Dartmouth lies at the heart of some of the finest cruising grounds in Europe. From local pottering to Channel crossings, boats based on the Dart have a mouth–watering choice of destinations.

A direct passage to North Brittany leads about 90 miles due south of Dartmouth. The dart is also one of the best jumping off points for reaching the South Brittany coats by way of Chenal du Four. L’Abervrac’h is not quite 110 miles from Start Point and you then have short hops down to Camaret, Bénodet and the tempting havens around the Bay of Biscay.

One of the great attractions of keeping your boat in Dartmouth is having eight splendid miles of river to explore. Between Dartmouth Town and Totnes Quay, the Dart winds through peaceful countryside that that has changed little in a hundred years. These enticing stretches of inland water can be appreciated from a boat right through the year. As you cruise up past Noss – on – Dart and the ancient oaks of Long Wood, the pilotage is straightforward as far as Dittisham village. Be sure to leave the Anchor Stone red beacon to port as you come up past Raleigh Boat House! Dittisham can easily be reached at any stage of the tide, but for a passage further upstream you need a rising tide and admiralty chart 2253.

For simply relaxing, you can explore the coves and beaches of Start Bay or plan weekend trips round to Tor Bay.

Meandering further west you reach the timeless Yealm River, the charming estuary at Fowey and the untouched anchorages of the Helford. More ambitious passages take you across to the friendly Channel Islands or the spectacular Brittany rivers. St Peter Port on Guernsey is less than 70 nautical miles from Dartmouth. Sustained easterlies or south easterlies make Guernsey a gruelling slog, while a moderate westerly or north westerly will give you a cracking sail. From St Peter Port you can reckon 65 miles down to St Malo and only 45 miles across to Lézardrieux or Tréguier.