For those wearied of too much peace and quiet the historic port of Plymouth offers a refreshing taste of city life with every facility for the yachtsman or boat owner. Access via the huge inlet of Plymouth Sound is straightforward for small craft provided you give the Great Mew Stone guarding the eastern entrance a wide berth and keep a common sense distance from the various other headlands. Head in via the Eastern or Western Channel as convenient past the breakwater and down towards Smeaton’s Tower on the Hoe, while keeping out of the way of naval and commercial traffic. Then turn east or west according to your berthing plans.

There are four all-tide marinas offering visitor berths. The most central and the one offering the best shelter is Sutton Harbour. Although there is free flow much of the time you may have to lock in or out, but this is quickly and easily achieved.

Just outside Sutton Harbour is Queen Anne’s Battery which is also reasonably convenient for the centre though in less attractive surroundings. From Plymouth Yacht Haven on the south side of the Cattewater you will need a water taxi if you want to get to the flesh-pots. Finally there is Mayflower Marina on the Hamoaze in the west of the city some way from the centre.

Plymouth has the reputation of having been poorly rebuilt after the war and it’s true that the shopping area is rather bland. But the waterfront in the Barbican, with Sutton Harbour in the middle of it, has been restored and developed most attractively. Shops are 5-10 minutes walk and pubs and restaurants of every kind abound. To counter any over-indulgence, walk up to the Hoe and enjoy the magnificent view over Drake’s Island and the Sound. For those with the time and appetite, further exploration up the River Tamar, and its tributory the St Germans River, is rewarding.

© 2010 Yachtpilot