Lyme regis

Wazzajnr · 12 August 2022, 20:52

Hi all,

Just arrived for a week in Devon but due to being uber busy at work I didn't have time to research launching options down here.
We're staying inland close to Axminster.

Anyone got any good suggestions for beach launching?

Ideal would be a nice beach where parents can sit out, wife and boy can play on the beach and I can play in the boat.

Have transom wheels so we can roll it a little way but ideally parking close to the launching spot would be great.

All suggestions gratefully received!

Thanks

Paul

HDAV · 12 August 2022, 21:15

Lyme is stony and steep not sure what the power boat club offers for launching.

Try seaton it may well be better nice beach never launched there but not to far from Axminster

Wazzajnr · 12 August 2022, 21:32

Yeah, I noticed Seaton so might take a look there.
I know parking isn't easy in Lyme anyway as I've been there before and struggled

Rob roy · 13 August 2022, 12:17

Hi I have a rib in Seaton often see people launching sibs from the beach it looks a bit hard going but they manage

Old seahorse · 13 August 2022, 14:07

Seaton beach access isn’t easy with a boat( or Sidmouth- I’ve tried!) you can launch from Axmouth sailing club slip( east end of Seaton beach), into the river. You’d need to speak to someone at club for permission). The river mouth is only accessible from the sea around high tide though, and it’s very fast flowing between two walls on the ebb. - needs care.
West Bay( Bridport) has a slipway, with pontoon. Parking onsite and space to prepare and wash down. Etc. Pay at harbour masters office above slipway. Can get busy, esp weekends. Care if using with strong easterly winds, as it drives waves up the slipway. There is a beach either side of harbour, for family members to use.
You can head east towards Portland, or west to Charmouth and Lyme Regis. Coastal views from the sea along here are spectacular, especially Golden Cap.
Enjoy your stay

jeffstevens763@g · 13 August 2022, 23:24

Lyme drys out as I recall.

Wazzajnr · 14 August 2022, 08:43

Hi all,

We were at West Bay yesterday but didn't get there until later. Was packed and just about managed to park.
Spoke to the harbour master (very nice chap) and it's £19.50 to use the slip plus £10 if you want to park on site.
By the time we got there, tide was coming in and an onshore breeze meant that it was pretty choppy.

We're probably going to Seaton today so will see what conditions are like and if good, we will either drag it across the beach or ask at the yacht club.

Thanks for all the advice. If we get the boat wet, I'll post some pics.

Wazzajnr · 14 August 2022, 16:23

Went to Seaton today, axe yacht club slip members only so we made do with the paddle board.
Going to go to Lyme Regis tomorrow and put in there weather permitting.

Old seahorse · 14 August 2022, 17:10

Enjoy!

Rob roy · 14 August 2022, 18:29

Forgot to mention you will probably get 2 1/2 hours before and after hi tide but if you get back in a little late just get out and drag it across the harbour you said it has fold down wheels your just get muddy feet
Have fun

Wazzajnr · 14 August 2022, 21:35

Thanks all, I will update tomorrow if we get out! ��

Maximus · 16 August 2022, 09:36

Sea Town a bit further down the coast was always a favourite of ours for beach launching and the family when I had a Zodiac SIB when conditions are decent ....good cruising area decent Pub and great fishing

)
but Lyme isn't at all different with a bit of common sense....if you can handle the crowds!

Wazzajnr · 17 August 2022, 19:12

Well, we finally got out today. We went to Exmouth.
Parked on the esplanade right by the steps to the beach so carried it down in bits and built on the beach.
We recovered at mamhead slipway as it started to pour with rain. Great free slipway, plenty of room to set up and launch and a lovely sandy beach 100m away. Beats paying 20 quid to launch!
Forgot to take pictures but I think wifey got some so I'll post up shortly if so.

Wazzajnr · 17 August 2022, 20:03

Photos

Rob roy · 17 August 2022, 20:15

Glad you managed to get out
Your know where to launch on your next visit

Old seahorse · 17 August 2022, 20:38

Welcome to the South West! Glad you had a good day. I didn’t think to mention Exmouth. I’ve never tried Mamhead slipway, because of strong currents there,but pleased it worked out well.

Wazzajnr · 17 August 2022, 21:01

Current wasn't too bad. Just over Idle on the motor kept me stationary.
There was a bit of swirl around the bottom of the slip when I went to pull out but nothing a short assessment couldn't cope with.
Was a bit choppy as you left the channel into the sea proper and some hefty wash from the cruise boats to keep an eye on.

Certainly not perfect for beginners but I liked it and would go there again.

Only problem is, the wife wants to go to Sidmouth tomorrow and that looks useless for launching unless we can park very close to the beach and handball it on again.

Old seahorse · 17 August 2022, 22:27

There is also another concrete block slip, upstream of Mamhead, accessed through a small park, onto drying sand flats, so better on higher tides. It’s located by public car park near Railway station.
The river is well known for bird life, and Topsham, is worth a visit( quayside onto river.)
Both Seaton and Sidmouth offer good trips if you can manage parking and coping with the shingle beaches. I really struggled
( Though I am getting on a bit!)