This is a series which we hope will be augmented by other members’ offerings

A small fishing harbour that dries out and where boats can be left on the beach on trailers or trolleys and which offers pleasant coastal sailing.

Approach is by Kingsbridge to Salcombe road A381. If you are trailing it is easier to take the turning through Marlborough village and not the first turning signed Hope Cove which is very narrow. Follow the road round Marlborough Church bearing right to Hope Cove.

It is better to launch at Outer Hope below the slipway which you approach passing the Hope and Anchor Inn and the Lobster Pot on your left. The sand on your left is firm enough to take a car. There are toilets and also a water tap beside the Outer Hope slipway. The harbourmaster’s hut is close by, where you pay your fee. There is a public car park beside the Hope and Anchor Inn.

The harbour charges for launching and leaving your boat on the beach under 15 feet are:

£3.50 per day £15.00 per week £30.00 per year for the year 1996

Accommodation, caravanning and campsite information can be obtained at the Kingsbridge Tourist Information Office tel 01548 856853.

THE HARBOUR AND OUTSIDE

It is a good plan to take a careful look at the harbour and rocks at low tide before launching. Launching from the Outer Hope side, the safe exit is to sail towards the southern shore and then turn westwards when the Inner Hope slipway below the old lifeboat house is in line with itself. At half tide Goody Rock is just showing. The Basses and Brandy Rock must be avoided. There is a gap between them which is possible. When approaching Hope from seaward and Goody Rock is abeam it is necessary to get the centre of the church tower in line with left edge of the large garage door which lies below the church and to the right.

Bolt Tail: except in calm conditions give the headland a wide berth to avoid dangerous overfalls.

Shelter: Hope Cove offers good shelter from S to E of N. At other times the beach behind the breakwater is sheltered but avoid during heavy SW to NW winds.

The tidal stream is very weak inside the bay. The maximum rate is about 1½ knots. High tide in the area is about five hours before it reaches the Standard Port of Dover.

A sand bar at the mouth of the River Avon is an obstacle and local advice should be taken before attempting to enter the river. Near Burgh Island rocks extend roughly eastwards. There is a marker post but the rocks extend beyond it. There are numerous rocks between Bantham and Hope Cove close inshore. The Books of Thurlestone in particular should be avoided.

In settled conditions both Salcombe, Plymouth Sound and Newton Ferrers are within day sailing distance.

During the summer season there are usually a number of sailing dinghies parked on the Hope harbour beach. If you see my Gull Goosander, please come and have a chat.