News

TORQUAY HARBOUR RE-OPENS

A SOUTH Devon harbour is officially open for business again with the opening of a new slipway and extended quay area.

The opening of phase two of a multi-million pound waterfront redevelopment at Torquay’s Beacon Quay is designed to attract not only world and European sailing and powerboat championships but also holiday makers wanting somewhere safe to launch their craft.

Costing around £3.5m, it is the culmination of many months of work and includes the new 10m wide slipway and an extended quay area big enough to store more than 100 dinghies and trailers for championships and other events.

As Harbour Master, Capt Kevin Mowat, said: “The development will ease congestion on the quayside when launching large fleets. We now have a truly fit-for-purpose slipway.

“People coming down to Torbay on holiday can easily launch their boats now. We’ve re-opened for business for almost any water based activity – whether it’s dinghy sailing, powerboat racing, rowing or canoeing.”

And he said Torbay is now a suitable venue for world class events including possibly Olympic training teams for which a bid is currently being prepared.

The new slipway, which is 10m wide and has a 1 in 8 slope down to the sea bed ensuring there are no tidal restrictions, is suitable for two boats – whether powerboats or dinghies - to launch and recover simultaneously. There are also water points and electric points easily available at the top as well as a large storage area for trailers.

Capt Mowat explained: “There’s a big turning area at the top of the slipway and plenty of car parking within five minutes walk. It’s a fairly gentle slope so is very suitable for those who may be new to launching – a 4x4 isn’t needed. It’s a very user-friendly user facility.”

During the season, there will also be a pontoon facility alongside Haldon Pier, adjacent to the slipway where boats can be left for short periods.

And the new development is disabled friendly with an embarkation ramp next to the new slipway suitable for wheelchairs.

Capt Mowat said: “Everyone who has used it since it opened has been full of praise. Unfortunately we were forced to close the previous slipways – built as embarkation ramps for American troops in World War II – due to health and safety reasons but people have said the new facilities have been worth the wait. Representatives from the local club – the Royal Torbay Yacht Club – are especially delighted.

“Unfortunately the building work meant the club hasn’t been able to hold as many events in 2006 as usual but I hope they will have a full timetable for next year.”

The whole waterfront redevelopment so far has cost about £25 million and has also included new Beacon Quay buildings used for different marine businesses, tourist attractions, a café and art gallery, providing facilities for the whole family to enjoy, as well as an inner harbour cill and footbridge.

A third phase of work is planned to start next year – this will be a new Town Dock providing at least 150 berths for boats up to 40ft in length as well as event capacity for keel boats.

Funding has been provided by the Regional Development Agency and the Government Office South West.