M400 - Southampton to Dartmouth

Having finally met up with Speedwell and waited while she underwent repairs in Southampton, Mayflower and Speedwell finally set out on their journey to the New World on 15 August. Approximately in 2020 this coincides with the last day of the international sailing regatta at Cowes and their famous fireworks display. Had it not been for the poor state of repair of Speedwell, Plymouth in the USA would probably have been named Southampton or Dartmouth!

Our journey will be:

14 August

• 10.00 Embark in Southampton at Town Quay.
• 10.30 Introductions and safety briefing.
• 11.00 Depart Town Quay to take part in Parade of Sail in Southampton Water.
• 16.00 Return to Town Quay.
• 17.00 Visit West Quay, the now landlocked quayside Mayflower and Speedwell used to lade.
• 19.30 Dinner on board.

15 August (Southampton Maritime Festival)

Weighed anchor, as did consort, and in company dropped down Southampton Water. Mayflower Log.

• 08.00 Breakfast on board.
• 09.00 Time ashore to visit Maritime Festival events.
• 13.00 Lunch on board.
• 14.30 Cast off from Town Quay and 'drop down' Southampton Water into the Solent. Watch the finish of the last days racing in Cowes Week.
• 17.00 Anchor off Cowes.
• 19.00 Dinner on board.
• 21.00 Watch Cowes Week firework display on board.
• Stay at anchor over night. 

16 August

Passed Bill of Portland. Mayflower log.

• 07.00 Breakfast on board.
• 08.00 Sail down the Solent, past Hurst Castle through Needles Channel and head for Portland Bill. Refreshments and lunch on board while sailing.
• 18.00 Moor in Weymouth.
• 19.30 Dinner on board with time to wander through the old town of Weymouth after dinner.

17 August

• 07.00 Breakfast on board.
• 08.00 Depart berth at Weymouth and sail around the dramatic Portland Bill, across Lyme Bay and between the historic castles into the River Dart.
• 18.00 Moor in Dartmouth, either on the town pontoon or on the river.
• 19.00 Dinner on board or walk ashore to sample one of the many excellent restaurants in Dartmouth. 

18 August

• 07.30 Breakfast on board.
• 08.30 Disembark at Dartmouth.

Please note:

If the weather delays the passage from Weymouth, we may arrive in Dartmouth on the afternoon of 18 August, and disembark in Dartmouth at 18.00. In this case, overnight accommodation will be available on board.

 

All food and refreshments whilst onboard are included along with bedding and linen. 

For further details of what you need to bring and what to expect, see ‘Stuff you need to know’