The Helford River is a beautiful stretch of water that is relatively undeveloped, and offers only modest facilities. The entrance faces east and when the wind blows from this direction unless you are well upstream things can become a bit uncomfortable, however shelter from the West is complete.

It is close to Falmouth, and many boats based there make a pleasant day sail to the Helford River a regular outing. As with many stretches of water in the UK, a shoal draft boat drawing less than 1.5 m is ideal for exploring this "Ria". There are no marinas but well maintained visitors moorings, some possible anchorages, a couple of boatyards at the end of drying creeks, two sailing clubs, a few pubs and a general store. Not a place for the yachtsman or motorboater to stock right up, but peaceful little haven well worth a visit. ... read more

When coming from the direction of Falmouth it is essential to locate and pass outside of Gedges Rock (dries 1.4 m), which is marked with a green unlit buoy in season only. Standing off a good half mile until the entrance bears due west will keep you clear of this. In easterlies Falmouth Bay and the approaches to Helford River produce a very short and steep sea. Swell in the outer reaches, moorings and anchorages make a diversion to the River Fal desirable. Pilotage details:

When approaching from the South you will pass the entrance to Gillan Creek, which is guarded by a drying rock, marked by the easterly Cardinal "Car Croc". Shoal draft craft can wiggle in here providing they have a large scale chart, and particular attention is needed to Car Crock rocks which dry 1 m, and extend quite a distance to the south-east. The safest approach to this Creek would be to arrive at low water when you can see the hazards, and to creep in on the tide. There are many local moorings in the pool but it may be possible to find an anchorage off Flushing, alternatively if you can take the ground, move up the Creek to the hamlet of St Anthony where you can dry out in this picturesque little corner. There is a small boatyard here. ... read more

There are a couple of possibilities for anchoring just within the entrance provided the wind is in a westerly quadrant. They are shown on the chart, but note the restriction on anchoring on the North Shore in the area shown because of Eel Grass, which apparently needs protection from yachtsman digging it up with their anchors.

This no-go area is marked by buoys in season. Both these locations are well away from facilities, and will require an anchor light at night, and outboard on the dinghy for provisioning. Anchoring is prohibited on the South Shore West of the Voose, because of fisherman's store pots or anywhere in the inner River West of the telephone cable that crosses the narrows. There are clear warning notices on the shore regarding this matter. More berthing details: ... read more