South West

Welcome to the South West Section

The section covers from Portland Bill to the Isles of Scilly and then north along the coasts of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to Bristol. It is a stunning area to sail offering unspoilt estuaries, rivers and creeks with protected anchorages, some great coastal passages and is the departure point for many planning voyages to France, Spain, The Canaries, The Azores and beyond.

With more than 400 miles of stunning and varied coastline it’s no surprise it is the destination of choice for so many CA members. The area is steeped in nautical history, myths and legends. Whether you seek quiet, peaceful, scenic anchorages or are setting off on an ocean voyage, the South West has it all.

In addition to talks we arrange visits and events which all have a nautical theme and have included a cruise on a traditional Brixham Sailing Trawler, an exclusive private visit to the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth and the Met Office in Exeter.

Podcasts

A series of Podcasts which cover a wide range of sailing topics is produced in association with the CA and these will be available here soon. They include harbour guides, sea safety and port guides to Dartmouth, Brixham and the River Dart. The list of titles is growing all the time.

Where We Meet

Our principal base is the Royal Torbay Yacht Club in Torquay which is where we hold many of our popular talks. Most talks are followed by a meal, for those who want it, and it’s this social interaction which many find useful and enjoyable. Being able to ‘talk boats’ with like-minded fellow members after a thought provoking presentation is a wonderful way to round off an evening. We are also planning to stage talks in Falmouth, Plymouth and Exeter.

SWNet

Wherever you sail you can be sure that a CA member has been there and knows the ropes. One of the joys of CA membership is the willingness of fellow members to share their experiences and knowledge. That’s why we have launched SW Net – an online forum putting you in direct contact with every member of the SW Section. "What’s the best tidal strategy for going to the Scillies?", "What’s the best protected anchorage in The Dart?", "Can anyone recommend a good, reliable engineer in Plymouth?" – whatever your request an entry on SWNet will bring virtually instant replies from fellow members.