It can still get quite choppy on the Eastern side, but on the Cornish side it can be quite sheltered, it depends on how long it has been blowing for and from which direction as to what comes round the corner, as well as the state of the tide and whether it's springs or neaps as well!
To tell you the truth it depends on why you're asking and what you want to do? If you want to do some speed testing forget it in a force 7 - you'll get vicious gusts coming down off Cawsand bay and lumpy stuff coming in around the breakwater especially if it's wind over tide.
If you can use a water ski area you can use the one on the River Ply. Go up the river from Mount Batten under the road Bridge you see a bouy area. But go up on High Tide If you want more info P.M a number and i can ring you.
there are two public slips below the tamar bridge on the cornwall side, launch and travel approx 1/2 mile up the river, the river is a designated water sports area. the area can be used at its best two hours after low tide, if the wind is strong there will be only a short chop.
If you leave mountbatten and turn right you should reach the ski area in about 5 mins (yellow box on pic is very approx).
You could go up to the tamar bridge (6 miles by water) and do some testing up there. If you do then there is a public pontoon thingy on the left just past the bridge. Tie up and its a couple mins walk for a pint .
I want to sea trial my boat following repairs after a long layup.
Wanted to go last weekend but weather was marginal.
Forecast is for the strong winds but from the West, hence had a small hope that some of the sound would be flat.
Wishful thinking though I suspect.
Orve.
If you didn't like it last weekend my guess is that it will twice as nasty this weekend .
You can cruise all the way up Tamar to below gunnislake on high tide its a good few hours cruising with plenty of interest. Just drop to 10kts as you pass Calstock and the few other landing places .
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