A Devon Tradition Heads to Cornwall 2026
The 2026 Pasty Hunt and Run remained a true Devon tradition. However, Cornwall’s spectacular coastline deserved a visit this year.
On a hot July Saturday, eight RIBs gathered at Breakwater Fort, Plymouth.
The planned route included the Eddystone Lighthouse before crossing open water toward Falmouth, combining offshore cruising with stunning coastal scenery.
Strong Winds Change the Plan
The 2026 July heat was intense, with many crews releasing air from their tubes.
The weather had other ideas. A force 4 southwesterly, gusting to force 6, created challenging and confused sea conditions (learn more about this).
The fleet quickly adapted. Instead of continuing to Falmouth, they sheltered behind the Cornish coastline and selected Fowey as the new destination.
The Fleet Works Together
The Highfield Patrol 600 initially led the group before handing leadership to the XS 7 m.
With a full crew and a dog aboard, the Patrol preferred a steadier pace.
Rounding Rame Head proved particularly lively because shelter was limited.
The 4m Ribcraft, carrying five people, decided the conditions were beyond its comfort zone.
The group escorted the boat safely back into Plymouth Sound before continuing.
Supporting Every Crew
Six boats pressed onward with a following swell and confused seas.
The larger RIBs handled the conditions comfortably with minimal helm input.
The smaller Bombard faced a much tougher ride.
Its category B hull, limited seating, and two-person crew struggled with the steep wind-driven chop.
Fortunately, the Highfield Patrol had spare seating.
The Bombard’s crew transferred aboard, leaving only the helm on their boat.
The improved weight balance made the journey considerably safer. The smiles said everything.
The crew loved leaving their boat, while the helm enjoyed the extra space even more.
Moments like these are exactly why these events are organised.
Shelter, Refreshments and a Cornish Pasty
After rounding the headlands, the fleet entered Whitsands Bay and found calmer water.
Fowey soon appeared on the horizon.
A cold pint, refreshing ice cream, and a traditional Cornish pasty were the perfect rewards.
Heading Home
After an hour relaxing in the sunshine, it was time to head east into the wind and waves.
One 5 m Ribcraft owner perfectly summed up the experience:
What a day! I’ve never been out in seas this big, but the group’s support gave us the confidence.
Capturing the Adventure
The 5 m Tornado served as the media boat throughout the weekend.
It captured impressive video and photography, soon to appear on the SkintBoater YouTube channel.
One standout image shows Nutkin completely airborne, and that was on one of the smaller waves (see top image).
Learning from Each Other
Despite the demanding conditions, everyone enjoyed the experience.
The Bombard’s helm joined the Highfield Patrol to experience how a larger RIB handled rough seas.
Meanwhile, Patrol crew member Mark transferred to the smaller boat, while Darren took the Highfield’s helm.
Experiencing the Patrol transformed expectations.
Its ability in both rough water and calm conditions left a lasting impression.
One thing seemed certain: Rob could probably expect a phone call soon.
A Relaxing Evening
A cooling swim at Polperro ended the day’s boating before everyone returned to Plymouth.
The evening continued at the Borringdon Arms. Some crews watched football, while others enjoyed a rum before an early night.
Sunday Brings Bigger Seas
Sunday was again sunny and extremely warm.
Unfortunately, another weather warning predicted gusts up to force 7. The fleet headed east toward the Mewstone.
Swells reached around two metres, and several boats became airborne with limited control.
Safety came first.
The decision was made to abandon the offshore route.
Instead, the group surfed across to Fort Picklecombe before cruising up the River Tamar.
The crews enjoyed Saltash Tea Rooms while watching submarines, naval vessels, and the historic dock basins.
The 6 m Grand, carrying a family, and the 6 m Avon remained there to watch water-ski racing.
Compared with the sea conditions, that seemed almost sensible.
Looking Ahead
The next adventure will be the Plymouth Fireworks in August 2026.
The event will combine daytime cruising, local attractions, spectacular evening fireworks, and, above all, excellent company.
Specs
| Model | Highfield Patrol 600 |
| Overall length | 6,17 m |
| Internal length | 4,49 m |
| Overall width | 2,58 m |
| Internal width | 1,32 m |
| Dead rise | 26° |
| Tube diameter | 54 cm |
| Number of air chambers | 6 |
| Maximum load* | 1.200 kg |
| Maximum engine weight | 230 kg |
| Maximum people | 15 |
| Boat only weight** | 762 kg |
| Fuel tank | 140 l |
| Maximum hp | 150 hp |
| Engine shaft | XL Single |
| Design category | C*** |
**boat, console & standard seating only
*Maximum load includes crew & cargo – it does not include engine weight, fuel or water
***discover what this means
