Coming in towards Exmouth, a long way to the East in order to avoid the extensive sandbanks charted there, we expected to see a large buoy marking the start of the channel. All of our charts, paper and electronic, had it clearly marked on them. It wasn't there! The pilot (a book which tells you how to arrive and leave various ports) did say that it was subject to change - but we didn't expect a major cardinal mark to be missing completely!
So, carefully watching the depth, we headed towards what we thought looked like red and green channel markers - thanking ourselves for the rising tide plan working - and successfully got ourselves to the visitor's buoys off Bull Hill Bank.
Moments later the water taxi arrived and informed us it'd be about £20 for the night with a return trip to Exmouth included.
Moments after that we left the vistors buoy, and after a little confusion over the name of Starcross Fishing & Cruising Club, and Starcross Sailing Club (which is much further up river), we picked up the SFCC visitors buoy. A tough row against the now ebbing tide got us ashore and into a real hidden gem of the Exe - the SFCC club lounge. What a really excellent place! And super friendly members who were more than accommodating - all for £5 a night. Highly recommended! We'll go back there on the way out of the Exe methinks.
Next morning, another early one to catch the tide in order to arrive at the Exeter Canal's Turf Lock for our pre-booked entry into the canal. And what an amazing spot!
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Absolutely tranquil it is. Our view (pictured below) is of the lock, the pub outdoor seats and Powderham Castle on the hill in the distance. Lovely Topsham is a 1 mile walk along the canal, then a quick trip in the ferry (rowing boat!) across the river.
Rose has to go to a hen do this weekend, so we'll almost certainly be here for a couple of weeks. With mooring, electricity, water, toilets and showers all included for £52.50 a week, I'm a happy canaler!
Next step will be the longest sail we've ever had. Around the infamous Portland Bill.
STATS
Motored: 9 hours 10 mins
Sailed: 15 hours
Fees: £184.60
Anchored: 14 nights
Marina: 0 nights
Other: 16 nights
Logged: 93 nautical miles
Some recent photos...
Rose enjoys a ginger beer at Teignmouth Quay, Isabella behind
Approaching Exeter Canal Turf Lock 2 days later
In the lock
Leaving the lock
Our view for the next two weeks.
