Bringing a superyacht into Falmouth
The short answer
Falmouth is a deep natural harbour open at all states of the tide. Port Pendennis takes yachts of over 80 metres alongside, the Crossroads mooring in Carrick Roads takes yachts of up to 180 metres, and pilotage is compulsory by zone.
For a yacht arriving from the Atlantic or the western Channel, Falmouth is often the first British port, and its two shipyards make it a natural place to combine a visit with work. The harbour is sheltered in all but strong southerlies, and the range is about 4.7 metres at springs.
How is Falmouth approached?
Falmouth is entered between St Anthony Head and Pendennis Point, passing either side of Black Rock into the inner harbour or north into Carrick Roads, which has deep water throughout, to 30 metres in the main channel. Falmouth Harbour Radio monitors VHF 12, and movements of vessels over 20 metres are reported with 15 minutes' notice.
When is pilotage compulsory?
Pilotage at Falmouth is by zone: over 30 metres in Zone B, west of Rosemullion Head; over 50 metres in Zone D, north of Messack Point; over 75 metres in Zone C; over 180 metres in Zone A; and in the Penryn River over 60 metres. Falmouth Pilots monitor VHF 09 and need 24 hours' notice of the ETA, confirmed one hour before reaching the pilot station.
Where does a superyacht berth?
Port Pendennis takes yachts of over 80 metres on its outer berths, with unrestricted tidal access, 4.6 metres minimum on springs and 250 or 100 amp three phase power at the superyacht berths. The Crossroads mooring, a Class 1 Admiralty swinging mooring in Carrick Roads, takes yachts of up to 180 metres and 10.5 metres draught, and the inner harbour moorings take yachts of up to 60 metres except by special arrangement. Vessels may be moved for commercial shipping at short notice.
Where does a yacht take fuel?
The Falmouth Haven fuel barge serves yachts of up to 35 metres, booked in advance. A larger yacht takes fuel from an approved bunker barge in the harbour.
How do owners and guests arrive?
Owners and guests can be flown by helicopter direct to the private helipad at Pendennis Shipyard, with prior authorisation from the yard, which we obtain before the flight. Cornwall Airport Newquay has Weston Aviation handling from 08:00 to 19:00 with customs fast track, and Exeter is an hour and a half by road. The Falmouth branch line joins the main line to London Paddington at Truro. Transfers are on the owners and guests page.
What yard work can be done?
Pendennis Shipyard has two 75 metre enclosed dry docks, which can be used as one of 150 metres by 24 metres, an 800 tonne hoist and alongside berthing to 100 metres. Balaena has dry docks of up to 253 metres. The yards are compared on the shipyards and refit page.
How can Watermans help?
We book the berth or mooring and the pilot, make the report to Border Force, and arrange fuel, provisions and transfers while you are in port. The full detail is in the Falmouth pilot notes.