Sailing Zephyr IV · video

What this video covers

Dave and Bill sail the 30-foot-plus Zephyr IV from Dartmouth to Plymouth, stopping overnight in Salcombe to avoid persistent westerly headwinds. The transit begins with a beat past Slapton Sands and Start Point in 14 to 15 knots of wind, forcing the crew to tack repeatedly.2:20 After failing to reach Plymouth in one day, they motor into the Salcombe estuary and anchor at the top of the river.3:26 The following morning, the crew motors out of Salcombe in calm conditions before picking up a 16-knot breeze in Bigbury Bay.7:07 They maintain a steady 6 knots while passing the Great Mewstone and Little Mewstone to enter Plymouth Sound.9:29 Navigating past the Plymouth breakwater and Fort Picklecombe, they transit the narrow channel west of Drake Island to dock at Mayflower Marina.10:36 The passage highlights the challenges of coastal cruising against prevailing winds along the Devon coast and the utility of local knowledge when navigating the Salcombe and Plymouth approaches.

Boats in this video

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