Bridport to Exmouth by boat

Pilotage Plan: Bridport, GB to Exmouth, GB

Departure Point: Bridport, Dorset, GB Bridport serves as an excellent gateway to the picturesque coastline of Jurassic England. As you set off, ensure your vessel is well-prepared and that you’ve checked all equipment, including life jackets, flares, and communication devices.

Route Overview Your journey will take you along stunning coastal scenery characterized by dramatic cliffs and charming seaside towns. This route is slightly more suitable for experienced boaters familiar with tidal conditions and local marine navigation. The approximate distance of this trip is 25 nautical miles.

1. Heading Out of Bridport Bay Upon departing from Bridport, set a course southwest toward the mouth of the River Brit, keeping an eye on local fishing boats and any other vessels. Watch for the prominent landmark of Colmer’s Hill rising above the town — a great visual reference as you navigate.

• Hazards: Maintain a lookout for commercial traffic and local fishing vessels as you exit the harbor. Strong tidal currents can cause navigation challenges near the entrance, particularly around springs (full moons and new moons).

2. Navigating Lyme Bay As you progress into Lyme Bay, continue southwest while keeping the coast of Dorset to your port side. The waters can be quite busy, especially during the summer months, so be vigilant.

Bays for Shelter:

• Charmouth: A beautiful little beach area where you can anchor briefly. It’s a good spot to rest or explore, especially if you’re interested in fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast.
• Lyme Regis: This historic town is a great spot to stop for a meal and some sightseeing, and you can often find good shelter if the weather turns inhospitable.

• Important Aids to Navigation: Keep an eye out for the Lyme Regis Breakwater Lighthouse, a vital buoy marking the end of the breakwater.

3. Heading Towards Axmouth As you leave Lyme Bay, maintain a southeastern course toward Axmouth. The cliffs around here are renowned for their geological significance, so stay close to the shoreline but watch for shallows.

4. Entering the River Axe Approaching the River Axe, monitor your charts carefully. This area is well-marked but shallow in places, so maintain a prudent speed to avoid grounding. You may take a slight detour up the river to explore Axmouth which has a charming village atmosphere.

Hazards and Regulations: Be aware that the river has marked channels, and it's essential to adhere to designated navigation lanes to avoid damaging the sensitive habitat.

5. Final Stretch to Exmouth Leaving the River Axe, set your course back toward that stunning horizon, heading south along the coast toward Exmouth. This leg of your trip invites you to observe the impressive Devon Cliffs.

• Notable Navigational Aids: Pay attention to the Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth entrance buoys; they are critical markers as you approach the Exe Estuary.

Sheltering Options: If the wind picks up, you can seek refuge in Budleigh Salterton Bay. This area can provide temporary shelter while you reassess the weather.

Arrival Point: Exmouth, Devon, GB As you arrive in Exmouth, be sure to take in the views of the Exe Estuary and the surrounding area, known for its biodiversity. If time permits, consider exploring the local attractions.

Safety Considerations Overall

• Always keep updated on local weather conditions using reliable apps, such as savvy navvy, which provides real-time data.
• Keep an eye on tidal schedules, as parts of the route can be subjected to strong currents and tidal flows.
• Maintain communication with local VHF channels to stay informed about commercial traffic and any pertinent advisories.

This route offers not only stunning views and interesting points of interest but also a plethora of options to seek shelter if needed. Whether you’re looking for a day filled with exploration or simply enjoying the tranquility of the journey, this passage has something for every boater. Stay safe and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this segment of the English coastline!