Approaches and Berthing

Harbour Entrance position: 50 24’.32 N ; 03 30’.85 W

Admiralty Chart No 26 ‘Harbours on the South Coast of Devon’

A white lighthouse is situated at the outer end (Oc R 15s) of Brixham’s half-mile long Victoria breakwater and is easy to locate from Berry Head.

Give the breakwater end a wide berth, as large beam trawlers can often emerge from behind it and you should then keep to the starboard side of the 75m wide fairway, marked by port hand (FIR) and starboard hand (FIG) buoys right up to the fish quays and the Marina.  

At night the fairway is covered by the white sector of a (Dir Iso WRG 5s) light located on the southern side of the harbour which has a quick flashing light immediately above it to help identify it against the background lights of the town.  The eastern end of the Marina wave screen breakwater is indicated by (2 FI G 5s vert) lights, the south-western end (2 FI R 5s Vert).

Anchoring

Anchoring is prohibited in the fairway, and the only feasible place to lie to your own gear is to seaward of the moorings, on the west side of the harbour, which is sheltered in all but north-westerly winds but uncomfortable in north or north-easterly conditions when a ground swell runs in.  The bottom is foul in places and a trip line is essential.  

Anchoring is also prohibited in the fairway along the inside of Victoria Breakwater, which is kept clear for the lifeboat.  An alternative anchorage, though less convenient for the town, is Fishcombe Cove just west of the harbour.  It is sheltered and peaceful in southerly and westerly weather, and also free.  On arrival all vessels should contact "BRIXHAM HARBOUR" on VHF Radio channel 14 prior to entering the fairway for berthing instructions.

Town Pontoon

Limited berthing alongside the Town pontoon is available all year round.  Follow the main fairway, keeping the Marina to port and the fishing vessel basin to starboard. Please contact the harbour office by VHF Radio first for availability and berthing instructions.

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