Sailing Zephyr IV · video

What this video covers

Dave and Bill navigate the 30-year-old Zephyr IV from Portland Harbour Marina toward Dartmouth, crossing Lyme Bay.Watch To avoid a late arrival, the crew attempts to round Portland Bill outside the standard three-hour tidal window, starting earlier than one hour before High Water Dover.0:41 They hug the shoreline to utilize an inshore eddy, maintaining five knots over ground despite rough, lumpy seas caused by strong tidal streams over an uneven seabed.1:43 Once clear of the bill, the boat experiences heavy rolling in a large swell until the wind increases to 16 knots, allowing for comfortable motor-sailing.4:34 The passage covers approximately 50 miles, with the crew eventually motoring up the River Dart to moor at Dittisham before proceeding to a pontoon berth in Dartmouth.9:37 During the stop, the crew replenishes fuel and fresh water at mid-river facilities.11:15 Navigating Portland Bill outside the optimal tidal window requires close-inshore positioning to leverage eddies and minimize exposure to the race.0:11

Boats in this video

More from Sailing Zephyr IV

Day in the Life of a Solo Sailor at 82 : Cowes to PooleJul 2026Boat Toilet Not Working? I Replaced the Jabsco Pump at 82!Jul 2026Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling Test: Will the Seaflo System Deliver?Jun 2026Can You Pick Up a Mooring Alone? Here's HowJun 2026

From Sailing Zephyr IV — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.