Page 21 - Yachter Autumn/Winter 2022

CRUISING REPORTS 21
wisdom of whether we should have set off at all.
However, as we approached the entrance to the river, the cloud started to lift and
we could easily see where we were going. We passed the anchorage on the south
side (which used to be the site of an oyster farm) but decided in the rather blustery conditions to plump for a green visitor’s buoy in the deeper main channel further up-river instead. By evening it had cleared and we were sitting on deck enjoying the peacefulness of the river.All we could hear were the leaves of the trees on the wooded banks, rustling in the breeze and the water lapping against the boat.
Today the Helford River is a marine conservation area well-known for its secluded creeks, sandy beaches and attractive villages.The river meanders through a deep sheltered valley, and its banks are covered by
an ancient oak forest providing an excellent habitat for birdlife.The picturesque village of Helford, on the southern side of the river, is tucked up in one of the creeks.There is only one village store selling the basics and a pub, so we had made sure we had provisions on the boat before we arrived.
There are anchorages at the entrance to the river and further upstream, and about twenty green visitor moorings in the deeper channel.There are no official onshore visitor facilities, but the Helford River Sailing Club on the south side of the river welcomes visiting sailors.
To get ashore a dinghy is necessary.The dinghy dock at Helford River Sailing Club dries at low water and on the north side you can land on the beach in front of The Ferry Boat Inn, but be prepared to drag your dinghy up the beach to well above the waterline.