Mothecombe is great spot on the south coast, about an hour from Exeter and close to Bigbury.  There are two different launch spots, either Mothecombe on the west or Wonwell on the east of the Erme Estuary. 

 

Mothecombe/Wonwell is an underrated spot; it is a great location for both intermediates and advanced windsurfers. It also allows intermediates to get a taste of wave sailing in a relatively safe environment. 

 

In a SW swell a nice wave can wrap around the corner and come into the Estuary, giving some good, onshore wavesailing.  However, further into the estuary it can be flat, allowing intermediates to build their confidence. 

 

Tides: -

 

Mothecombe/Wonwell is an estuary and is sailable about 2-3 hours before high tide.  It is best not to sail on the outgoing tide and the water can move quickly. 

 

 

 

 

Wind directions: -

                                        

                                  Mothecombe/Wonwell only works in a southerly.                                                       However, when the rest of the south coast is unsailable                                           due to too much wind and lots of swell Mothecombe/                                              Wonwell can be a great place to sail, with manageable                                             waves and wind.

 

It is important not to sail

Mothecombe/Wonwell if there

is any East in the wind, as this

results in a large wind shadow. 

 

Any west in the wind can also

result in gusty conditions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rigging and Launching:

 

From Exeter it is best to drive to the Wonwell side of the estuary.  This in its self can be a challenge as it is almost impossible not to get lost.  Once there the best thing to do is drop your kit off at the end of the lane then drive the car back up the lane until it is a wide enough to park.  Then most people rig on the beach or the concrete pathway. 

If you end up on the Mothecombe side the best thing to do is drive to the bottom of the lane and drop all your kit off, then park the car in the ‘car park’ (field) at the top of the hill.  Then kit can be rigged either on the small beach or the concrete pathway.