Fort Bovisand Plymouth September 2019
This has been the clubs second pilgrimage to Fort Bovisand Plymouth in 2019 having visited at the start of the dive season.
The Guilty
Leigh-Anne McDuffus
Ruby Wood
Anna “Villanelle” Rudd
Rob Howard
John Holmes
Richard Holmes
Bob Balcolme
Keith Cairey
Robin Norman
Gareth Leyshon
Alex Barrett
Fort Bovisand
Previously I have not stepped forward before because I was under the impression that it was a long way just to dive in the same conditions as Brighton or Weymouth.
How wrong could I be.
Everyone impressed the accomodation is basic and do not expect too much. It is clean, comfortable beds and hot shower. What more could someone want or need.
A key benefit is that the accomodation, although on a raised level, is on the quayside. This results in being able to walk out of your room, down the slope onto the boat.
The fort built in 1861 on an important strategic position to protect Plymouth Sound.
Danny of Discovery Divers located at Fort Bovisand, Plymouth has to be mentioned.
Professional is an understatement. Cool, calm and friendly authority instilling confidence from the start.
A very important part of Danny’s hospitality is the Pasties and the Clotted Cream and Jam Scones. Absolute joy between dives.
The schedule was no different to any other visit, James Eagan Layne, HMS Scylla and Eddystone Lighthouse. Repeating the same dives over and over again seems crazy? You have to consider the “Old Boys” have been coming here for many years. The reason is they are truely outstanding sites.
Saturday and Sunday diving. James Eagan Layne and HMS Scylla on Saturday. James Eagan Layne Eddystone Lighthouse on Sunday. Not being a wreck/rusty metal person the James Egan Lane for me was outstanding. UK waters Thistlegorm. Full of cargo, catherdral like structures and at a suitable depth to be enjoyed by experienced and novice divers.
HMS Scylla F71
HMS Scylla F71, purposely scuttled as a dive attraction in 2004, is a Leander Class Frigate. Starting service with the Royal Navy in 1970 she served during the second Cod War with Iceland. HMS Scylla missed action during the Falklands conflict due to being refitted but has a history. Unfortunately some of which is not something to be proud of. She collided with the Torpoint ferry in 1973 leading to the reprimand and subsequent court marshall of the commanding officer. Her collision days were not over as she was hit by the Icelandic gunboat Aegir.
More details on HMS Scylla and photos of the sinking.
James Eagan Layne
The fate was sealead by Reinhard Hardegen in U-123. A sucessful U Boat commander having sunk and damaged 22 and 5 ships. A total toll of 115,626 tonnes sunk and 46,500 tonnes damaged. He survived the war and died in 2018.
A Liberty ship carrying equipment for US Army Engineers equipment to help Britain. Torpedoed in September 1945, just before the war ended in December 1945. Attempts were made to save and salvage however the excercise was unsecessful. For us a positive as it is a magnificent dive.
The photograph is of a similar vessel providing the scale and size of these ships.
An insite and interesting post about the James Eagan Layne
Eddystone Lighthouse
Not knowing what to expect here. I probably would not have chosen this as an option, given a choice. Suggesting we keep the dive short to save gas for a second dive on James Eagan Layne.
Wrong again.
Decending through above average visibility to below the kelp the water cleared more and more. If my computer was not showing 30 metres I would have thought it was only 10 metres.
Light penetration and water clarity was outstanding. For someone who prefers the marine life rather tha wrecks this is a must dive.
This was a perfect for anyone who dives to see marine life. From the smallest to urchins bigger than ones head.
An added bonus out to the lighthouse we were visited by a small pod of dolphins, to count around 6-10. Unfortunately there is no photographic evidence.
Information about the lighthouse on the Trinity House Site
Photo Gallery 1
Photo Gallery 2
Gallery 3 Above the Water
The following videos are of HMS Scylla and James Eagan Layne taken on Day 1.
And for 2020
This is a very popular destination and so two dates have been reserved for 2020. Keep an eye on the Forum. Book early and pay your deposit to avoid disappointment in 2020.
Under normal circumstances we meet on Sunday nights at One Leisure St Ives (the St. Ives Recreation Centre), with theory lessons starting at 6:30PM and the pool is available exclusively for our training from 8:15PM. One Leisure St Ives Recreation Centre Westwood Road, St. Ives Cambs. PE27 6WU.
Due to Covid 19 we have suspended all Pool training and Try Dive activities.
St Ives Sub Aqua Club is affiliated with BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club)
Contact us now 01480 708029
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