West Coast Marinas
MDL’s three 5 Gold Anchor West Coast marinas, Torquay, Brixham and Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth, offer a range of idyllic destinations within easy cruising distance of one another.
As the winter finally retreats, thoughts turn to a long spring and summer of cruising. There are fewer more lovely places to be than the English Riviera, 22 miles of breathtaking coastline in South Devon.
MDL members are able to take advantage of the Freedom Berthing programme, visiting these delightful and characterful English holiday spots – part of MDL’s 120 marina network – for no extra cost.
Members can also buy fuel at cost, with Brixham and Queen Anne’s Battery both offering fuel stations. Additionally, members can sign up for the secure Beds On Board programme to recoup money on their annual costs, and make the most of storage ashore and boatyard discounts.
There is so much to see and do in Torquay, Brixham and Queen Anne’s Battery and with a busy social programme at each marina, the holiday begins as soon as you arrive.
TORQUAY MARINA
Nestled in the north-east corner of Torbay and sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds, Torquay Marina is a safe haven in all weathers, with modern facilities, superb bluewater cruising and secure facilities.
Facilities
The maximum LOA is 30 meters and there are 440 berths. The nearby MDL seven acre Dartside Quay dry boat storage area has space for more than 300 boats and has a 65-ton hoist.
Other facilities include:
Laundry
Boat brokerage
New boat sales
Secure car park
Basic provisions
The Marina Restaurant
The Galley Sandwich Bar
MDL WiFi
Cruising
Torbay itself offers many lovely anchorages, with plenty of coves and beaches to explore, including Babbacombe Bay, Fishcombe Cove and Goodrington Beach. Heading south brings you to the picturesque fishing village of Brixham, where MDL also has a marina. Members can make the most of the MDL Freedom Berthing programme to cruise to neighbouring, and European, marinas.
Head further west and explore the sheltered River Dart. Beyond Start Point is the beautiful Salcombe Estuary with spectacular 400 foot cliffs at Bolt Head.
The marina is also conveniently situated for crossing the Channel to Brittany, Normandy and the Channel Islands, ideal for a weekend away.
Local highlights
Torquay, which played host to the sailing events in the 1948 Summer Olympics, is a hugely popular destination for yachtsmen and all manner of watersports enthusiast.
When it comes to eating and dinking, the Hotel & Restaurant John Burton-Race, masterminded by the Michelin starred chef, is a short walk from the marina. The Pier Point Restaurant & Bar, The Fat Cow and the Offshore Bar & Restaurant are all great destinations for fresh local dishes, lighter bites and drinks.
There is plenty of entertainment organised at the marina, too. Join the flotilla and enjoy watching the famous Torbay air show from 1 – 3 June, or take part in their flash rally to Guernsey in July. The Torbay Royal Regatta is on from 25 – 29 August, with a French market on the water. Check the MDL website for all the other shows and activities planned this year.
Tesco Metro is a seven minute walk from the marina and the nearest chandlery is Torquay Chandlers. Basic provisions are available on-site.
Torquay is a beautiful town with many fantastic bars, shops and restaurants well worth a visit. There is also the beautiful Pavilion Garden which is home to the English Rivera Wheel. The Wheel offers unrivalled views out over the harbour. For families, Torquay’s Dinosaur World is a short stroll away from the marina.
INFORMATION
johnburtonracerestaurant.co.uk
www.torquaysdinosaurworld.co.uk
Personal recommendations
“With the busy members’ events calendar and the amount of things to do in and around the bay, you are not just berthing here, it is more of a holiday package experience with the addition of a nice selection of restaurants and bars to choose from after a busy day on the water.”
Access
By land, you can visit the marina via railway. Torquay Railway station is just a short walk from the marina. If you are coming by car, take the A380 from Exeter then the Riviera Way. Thanks to recent improvements, journey times have been reduced by as much as an hour.
By sea, Torquay is a working harbour and visitors should read and abide by any safety signs and information to apprise themselves of potential hazards or dangers. Call 01803 200210 or VHF channel 80 call sign ‘Torquay Marina’
Contacts
Manager: Mike Smith
Torquay Marina, Vaughan Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5EQ
Tel: 07867 418282
m.smith@mdlmarinas.co.uk
BRIXHAM
Brixham Marina is in the heart of Brixham, one of south Devon’s prettiest fishing towns. Sheltered from the south-westerly winds and offering safe access in all weathers and at all states of the tide, it is the perfect base for your sailing adventures.
Facilities
The maximum LOA at Brixham is 18 LOA, although larger vessels can be accommodated by prior arrangement. The marina has 485 berths, and there is storage ashore available at the nearby MDL Dartside Quay.
Other facilities include:
Special events pontoon
Laundry
The Prince William Bar and Restaurant
Basic provisions available
Sea school
Yacht brokerage
Power boat brokerage
Yacht charter
MDL WiFi
Fuel (diesel)
Cruising
Torbay has several beautiful anchorages and there are many fine restaurants to visit, both in Brixham and Torbay across the bay, home to another MDL marina. To the west is the River Dart, and further on the spectacular Cornish coastline with the cruising grounds of Fowey, the Fal Estuary and the Helford River, all within reach.
Head east and visit Babbacombe Bay, the Teign Estuary and the River Exe. For the more adventurous, a cruise across to the Channel Islands is a popular weekend trip. Again, watch out for challenges from the wind directions.
Local area highlights
Brixham Harbour is located on the southern side of Torbay and boasts one of the largest fishing fleets in the UK, plus a thriving fish market.
More than 100 fishing boats land and sell their catch at the local fish market on the quayside. The comings and goings of the fishing fleet, made up of large beam trawlers and the smaller day boats, can be enjoyed from a visitor viewing platform.
The harbour is also home to a fleet of heritage trawlers, all lovingly restored by passionate enthusiasts and now offering chartered voyages.
For food and drinks close to the marina, the family-run Breakwater Bistro serves tasty bites, coffees with panoramic views across the bay. The Prince William restaurant and bar, overlooking the harbour, offers quick bites, a la carte meals and a carvery.
There is always plenty to do at the marina; check the MDL website for events. This summer, they will be enjoying all the action from the World Cup and Wimbledon, marking Father’s Day with special treats and enjoying the annual summer party, which takes place on 7 September at the Berry Head Hotel.
Provisions are available on-site, and there is a Co-op and a Tesco Express a few minutes’ walk away. Bayside Marine Chandlery is located in town.
The fishing harbour is buzzing from early in the morning when the fish auctions are held, until late in the evening when the seafood restaurants are filled with diners and a great atmosphere – sea shanties can be heard in the local hostelries.
The nearby Berry Head National Nature Reserve offers spectacular views, coastal walks and fabulous food at the award winning Guardshouse Café, open for breakfast, lunch, Devon teas and cakes.
The nearest station is Paignton, just over five miles away, then catch the number 12 bus or a take a taxi to Brixham.
INFORMATION
www.countryside-trust.org.uk/berryhead
www.torbay.gov.uk/roads/travel/bus
www.gwr.com/plan-journey/stations-and-routes/paignton
Access
The marina is easily located in Torbay at N 50° 24′ 31 W 003° 30′ 85. The wind directions can cause some challenges but in the main, the marina is open all hours. The VHF radio is channel 80.
By land, take the Brixham turn-off at Paignton on the A380 from Newton Abbot. Brixham benefits from the recently improved road network with journey times from Birmingham and Bath vastly improved.
Contacts
Manager: Andrew Millar
Brixham Marina, Berry Head Road, Brixham, Devon TQ5 9BW
Tel: (01803) 882929
A.Millar@mdlmarinas.co.uk
Queen Anne’s Battery
Queen Anne’s Battery is in the centre of Plymouth, known as a City of the Sea and historic base to many famous seafaring voyages around the world. Offering outstanding facilities for yachtsmen and motor cruisers alike, there is plenty to do on the water, in the town and at the marina.
Facilities
The maximum LOA is 18 meters (42 meters on visitor’s pontoon). The total number of berths is 235 plus visitor berths. There is boat lifting and storage ashore and a 40 ton boat hoist.
Other facilities include:
Dry sailing facility for one design fleet racing
Trailer boat facility
Boat repairs
Chandlery
Laundry
Chandlers Bar and Bistro
Sound Bites Café
Provisions shop
Chart shop
Royal Western Yacht Club
Yacht brokerage
New boat sales
Yacht charter
Yacht riggers
Sail repairs and covers
Dive school
Dive shop
Unisex hair and beauty salon
Electric Vehicle Charging – Tesla & Universal Type 2
MDL WiFi
Fuel (petrol, diesel)
Cruising
The marina provides an ideal departure point for those heading off around the UK – Wales and southern Ireland are good destinations – or across to Brittany and further afield.
There is extensive cruising around Plymouth Sound. Further west there is plenty to explore in the rivers Fal and Fowey along the rugged Cornish coast. Heading east towards Devon, visit Dartmouth, Torquay and the pretty fishing village of Brixham. The Channel Islands are a popular weekend destination from Queen Anne’s Battery.
Local area highlights
As the City Of The Sea, steeped in maritime history, Plymouth is a fascinating destination for yachtsman. Additionally, it is home to the Royal Western Yacht Club, and many international short-handed yacht races start and finish here, including the single-handed Transatlantic Race, the Round Britain Race and the finish of the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race.
The Sound Bites Café serves hearty breakfasts, delicious lunches as well as coffees and drinks. Chandlers Bar & Bistro serves excellent food and wine with a beautiful view of the Plymouth Sound and Drake’s Island with the Cornish coastline as a backdrop. The large heated dining terrace makes it a cosy retreat by day or night.
There is a fun-packed schedule at the marina this summer, with highlights including crabbing with the kids on 5 May, the summer party with the Royal Western Yacht Club on 28 July – a hog roast, drinks and dancing are on the cards this year. There is also the British Firework Championships to look forward to in August.
A Co-op is 0.7 miles away and there is a chandler at the marina. Provisions are also available on-site.
Plymouth is a lively and bustling city with plenty to do. The National Marine Aquarium is within walking distance of Queen Anne’s Battery. There are guided tours of Plymouth Gin and the interactive Pilgrim Fathers & Mayflower exhibition– or catch a show at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. There is also a Vue cinema and Tenpin bowling just an eight minute walk away from the marina for a relaxed evening out.
Plymouth station is nine miles away, and the city is serviced by local buses and taxis.
INFORMATION
www.gwr.com/plan-journey/stations-and-routes/plymouth
plymouthdistillery.com/age-gate
www.plymouth.gov.uk/visitorsandtourism/attractions/mayflowermuseum
www.myvue.com/cinema/plymouth/whats-on
www.tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/plymouth-barbican/
Personal recommendations
John Tinkler: “Queen Anne’s Battery – a great place to park and right next to the sea. Chandler’s Restaurant is a great place to eat.”
Mike Read: “Coming to the end of another great season at QAB, thanks for all your help guys, always there to help with whatever the problem. A well-kept and clean marina.”
Ed Mant: “Helpful staff and polite. Good amenities. Sheltered from the wind and very clean and tidy. Lovely little pub with friendly staff and great food.”
Access
From the road, join the A38 fast road to Plymouth from the M5 at Exeter. Coming via the sea, Queen Anne’s Battery is to the right of Plymouth Hoe at the mouth of the river Plym. There Is easy access to the marina opposite the historical Barbican area of Plymouth.
Contact the Marina on VHF channel 80 on approach, or call on 01752 671142. Vessels should consult charts on approach.
Manager: Chris Price
Queen Anne’s Battery, Plymouth Devon PL4 0LP
Tel: 01752 266766
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