LAUNCHING
The slipway is located near to the centre of the village. Approaching Downderry from the west (via Seaton) go passed the Londis shop (on the right) and take the next road on the right, this takes you directly to the slipway shown in the photo below. The slipway is free and accessible at all times.The beach is a mixture of pebbles at the top and sand nearer the waters edge. Piles of seaweed in the winter months sometimes prevents launching across the beach, in any case a Four Wheel Drive vehicle is essential. There is a reef that extends around the central part of the beach. In summer there are often crab fishing boats moored in this area, as it provides a natural harbour at half to low tide. In summer, when weather conditions are more predictable, it is possible to leave a boat moored overnight. Access to the open sea is via a natural channel. Going out on a simple transit will keep the boat in the channel and aid access to the open sea, without too much trouble. The transit is as follows:- keep the lower left hand corner of the Pub wall (where it meets the beach) lined up with the TV mast on the hill.
An alternative launch site would be from the Millpool car park in West Looe. Take the B3253 to Looe, where the road joins the A387. Drive across the main bridge in Looe, round to the right and start to drive up the hill on the other side. About 50m on the right there is a turning to the car park. Follow the road down the hill to a mini roundabout, and turn left. Go to the far end of the car park and the slipway is on the right. It is possible to launch here 3 hours either side of high tide. Note this is a Pay and Display car park. A speed limit of 5 knots is imposed within the harbour area, and within 100m of the end of the Banjo pier.
Saltash Slipway is located under the Tamar bridge. Take the A38 to Plymouth. Just before going through the tunnel take the sliproad on the left which is signposted to Saltash. At the T-junction turn left and immediately left again. Follow the road down the side of the Tamar bridge. The road bends around to the right and goes directly under the bridge. On the left hand side there is a slipway.
It is possible to launch here at most states of the tide. On street parking is also fairly freely available, although care should be taken not to prevent local access. Right next to the slipway there are some toilets, which are open all year around. A club that is adjacent to the slipway, has installed a security light which illuminates the slipway, which is very handy for preparing for night dives.
A speed limit of 10 knots is imposed on the river Tamar up to Devils point. There is restricted access to the Eastern side of the river. No craft is allowed within 50m of the Devonport dockyard wall. This area of the river is policed, so don't speed or get too inquisitive, you have been warned!