Nick, once you're sure that you've sorted out any engine problems why not just pootle along the coast, having chosen a good weather window. No need to rush, call in at a few other places on the way, you'll be surprised how easy it will seem.

Maybe call in at Weymouth for the cheapest fuel on the south coast, creep around Portland Bill about 50- 100 yards off and then hug the coast around Lyme Bay, maybe stop for lunch in Lyme Regis, use a visitors buoy and dinghy to the Cobb, good food and drink in the Cobb Arms. Then onwards past Beer (you could well find Blue Fisher somewhere between Lyme and Exmouth on one of our favourite dive sites), maybe call into Exmouth for a pint, you can always moor alongside me or use my mooring if I'm not there. From my mooring it's only about 20 yards onto Dawlish Warren which has great sandy beaches, but watch out for the currents. The sand dunes are great, easy to find a secluded bit all to yourself even at the busiest times. Have a good explore, there's ponds, loads of wildlife and even a golf course!

Then on to Teignmouth, only go in around high water, but well worth the effort, pretty, good beaches and some good pubs on the quay. Next on to Babbacombe tucked away in the corner of the bay only a few miles away from Torquay. There's a little pier that you can tie up to at high tide, or else anchor 50 yards or so off at low water, with an excellent pub only 50 yards or so away. And a few hundred yards away is a cliff railway, up to the top for some great views. There are often dolphins around this area, an added bonus.

Then round the corner to Torbay, not my favourite place although Brixham is interesting in places, particularly recommended is Brixham Yacht Club, fantastic views of the bay with good food and a good choice of beers. From there a short hop around to Dartmouth, maybe stopping at Scabbacombe sands for the girls to play (watch out for the nudists!) and then into Dartmouth, loads of places to stop, or for somewhere a bit quieter up to Dittisham or again at high water, all the way to Totnes.

Leaving Dartmouth for Salcombe you have some great beaches in Start Bay, Blackpool Sands being one of the best. Look out for the abandoned houses at Hallsands, lots of history there. Creep around Start Point avoiding the Skerries and Salcombe is just around the corner. Look for the wreckage on Prawle point, an old ship which broke its tow some years ago. Salcombe has some of the best beaches in the country with golden sands and clear water, and always somewhere sheltered to moor or anchor.

There you have it, Lyme Bay and beyond in easy steps, all great fun and not at all difficult in settled weather. Give it a go, you will enjoy it, or else your money back!!

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