{"id":44316,"date":"2026-07-19T12:26:50","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T10:26:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ribsonly.com\/2\/?p=44316"},"modified":"2026-07-23T21:53:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T19:53:58","slug":"pasty-hunt-run-2026-a-cornish-adventure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ribsonly.com\/2\/pasty-hunt-run-2026-a-cornish-adventure\/","title":{"rendered":"Pasty Hunt & Run 2026: A Cornish Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Pasty
Nutkin completely airborne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Devon Tradition Heads to Cornwall 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2026 Pasty Hunt and Run remained a true Devon tradition. However, Cornwall’s spectacular coastline deserved a visit this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a hot July Saturday, eight RIBs gathered at Breakwater Fort, Plymouth<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The planned route included the Eddystone Lighthouse before crossing open water toward Falmouth, combining offshore cruising with stunning coastal scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strong Winds Change the Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2026 July heat was intense, with many crews releasing air from their tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weather had other ideas. A force 4 southwesterly, gusting to force 6, created challenging and confused sea conditions (learn more about this<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fleet quickly adapted. Instead of continuing to Falmouth, they sheltered behind the Cornish coastline and selected Fowey as the new destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fleet Works Together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Highfield Patrol 600 initially led the group before handing leadership to the XS 7 m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a full crew and a dog aboard, the Patrol preferred a steadier pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rounding Rame Head proved particularly lively because shelter was limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 4m Ribcraft, carrying five people, decided the conditions were beyond its comfort zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The group escorted the boat safely back into Plymouth Sound before continuing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting Every Crew<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Six boats pressed onward with a following swell and confused seas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The larger RIBs handled the conditions comfortably with minimal helm input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The smaller Bombard faced a much tougher ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its category B hull, limited seating, and two-person crew struggled with the steep wind-driven chop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, the Highfield Patrol had spare seating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bombard’s crew transferred aboard, leaving only the helm on their boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The improved weight balance made the journey considerably safer. The smiles said everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crew loved leaving their boat, while the helm enjoyed the extra space even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moments like these are exactly why these events are organised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shelter, Refreshments and a Cornish Pasty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After rounding the headlands, the fleet entered Whitsands Bay and found calmer water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fowey soon appeared on the horizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A cold pint, refreshing ice cream, and a traditional Cornish pasty were the perfect rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heading Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After an hour relaxing in the sunshine, it was time to head east into the wind and waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One 5 m Ribcraft owner perfectly summed up the experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

What a day! I’ve never been out in seas this big, but the group’s support gave us the confidence.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Capturing the Adventure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 5 m Tornado served as the media boat throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It captured impressive video and photography, soon to appear on the SkintBoater YouTube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One standout image shows Nutkin completely airborne, and that was on one of the smaller waves (see top image).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning from Each Other<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite the demanding conditions, everyone enjoyed the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bombard’s helm joined the Highfield Patrol to experience how a larger RIB handled rough seas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Patrol crew member Mark transferred to the smaller boat, while Darren took the Highfield’s helm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experiencing the Patrol transformed expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its ability in both rough water and calm conditions left a lasting impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing seemed certain: Rob could probably expect a phone call soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Relaxing Evening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A cooling swim at Polperro ended the day’s boating before everyone returned to Plymouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The evening continued at the Borringdon Arms. Some crews watched football, while others enjoyed a rum before an early night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday Brings Bigger Seas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sunday was again sunny and extremely warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, another weather warning predicted gusts up to force 7. The fleet headed east toward the Mewstone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swells reached around two metres, and several boats became airborne with limited control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety came first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision was made to abandon the offshore route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, the group surfed across to Fort Picklecombe before cruising up the River Tamar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crews enjoyed Saltash Tea Rooms while watching submarines, naval vessels, and the historic dock basins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 6 m Grand, carrying a family, and the 6 m Avon remained there to watch water-ski racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared with the sea conditions, that seemed almost sensible.<\/p>\n\n\n

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