We thought we’d share with you some tips for pilotage on the Helford river. All the marks on the Helford River are managed voluntarily. They’re serviced annually however can’t always be maintained outside of these times.
Entering the River
Entering the Helford River on the western edge of Falmouth Bay, you’ll come across August Rock Buoy. It guards against grounding on the August Rock and the Gedges Rocks, which stretch eastwards from the south of Rosemullion Point. August Rock Buoy is usually lit at night, Fl Green 5 sec.
On the south shore, the Car Croc Easterly Cardinal Mark guards the Car Croc Rocks, Fl white (3) 10 sec. It extends northwards in front of the entrance to Gillan Creek. Be sure to keep to the north of this buoy and head due east between Dennis head on your port side and Mawnan Shear starboard side.
Durgan
Continue Westwards passing Gew Point to your south and Toll Point to your north. You’ll come across the Voose Northerly Cardinal Mark FL white 1 sec on your port side. It’s opposite Durgan, a pretty hamlet with some 50 moorings off the north shore.
In a deep keeled vessel with good draft, keep close to the Voose marker and continue in an Westerly direction. Beware of the fishing keep pots off the south shore, upriver of the Voose Marker to Bosahan Point. Shallows extend from the north shore at low water spring tides.
Helford Passage and Helford Village
You’ll then pass through the Helford Passage, with the hamlet on the north shore. This is where the major area of moorings begins, extending half a mile to the entrance of Port Navas Creek on the north side of the river. To the south lies the shallow waters of Helford Creek with the hamlet of Helford and the Helford River Sailing Club nearby.
From the narrows of the Helford Passage continue Westwards up the middle of the river. Take care not to enter the area of small vessels on the north side. Pass to the South of the small green conical buoy known as the Bar Buoy, which guards shallow water extending southwards, upriver. It’s easy to miss Bar Buoy if it’s unlit or the river is busy, so keep your eyes peeled!
If you have any questions about pilotage on the Helford River, be sure to get in touch.