Fowey: A consistently captivating venue for nautical vacations

Adventure Unexpected: Aredit's Eastbound Expedition

A botched voyage to the Isles of Scilly turns into an exhilarating journey down Cornwall and Devon's coastline.

There are times to stick to a plan, and there are times to cut your losses... we chose the latter, for the sake of our beloved Aquador, Aredirect.

After last year's aborted cruise to the Isles of Scilly was cut short by treacherous weather, my wife Jillie and I decided to give it another go this year. Assembling all the essential provisions — fuel, water, food, favorable weather conditions — we set sail on June 16. Yet, as we made our way towards the Lizard, the sky darkened, the seas grew choppy, and we hadn't even passed either the Lizard or Land's End yet. Something didn't feel right, so we turned back to Fowey.

Two considerations sealed our decision: the weather forecast for Scilly, which remained breezy and overcast, versus the sunny and light winds of Cornwall and Devon; and Aredirect's electrical issues, which persisted despite replacing all four batteries. The voltage was still erratic, and it didn't feel safe to venture out into the open sea with that uncertainty.

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Although we've visited Fowey countless times, it never fails to impress. We moored at one of the mid-river pontoons, perfectly positioned beside the lifeboat, and settled in for a delightful stay, enjoying the town's charm at our own pace.

The following day, dawned bright and warm, and we set sail for Cawsand, a charming Cornwall coastal village we had come to love during our previous voyage. Cawsand and its neighboring Kingsand lie within Plymouth sound, tucked under the lee of the Rame Peninsula, offering picturesque scenery, charming cafes, pubs, sandy beaches, and a sheltered anchorage. However, the fresh northwesterly winds that blew up during our first night turned the anchorage into a restless, noisy, and sleep-deprived one.

Shore-Side Exploration:

One of Cawsand's attractions is its proximity to Mount Edgcumbe Park, a former stately home now maintained by local authorities. Seizing the opportunity to explore the park, we ventured there on the sunniest day of the year, taking a cooling dip in the park's lake before indulging in a leisurely lunch at the Orangery. After meandering through the park, we returned to Cawsand via a scenic path with breathtaking views.

Breakfast in our household is typically a rush, aimed at fueling up for the day. In Cawsand, however, we opted for a leisurely morning, indulging in a decadent breakfast at Olives, a picturesque café with tables overlooking the sea, where gulls vied with customers for the tastiest morsels.

Hope Springs Eternal:

After a peaceful sojourn in Cawsand, we aimed our bow towards Hope Cove, nestled north of Salcombe. This Devon idyll was a reflection of our beloved Cawsand in Cornwall, with its sheltered bay, quiet anchorages, and stunning coastal walks. We swam twice daily, enjoying the tranquil waters, and visited local eateries for refreshments during our stay.

After two magnificent nights in Hope Cove, we decided to seek a shore-powered location for Aredirect's electrical system, as the charging issues persisted. Salcombe's facilities were lacking, leaving us with three options: Dartmouth, Plymouth, or Fowey. Choosing familiarity over novelty, we opted for Fowey. Luckily, the batteries held out during the journey, alleviating any fears of a power failure. On our return to Fowey, a thorough examination of the electrical system revealed a loose connection, fixed by squeezing a connector with pliers. Since then, we have installed solar panels on Aredirect's roof to ensure consistent battery charging, adding a newfound sense of security for future voyages.

All in all, this unscheduled expedition along Cornwall and Devon's coastline proved to be a memorable and invigorating experience, filled with stunning landscapes, exhilarating coastal walks, and moments of discovery alongside our beloved Aredirect.

When the weather forecast for the Isles of Scilly remained unfavorable and Aredirect's electrical issues persisted, we braved the open sea and embarked on a luxury adventure-travel journey along the Cornwall and Devon coastline, exploring the extravagant interiors of superyachts like the Sunreef 100 Power Superyacht.
As we found refuge in the charming Cornwall coastal village of Cawsand, we ventured ashore for a leisurely exploration, visiting the historic Mount Edgcumbe Park and indulging in a delectable lunch at the Orangery—all while cruising in the luxurious and head-turning Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295, a flybridge boat.
After narrowly escaping electrical complications during our voyage, we returned to the picturesque town of Fowey for a UPGRADING repairs— equipping Aredirect with solar panels on the roof to ensure consistent battery charging for our future luxury lifestyle travels.