, which provide a and constantly fluctuating Signal vessels manoeuvring on or off Torquay navigable entrance width of 11 ‘headroom/air-draft’. Navigation is THREE RED LIGHTS fixed & Marina. The 5-knot maximum speed limit should be observed at all times metres, will open (subject to only permitted under the central exhibited vertically and wash should be kept to a operational hours) to provide span of the bridge because the Action minimum. Mariners must not loiter access to or from the inner fixed cill wall either side, presents VESSELS SHALL NOT PROCEED in the immediate vicinity of the bridge harbour approximately 3.5 hours an obstruction and a hazard. or the approaches. TAKE CARE. before, to 3 hours after high tide. Mariners should also be aware that CILL GATES RAISED AND/OR the base of the cill gates is proud BRIDGE OPERATING Operating hours for The bridge will remain closed of the surrounding harbour bed. the Bridge and Cill when the cill gates are in the raised 07.00 to 21.00 summer season – At half tide, on the inner harbour position. However, when the cill May to September side of the cill, there will be Signal gates are in the lowered position, 08.00 to 17.00 winter season – 2.2 metres of water over this TWO GREEN LIGHTS over the bridge will be opened on October to April obstruction, adjacent to the bridge. ONE WHITE fixed & demand for any vessel that cannot exhibited vertically The cill gates will be raised outside of safely navigate under the bridge. these times, although opening An audible alarm and flashing Action arrangements outside these hours can orange lights indicate that the be arranged if sufficient notice is given VESSELS MAY PROCEED bridge is operating. When the cill to the Harbour Office. gates are lowered the minimum CILL GATES LOWERED Missed the tide? depth through the entrance will TWO WAY TRAFFIC IS A courtesy waiting pontoon situated be 2.2 metres. Requests for the SUBJECT TO AIR-DRAFT on the seaward side of the cill with bridge to be opened should be (HEADROOM) RESTRICTIONS access to South Pier. This is strictly for made to the Harbour Office or BRIDGE LIFTED ON REQUEST vessels waiting for the cill/bridge to harbour staff on the quayside. operate to access the Inner Harbour.
Call Torquay Harbour VHF Call Torquay Harbour VHF Channel 14 to request a Bridge Channel 14 to request a Bridge Lift for inner harbour access. Lift for inner harbour access.
8 9 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Torquay Harbour
Key to map 1 Harbour Master’s Office 2 Toilets/showers 3 Main slipway 4 Car parks 5 MDL – Torquay Marina 6 Boarding pontoon and disabled access 7 Inner harbour visitors’ pontoons 8 Outer harbour visitors’ pontoons (seasonal) 9 Royal Torbay Yacht Club 10 Tourist Information Centre 11 D-Day ramps (not in use) 12 Bridge/cill 13 Crane operator 14 Fuel berth 15 Commercial Pontoons 16 Living Coasts 17 Waste oil tank 18 Holding Pontoon 19 Town Dock visitors’ pontoons
10 11 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Brixham Harbour 50°24’.31N 03°30’.85W
Brixham Harbour is located on the Southern aspect of Tor Bay and boasts one of the largest fishing fleets in the UK, plus a thriving newly developed fish market to support it.
Approached from the sea, the Depending on demand, visitors Permanent Berthing Facilities Cranage Personal Safety Angling view of Brixham with its many may be required to ‘raft-up’ on Within Brixham’s outer harbour, The Harbour Authority operates a A number of lifebuoys are Fishing within the harbour is colourful houses cascading down vessels of a similar size, especially there are 250 deepwater swing static crane with a lifting capacity strategically located around the prohibited, however anglers are on either side of the harbour is during the peak holiday weeks moorings, whilst the inner harbour of 4 tons. Please contact the harbour perimeter to assist in the welcome to fish from the one of the prettiest along the and bank holiday weekends. provides for 51 trot moorings. Harbour Office for further rescue of a person in the water seaward side of the Breakwater. South Devon coast. Brixham Unfortunately there is no For availability on these facilities, information, as there are should they inadvertently fall in! It is always worth asking where personifies the classic English reduction for doubling up! Please please contact the Harbour Office. restrictions on the crane berth, When promenading around the you can and cannot fish from – fishing port, mixing tradition announce your presence at the depending on draft and tide. harbour areas, please keep any and get some useful tips from the Launch and Recovery with a modern vibrant industry. Harbour Office or to a member of Advance notice of any lifting dogs on a lead and keep a close Harbour Office. The two main locations for launch harbour staff on the quayside. operations is recommended. eye on children. Remember, there Visiting Vessels and recovery and trailer storage Out and About Alternatively, please call are many harbour attractions to Approaching Brixham outer are at Breakwater slip and Oxen Fuelling A walk around the harbour’s edge ‘BRIXHAM HARBOUR ’ on VHF look at but kindly respect the harbour, negotiate the main Cove slip. When using these Brixham Marina supply diesel fuel will find several restaurants, bistros Channel 14 for specific berthing commercial operations on the fairway, leaving the (MDL) slipways, please take time to read only from their fuel pontoon. and pubs serving delicious locally instructions. quay and abide by any safety Brixham Marina to port and the the safety advice notice. Check the Alternative fuel supplies are caught seafood. The town itself instructions. MFV basin (fishing boats) to Short stay visitors to Brixham suitability and roadworthiness of available from Torquay Harbour retains much of its original “fishing starboard, you will approach the Harbour are welcome to enjoy your trailer, check that your boat is and nearby Dartmouth harbour. Swimming village” atmosphere. The central 90 metre visitors pontoons or a courtesy stay on the visitor sufficiently secured to the trailer Swimming and diving anywhere shopping area houses small cafés Waste ‘Town Pontoon’. Visitors should pontoons for up to two hours and double check that the tow within Brixham Harbour is strictly where the famous “Devon Cream There are several waste disposal contact the Harbour Office in without charge. A daily fee applies hitch is safely attached with a safety prohibited (Harbour Bye laws). Teas” can be purchased together bins located around the harbour. advance to check berthing after this period, although visitors chain applied. Ensure that you have with locally produced pasties. For the disposal of waste oils Passenger Ferries availability to avoid staying for 3 nights get one sufficient helpers and each person is Around the Inner Harbour you will or contaminated fuel, a special Frequent ferries to and from disappointment. additional night free! competent in what they are to do. find local artists painting and on waste tank is situated on New Torquay, Paignton and Dartmouth Strand Quay a statue of Prince Quay. Please ask for assistance can be caught from designated William of Orange commemoratin g from harbour staff before using departure points. his landing in 1688. A replica of the this facility. Golden Hind nestles in the corner of the Inner Harbour.
24 Hour Council Emergency Tel 01803 550405 Brixham Harbour Office Tel 01803 853321 (VHF Ch 14)
12 13 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Brixham Fishing Industry
There are records showing small-scale fishing by hand line and seine-net in Tor Bay since the Middle Ages.
At the end of the eighteenth This includes the provision of fish Despite considerable changes and To the North West of Brixham century the fishing industry in landing facilities and a fish market, pressure on the fishing industry, Harbour lies a Mussel Farm. A Brixham boomed when the for the conduct of fish auctions, Brixham now ranks as one of the programme of ‘aquaculture’ such method of catching fish by for which the Harbour Authority most significant in the country. as this can be found in many of trawling along the sea-bed with a are responsible for the upkeep This reflects the high quality of the the sheltered bays and estuaries weighted net was successfully and maintenance. deep sea fish caught in the Western around the coastline, being introduced and developed. Approaches, including Lemon Sole, suitable for the farming of a wide The history of Brixham goes back Turbot and Plaice together with range of shellfish species. The It was deep sea fishing that over 1000 years and its role as a the valuable contribution now early development and survival developed the harbour area in fishing port is mentioned in the made by non-quota species such of the shellfish are affected by the nineteenth century and by Domesday Book. By medieval as Cuttle Fish and Scallop. many physical and biological mid century, the Brixham trawling times the port had strong trade in factors, including sea water fleet was the largest in England. drying fish and curing pilchards, This has inspired a complete temperature and salinity, Before the First World War which has been recorded as taking redevelopment and improvement exposure of the site, dissolved nearly 300 sailing trawlers were place in 1500. of Brixham’s commercial harbour oxygen and pollutants. based in Brixham. frontage featuring a new, larger fish By the middle of the 19th century, market, with new chill store, The culture of Mussels in Tor Bay Today Brixham is the most Brixham was said to have the grading, display and despatch areas. is an ongoing programme and important fishing port in England biggest fleet in England. The arrival The existing fish market building testament to the purity of our and Wales when measured by the of the local railway system led to will be refurbished as part of the local waters. value of catch landed. The harbour Brixham having a record number project, along with the construction provides areas for the safe and of registered fishing vessels just of a new harbour office, new efficient management of the prior to the First World War. This business offices, storage and fishing industry. later declined with competition processing units. An up-market from North Sea ports, resulting in Restaurant and Fishmonger is the fleet being reduced to as few hoped to complete the project and as 7 by 1930. help to rejuvenate interest in the fishing industry and its’ importance to the local community.
14 15 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Brixham Harbour
Key to map 1 Coastguard Station 2 Lifeboat Station 3 Town pontoon 4 Marina pontoon 5 Oxen Cove slipway 6 Brixham Trawler Agents fuel station (diesel) 7 Dockside crane (max lift 4 tonnes) 8 Golden Hind replica 9 Tourist Information Centre 10 Harbour Master’s Office 11 Passenger ferry boarding steps 12 Ice plant 13 Brixham Yacht Club 14 Brixham Yacht Club visitors’ pontoon 15 Main slipway for trailer launching 16 Waste oil tank 17 New Fishmarket and business units
Lifeboat Pontoon
16 17
ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Paignton Harbour 50°25’.97N 03°33’.35W
Paignton Harbour nestles on the Western shores of Tor Bay situated midway between Torquay and Brixham harbours.
The harbour was established in Visitors Once launching is completed, all Water & Electricity Swimming the 18th century, some years Visiting vessels may secure vehicles should be removed from Water is on supply from points on Swimming and diving anywhere before Queen Victoria’s accession alongside East Quay on the the harbour as soon as possible. North Quay, East Quay and at the within Paignton Harbour is strictly to the throne. Paignton was a seasonal pontoon but please be Trailer storage is limited on the head of the East Quay slipway. prohibited (Harbour Bye laws). thriving fishing harbour for many aware of the state of tide and the quayside, so please contact the Electric cards and tokens are Angling years and some of the old duration of your intended stay as Harbour Office for further available from the Harbour Office. Fishing within the harbour is traditions of seamanship still the harbour dries out! Visitors information. Waste prohibited, however anglers are remain today and the harbour is a may call ‘ PAIGNTON HARBOUR ’ Facilities For your thoughtful disposal of welcome to fish from the hive of activity, especially during on VHF Channel 14 for specific Paignton Harbour provides 110 waste, there are several bins seaward side of the harbour piers the summer months and a vast berthing instructions. trot moorings with 30 outhaul located around the harbour. and quays. It is always worth range of different users enjoy the Launch and Recovery moorings on the harbourside and Should you wish to dispose of asking where you can and cannot benefits of this unassuming There are two slipways in regular all are permanent mooring. Boat waste oil or contaminated fuel fish from – and get some useful maritime gem. use within the harbour, the main parking, dinghy storage and Laser please contact the Harbour Office. tips from the Harbour Office Approach facility being located on East Quay, racks are well provided for on Personal Safety Out and About The harbour dries out at low tide whilst the slipway on West Quay is the quayside. A number of lifebuoys are Paignton Town Centre is less and is well known for having an of less gradient. When using either Passenger Ferries strategically located around the than 10 minutes walk from the unconventional fairway approach. slipway, please take time to read Frequent ferries to and from harbour to assist in the rescue of a harbour, where all the usual shops Unlike nearly all the other the safety advice notice. Check Torquay and Brixham can be person in the water, should they and amenities can be found. harbours in Great Britain the the suitability and roadworthiness caught from the harbourside at inadvertently fall in! When The beaches are even closer, approach to Paignton is made on of your trailer, check that your designated departure points. promenading around the harbour along with rows of brightly the port side of the fairway and boat is sufficiently secured to the areas, please keep any dogs on a coloured beach huts and the not the starboard side. This trailer and double check that the Fuelling lead and keep a close eye on famous Paignton Pier. unusual and interesting feature is tow hitch is safely attached with a Please note that the fuelling of children. Remember, there are marked by a unique looking safety chain applied. Ensure that boats on the quayside at Paignton many harbour attractions to look at seasonal buoy and provides for a you have sufficient helpers and is prohibited. However, fuel is but kindly respect the commercial much safer harbour approach. each person is competent in what available at Torquay and Brixham operations on the quay and abide they are to do. harbours. by any safety instructions.
24 Hour Council Emergency Tel 01803 550405 Paignton Harbour Office Tel 01803 557 81 2 (VHF Ch 14)
18 19 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Below SOUTH QUAY, THE HARBOUR PAIGNTON, DEVON, TQ4 6DT Tel: 01803 558760 Fax: 01803 529362 BEACON QUAY, THE HARBOUR Decks TORQUAY, DEVON, TQ1 2BG Gayle, Adele & Michele Tel: 01803 214305 Fax: 01803 290624 welcome you to.... Café Bar & Bistro Email: [email protected] Website: www.birchellmarine.co.uk • New & Pre Owned Boats At Below Decks we pride ourselves on a warm welcome, • New & Pre Owned PWC’s friendly efficient staff and a fantastic range of great • Servicing & Repair • Watersports Equipment food and drink, all set in the most beautiful of locations. • Chandlery • Boat Storage Situated at water’s edge on the fantastic Beacon Quay development at Torquay Harbour, Below Decks enjoys stunning views of Torbay combined with the comings and goings of the Marina and Town Dock Pontoons. We are JIB SET MARINE TORQUAY HARBOUR bathed in sunlight right up until sunset PWC & Powerboat Training and our heated parasols take care of those cooler days. KAYAK SALES & HIRE Come & try before you buy All our food is freshly prepared and
cooked to order, using the finest and WETSUITS & BUOYANCY freshest ingredients (local wherever AIDS Tiki, Gul, Helly Hansen • RYA Personal Watercraft Course possible). We are fully licensed, serving • RYA Powerboat Course - Level 2 a great selection of Wines, Beers, Cider MARINE & LEISURE WEAR and Spirits. Our range of soft drinks and Saltrock, Balin, Helly Hansen, freshly ground Italian coffee means Gul there is something for everyone.
BOAT VALETING Great food at the best location. Boat washing, antifouling, hand & machine polishing Contact us: Below Decks • Beacon Quay • Torquay • Devon TQ1 2BG 5 BEACON QUAY, TORQUAY t: 01803 211176 m: 07767 830413 Tel: 01803 411106 • www.belowdecks.co.uk TEL: 01803-295414 e: [email protected] Please check website for out of season opening hours w: www.torquaytraining.co.uk 20 21 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk
We have ten ferry boats HARBOUR BITES offering a wide range of cruises and trips departing 26 The Quay • Brixham TQ5 8AW from the following locations: VISIT US FOR •Torquay • Brixham Locally made traditional •Dartmouth • Greenway pasties baked daily •Dittisham Sandwiches and baguettes Throughout the year we will made to order also be running a number of special cruise events including: 24 flavours of Moorland Meadow Farm ice cream – made with mobile yacht •Agatha Christie Greenway real cream and natural ingredients Estate Special rigging services •Dartmouth Regatta •Sharpham Vineyard www.bay-rigging.co.uk •Fishing Trips Whatever you are looking for, Greenway Ferry Services (wreck fishing, mackerel Units 1&2 Dartside Quay are sure to have something for you and your family fishing and rough ground) Galmpton TQ5 0EH for a memorable great day out. •Dartmouth Castle Cruises We are committed to providing green transport in Torbay •Evening Illumination and t 01803 846333 and the River Dart to reduce your carbon footprint. We are Sunset Cruises m 07816 925666 proud to hold a Green Tourism award for our efforts . •Firework Display and Part of Total Yacht Solutions Ltd For all bookings and enquiries Tel 0845 489 0418 Red Arrow Trips Email [email protected] •Private Charters
See page 44 for useful contact telephone numbers
TORBAY SEAWAYS & STEVEDORES Serving the marine industry since 1977 Torbay Seaways offers full boat yard facilities which include the following services Block-up • Boat Lifting • Holding In Strops Mast Lifts • Powerwashing • Storage Engineering Services • Anti-fouling
Torbay Seaways & Stevedores Ltd. Telephone 01803 296570 Mobile 07879 441140 Email [email protected] www.torbayseaways.co.uk
22 23 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Paignton Harbour
Key to map 1 Harbour Office 2 Launching slipways 3 Boat park 4 Trailer park 5 Shops, cafés, etc 6 Coastguard station 7 Pleasure boat kiosks 8 East Cardinal mark 9 Seasonal mark–N–Flag 10 Outhall Moorings 11 Fore and Aft Moorings 12 Visitor Pontoon (seasonal)
N–Flag East Cardinal Denotes a Hazard to Navigation. Negative instruction. Mariners to pass to the Mariners to enter East of this Cardinal mark this harbour on the opposite (Port) side
24 25 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Maritime Events
Every year Tor Bay plays host to over 50 Maritime Events ranging from the Torbay long distance swim, several dinghy and keelboat championships, rowing/gig regattas, trawler races, angling festivals, cruise ship visits, to major powerboating weekends . Many clubs and organisations choose Tor Bay for their events as it is a prime sheltered location . The Bay is a favourite with tourists and visitors too, as the Maritime Events can be seen from many sites along the Bay’s 22 miles of coastline. Visit the harbour website www.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk for further information on events, news updates, harbour notices and the harbour webcam! For a comprehensive guide to events and festivals taking place ashore in the Torbay area, please visit the local Tourist Information Centres. The National Maritime Event listings can be viewed on the Royal Yachting Associations web page: www.rya.org.uk
26 27 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Controlled Areas
The controlled areas charted around the coast of Tor Bay are mainly for the use of swimmers, and are in use between May and September. Within these areas, and in the enclosed harbours, vessels should proceed with caution and must not exceed 5 knots. Look out for yellow buoys denoting the 5k speed limit at intervals along the entire coast of Tor Bay. Water ski approach lanes have been established at Elberry Cove and Livermead Sands.
28 29 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Tor Bay Beach Guide Ski Lanes
TORQUAY Hollicombe Beach Maidencombe Beach Type: Sand Access: Moderate Type: Shingle Access: Moderate, steep in places PAIGNTON Watcombe Beach Preston Sands Remember: you must have a ‘spotter’ on Type: Sand Access: Moderate, but steep in places Type: Sand Access: Easy board when skiing or towing (Bye laws) Oddicombe Beach Paignton Sands Type: Sand/shingle Access: Moderate (cliff lift) Type: Sand Access: Easy Elberry Cove Babbacombe Beach GOODRINGTON Type: Sand/Shingle Access: Moderate Goodrington Sands Anstey’s Cove Type: Sand Access: Easy Type: Shingle/Rock Access: Moderate, but steep in places BROADSANDS Meadfoot Beach Broadsands Beach Type: Pebble/Sand Access: Easy Type: Sand Access: Easy Torre Abbey Sands Elberry Cove Type: Sand Access: Easy Type: Shingle Access: Moderate Corbyn Head BRIXHAM Type: Sand/Shingle Access: Easy Churston Cove Livermead Beach Type: Sand/Shingle Access: Moderate Type: Sand Access: Moderate Fishcombe Cove Type: Sand/Shingle Access: Moderate
Breakwater Beach Type: Shingle Access: Easy Livermead Beach Shoalstone Beach Type: Shingle/Rock Access: Easy St. Mary’s Bay Type: Sand/Shingle Access: Difficult The symbols below represent the sports which can be enjoyed on each beach Angling Canoeing Sailing Sub-Aqua Swimming Kite Surfing Water Skiing Wind Surfing
30 31 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk
Sterndrive, Inboard and Outboard Engines Specialist sales | servicing | repairs | general boating maintenance
Dartside Quay, Galmpton, S. Devon TQ5 0GA Tel/Fax: 01803 844399 Mob: 07770 696163 www.tontomarine.co.uk [email protected]
TORQUAY CHANDLERS COFFEE LOUNGE Fast and durable EVERYTHING YOU NEED Free collection and delivery Relax with a real Italian coffee in our FOR A DAY AT SEA stylish coffee lounge, enjoy our ® Priority turn around • Charts and Books display of local artwork and views for repairs Marine Electronics of Torquay’s Marina. ® Competitive pricing • (supplied and fitted) We also serve a selection of ® Friendly, reliable team • Calor Gas Sandwiches & Paninis, why not • Inflatable Boats try delicious homemade cakes made • Rope and Chain by our own chef Mick. • Splicing Service Lyn & Mick • Sailing and Outdoor Wear look forward to seeing you! contact Jamie, Sean or John at: Unit 2, Beacon Quay, Torquay www.quayreflections.co.uk Beacon Quay, Harbourside Tel: 01803 211854 Torquay TQ1 2BG www.torquaychandlers.com 01803 214718
32 33 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Personal Watercraft THE BEACON QUAY HARVESTER AT TORQUAY Tor Bay is one of the most popular venues in the UK for Personal Watercraft enthusiasts with its’ 22 miles of coastline to explore and easy striking distance YOUR LOCAL HARVESTER RESTAURANT to the three enclosed harbours of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Welcome to Harvester, the home of the famous salad cart and freshly prepared food. Open 7 days a week all year round. With the Teign Estuary and River Food served all day everyday from 12 noon. Dart close to hand, Tor Bay’s reputation as a Personal Watercraft Unlimited Free salad Th The Beacon Quay 9 e T 9 err 1 S ace 99 3 t 31 ‘friendly ’ resort must be spreading r B with every main meal B a n d 99 Beacon Quay because numbers are significantly B31 Me ad foo Torquay t Roa up on previous seasons. e d d a Mead r foot a Lan P V e TQ1 2RD ia an r ehi o ll R t ao Within Tor Bay, you may only c d i V launch Personal Watercraft within 01803 380004 B D ea R co 2 the three harbours. Before n Hill P 1 arkhill Q launching, you must first register Road T www.harvester.co.uk your Personal Watercraft with the Harbour Authority, completing a simple form and signing acceptance of the Harbour Masters directions and declaration of adequate third party insurance. In return you will It is always advisable to seek Important L receive free safety advice and a advice from either the Harbour Please note that within the A T safety pack, telling you where you Office, during registration or when confines of Tor Bay Harbour S can and cannot operate within Tor paying for your launch, or heed (that’s all 16 square miles) under A Bay. You will also receive a local the advice from ‘Oscar 4’, the 18’s are strictly prohibited from registration sticker to display on Harbour Authority Beach Patrol ‘driving’ a Personal Watercraft, O RIB, on areas where Personal irrespective of qualifications. C
your PWC. Watercraft can and can’t go. Five S
Within the registration process, ' If your Personal Watercraft is used minutes spent here can provide
you will confirm valid insurance Y anywhere within Tor Bay Harbour hours of trouble free pleasure
cover, however, should anyone A limits, it must display a Tor Bay on the water! Harbour Authority registration else use your PWC, you must U ensure that adequate insurance sticker. Q cover extends to other users. R Seeaa lliiffee O T up close Just follow the signs for the Harbourside or fi nd us with our postcode TQ1 2BG. 01803 202470 livingcoasts.org.uk Harbourside, Beacon Quay, Torquay
34 35 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Rules of the Road Advice to D Mariners How to navigate safely within Tor Bay IVERS D Safety for all harbour users is paramount, especially when in confined areas OWN or in close proximity to other vessels. Please take extra care when navigating in an enclosed harbour and remember the maximum speed limit is 5 knots.
Definitions Port Is the left hand side of the vessel.
Inte Starboard rnational Cod Is the right hand side of the vessel. e Flag ‘A’ Vesse Navigation Marks ls display ing the ‘A Which side to pass have div ’ flag ers in the Rule 12 (a) (i) Rule 14 (a) water Upon entering harbour – B gives way, different tacks. Motor vessels alter course RED MARKS (Port Hand Mark) Vessel on port tack gives way. to starboard.
Leave it to port (on your left)
GREEN MARKS (Starboard Hand Mark)
Rule 15 Rule 18 (a) (iv) Leave it to starboard Motor vessels B gives way. A stands on. Power gives way to sail. (on your right)
Bu oys like th ese mean there are divers in this area KEEP WELL CL EAR AT S Rule 13 Rule 18 (b) (ii) LOW S An overtaking vessel A gives way. Towing and towed vessels PEED (power or sail) must keep clear. restricted in ability to manoeuvre.
36 37 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Stay Safe in Tor Bay
When you’re out on the water in Tor Bay anything can happen. How well will you cope in an emergency?
Plan ahead with the top five tips 4 Calling for Help Saving Lives Starts Here Beach Patrol from the RNLI and Harbour How will you call for help in an Although probably best known for The Harbour Authority operates Authority regarding Sea Safety: emergency? VHF is best because running the lifeboat service, the a Beach Patrol Vessel to monitor you are broadcasting to many RNLI is also dedicated to saving Tor Bay’s 22 miles of coastline and 1 Wear a Lifejacket others on the water who may lives at sea by spreading the word is primarily tasked with ensuring Boating can be extremely be listening to your call. Mobile on sea safety. We’re here for you, beach safety, along with keeping a unpredictable. If you find yourself phones are an option but you may so take advantage of our expertise weather eye out on activities on the in the water, a correctly fitted not get adequate reception at sea and give us a call. water during the summer season. lifejacket could be your lifesaver! and the person you are calling may To ensure your next voyage is The crew of ‘Oscar 4’ are also a not be able to answer. Flares are 2 Engine and Fuel Checks both safe and enjoyable, why not good source of local information for essential too. When was your engine last serviced? start by arranging a FREE SEA mariners and advice on safety afloat. Are you sure it will get you home? 5 Weather and Tides (Safety Equipment Advisory) This fully coded 6.5 metre RIB, Always check you have enough Before you head out, always check Check? distinguished by yellow / navy blue fuel for the trip and always carry forecasts and tide times. Ask for SEA Check provides free, friendly livery and HARBOUR MASTER on reserve fuel. details at your local Harbour and confidential advice about each sponson, is capable of over Office to make sure it’s safe to go. 3 Tell Others Where safety equipment suitable for your 40 knots if required and therefore You’re Going 6 Training boat and its type of use. It’s the only a few minutes away from any Tell someone ashore where you are Proper training will make you best way to ensure that your boat incident in the Bay. going and when you’ll be back. safer and give you more and the equipment you carry, is They will raise the alarm if you confidence, which will ensure you suitable when it comes to staying are overdue. enjoy your boating. safe on the water. To arrange your free SEA Check or for Sea Safety advice call FREEPHONE 0800 328 0600. To arrange directly with the local Tor Bay Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer please call 07866 689315.
38 39 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Natural Environment
The Coral Coast These were the conditions in The Green Blue The focus is concentrated on The partnership aims to deliver 400 million years ago if you were which Tor Bay as we know it was On a national scale The Royal six areas: Oil and Fuel, Cleaning projects that are seen as important standing on the end of Berry Head born and today a reminder of how Yachting Association has and Maintenance, Anti-Fouling by the member organisations and you would have been underwater. Tor Bay once was, can be found all introduced ‘The Green Blue’, an and Marine Paints, Waste businesses that are working at the What’s more the sea above your along the coastline; fossil burrows environmental awareness initiative Management, Resource Efficiency grass roots level. Our early work head would have been warm and at Saltern Cove, a 400 million year by the RYA along with the British and the Effects on Wildlife. programme includes an interactive under your feet would have been old coral reef at Dyers Quarry; Marine Federation (BMF). ‘Green marine map to aid decision-making; To learn more about a huge coral reef, stretching for caves at Kents Cavern where you Blue’ is aimed at recreational a sea festival and working with the ‘The Green Blue’ and how miles around. Running down to can see fossil bones of animals and boaters, watersports recipients Harbour Authority to produce you can help the environment, the shores of this sea from the early humans and over 34,000 and marine businesses to provide Tor Bay ’s first Harbour visit: www.thegreenblue.org.uk uplands of Dartmoor was a hot palaeontology specimens at practical advice and information, Management Plan. desert across which great tropical Torquay Museum. with a view to thinking and acting SeaTorbay If you would like any further storms swept from time to time. in an environmentally conscious SeaTorbay is a coastal managemen t information or are interested in Because of Tor Bay’s amazing Flash floods carved out the desert way. This involves practical partnership – a large group of joining the partnership please geological heritage, last year and carried huge amounts of rocky projects, scientific research and individuals and organisations with an contact [email protected] Torbay Coast and Countryside material down towards the sea, the dissemination of some sound interest in the marine environment Trust along with other members of depositing it on a floodplain and in practical advice. are working together with a set the Heritage Forum, embarked on the sea itself. of common goals – namely a an exciting new initiative to have In short, the initiative encourages sustainable marine environment Tor Bay designated a European those who use our waters, and economy for Tor Bay . Geopark, under the title of to build an appreciation and Europe’s Coral Coast. To raise awareness of their potential awareness of the designation and impact on the environment, to give visitors greater access to build an understanding and Tor Bay’s geological sites, the Trust develop a responsibility that will is running a series of guided walks, safeguard our waters and habitats boat trips and children’s events. for the future and sustain the growth of the recreational boating industry.
40 41 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Natural Conservation
Tor Bay’s Seagrass Beds For further information and An area of coastal waters lying to Marine Life Dolphin & Marine Awareness Tor Bay contains the rare and location of Tor Bay’s seagrass the south of Berry Head headland Tor Bay has an amazing diversity Dolphins, porpoises and basking unusual seagrass Zostera Marina, beds, please pick up a seagrass has been designated as an area of of marine life. The sheltered sharks are frequent visitors to the which is 30% of all of Devon’s leaflet from your local Harbour special protection for the seabird limestone and sandstone shores, sheltered waters of the Bay. Please seagrass beds! Office or a Torbay Coast & colony. It is a statutory requirement unusual geology and warm climate follow this code of conduct when Countryside visitor centre or that boats stay out of the area of provide a home to an exceptional watching marine mammals: Seagrasses are not seaweeds but phone Torbay Coast & Countryside special protection between the array of species. flowering plants that can live fully Keep a safe distance of Trust on 01803 528841 or 25th March and 31st July to avoid • immersed in seawater. Seagrass Within Tor Bay’s blue waters you 100m away (200m if other [email protected] disturbing the nesting seabirds. beds are important for the may discover burrowing anemones, boats are present) www.countryside-trust.org.uk. environment and are home to brittle starfish, heart urchins and • Don’t scare dolphins by driving hundreds of marine animals and Seabirds in Tor Bay meadows of seagrass. The erratically head on to them. plants like seahorses, pipefish Spring and summer are a busy rockpools are rich with shore crabs, Never move between, scatter and cuttlefish. time for Torbay’s seabirds. At pipefish, sea squirts, sea slugs and or separate dolphins Berry Head the South Coasts’ the ferocious velvet swimming crab! As these seagrass beds are in the Keep your speed down to largest colony of Guillemots can Goodrington Sands, Corbyn’s Head, • shallows of sheltered bays around under 5 knots be seen from the headland or Shoalstone, Preston and Meadfoot Tor Bay, they are vulnerable to from reputable cruises. are ideal spots for rockpooling. Keep away if there are lots of damage from a number of marine • Cormorants and Shags are found boats in the area already activities, such as anchoring, If you do go out rockpooling in good numbers on Thatcher’s speeding through shallows, please remember the Seashore • Please spend no longer than Rock and the Ore Stone, whilst discharging waste, pollution and Code: Always check the tide 15 minutes near the dolphins – small numbers of Kittiwake can use of commercial fishing nets times, go in pairs and tell someone they need a rest still be found. and dredges etc. Please follow where you are going: Wear • Please be aware that under the the seagrass code of conduct suitable clothing and be very 1981 Wildlife and Countryside and help conserve this rare and careful under cliffs: Always treat Act, it is an offence to disturb threatened habitat. the animals with respect – take or endanger dolphins, porpoises photos not animals home with and basking sharks you: Take rubbish home with you.
42 43 ww w.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk Useful Contacts
Torquay Harbour Office Paignton Harbour Office Brixham Harbour Office Tel 01803 292429 (VHF Ch 14) Tel 01803 557812 (VHF Ch 14) Tel 01803 853321 (VHF Ch 14) Beacon Quay, Torquay South Quay, Roundham Road, New Fish Quay, Brixham Devon TQ1 2BG Paignton, Devon TQ4 6DT Devon TQ5 8AJ
Torbay Council (24hr) Line Tel 01803 550405
Emergency Tourist Information Centres Clubs & Associations HM Coastguard 01803 882704 Brixham Brixham Yacht Club Police / Fire / Ambulance 999 01803 852861 01803 853332 Services Paignton Paignton Sailing Club 01803 558383 01803 525817 Fuel Station Brixham Marina Torquay Royal Torbay Yacht Club 01803 882929 (VHF Ch 80) 01803 297428 01803 292006 Meteorological Office The Environment Travel Links 0870 9000100 Devon Sea Fisheries Airport Pilotage Services 01803 854648 Exeter International Airport MTS Group Ltd Devon Wildlife Trust 01392 367433 01803 882214 (VHF Ch 9) 01392 279244 Bus Riviera Fuel Torquay Environment Agency 0870 608 2608 07786 370324 0800 807060 Train Torbay Seaways & Stevedores Torbay Coast & 0845 230 9702 (Crane Operations) Countryside Trust 01803 296570 01803 528841 or 606035
Photography Dominic Flint, SteveTrewhella, border-photos.co.uk, Jean Border RTYC, Jerry Burman, Chris Proctor, Mark Darlaston, Adam FitzPatrick, StrideTreglown, 2009 Sea-Doo GTX Ltd, Heidi Lang
44 45 •MARINER OUTBOARDS • QUICKSILVER INFLATABLES • INTERNATIONAL PAINTS • LIQUID FORCE • O’BRIEN • NEIL PRYDE •
SOUTH QUAY, THE HARBOUR PAIGNTON, DEVON, TQ4 6DT • New & Pre Owned Boats Authorised Dealer For: Tel: 01803 558760 Fax: 01803 529362 • New & Pre Owned Jet-Skis BEACON QUAY, THE HARBOUR • Servicing & Repair TORQUAY, DEVON, TQ1 2BG • Watersports Equipment Tel: 01803 214305 Fax: 01803 290624 • Chandlery Email: [email protected] • Boat Storage Website: www.birchellmarine.co.uk
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