DRAGON FORCE 65 TT (ROUND Y) and DRAGON FLITE 95 TT (ROUND X)
DARTMOOR M.B.C. looks forward to welcoming all DF competitors and visitors to SHAUGH LAKE for the TT events to be run on Saturday 7th of June & Sunday 8th of June 2025.
This will be the third time that the club has hosted this event on the lake which borders the Dartmoor National Park. The venue provides something different for the racing skipper as the lake lies in the now unused section of a china clay production area. The lake has two fully walkable control zones and an elevated platform control zone on the north side. Boat launching is from two separate fully decked platforms. Although not the largest of lakes, it is sizeable enough to enable courses for most racing classes to be laid.
Racing can be challenging at times due to the nature of the surrounding countryside and the weather conditions associated with the moor. The venue is popular with a significant number of visiting competitors wanting to return to it because of the calibre of organised racing which the club offers. As a private club with free car parking, toilets, buildings and event gazebo’s it has a lot to offer, but it also something else, scenic Dartmoor as a backdrop. This year permission has been granted for Motor homes to remain on site throughout the event including the Saturday over night. But please note, the discharging of either grey or black water on the site is not allowed due to environmental restrictions.
In both the 65 and 95 classes local numbers have increased significantly and it is likely that a good number of club boats will enter the events. DMBC has a number of scheduled MYA events to run this Summer and with this in mind further upgrades of the Club’s facilities and equipment have taken place. Structural upgrades have been made at both launching areas and also in respect of H&S in several lake positions. With strict environmental conditions to adhere to the uniqueness of the site remains and the local wildlife are very apparent on the site.
The Race Officers for the events are the same as used on the previously run TT events so the requirements of the classes are well known.
Further information regarding the Club and its location can be found on this web site but for specific information please contact either: –
Steve Watts (PRO) – Tel no 01752 700046 – email. herbiewatts@hotmail.co.uk
Keith Simmons FC (DF 65) – email keithsimmons@me.com
Thanks for reading. Updates will be added later as required.
TT EVENT UPDATE. JUNE 2019
With seven weeks or so to go to the TT event at Dartmoor work continues on site to finish upgrades to the launch and recovery platforms and their associated areas to cater for a possible large entry on both days. With another safety dinghy entering service and improvements made to aspects of race admin including a new starting unit, preparations are well in hand.
Communications.
There has always been a lack of mobile phone coverage whilst at the site which at times has proved difficult in emergency situations. This significant problem has been overcome due to the involvement of local Marine Industry company Babcock International and CCP (Martin Boulter) and 4g coverage has been established. Incidentally, both Babcock and the CCP are involved in the autonomous sailing programme for graduates and the lake is used as a test facility at times. Thanks also to Club member Martin Smith for installing the associated equipment on the site.
ENTRIES.
Within minutes of the MYA on – line entry system becoming live the first entry was received and there has been a trickle of entries over the following weeks. What is noticeable is that there have been several single day entries for the DF 95 class only and from entrants who are a significant distance from the venue. To date, event entries have been received from competitors located from as far afield as Newquay in Cornwall to Birkenhead in the Wirral.
A list of entries will be added at a date nearer to the event.
MOBILE HOMES and CARAVANS.
It would be helpful to the Club if entrants who intend to use such vehicles note the following – the access road leading to the lake from below the OLD WHEEL area is unsuitable for turning around especially if cars are already parked in that area. Please STOP and park at the old wheel area as a separate gated lake entrance for pedestrians is sited a short walk down from the Old wheel parking area.
DISABILITY CAR PARKING.
An area will be set aside nearer to the main access point for the lake at the North End for vehicles which require to be as near to the lake as possible. Prior notice of this requirement to the club would be appreciated as it will ensure that suitable space is reserved on the day.
PRACTICE SAILING.
The race team will be on site on Friday the 9th of August in the afternoon removing power boat turning buoys from the lake and laying race marks for the following day. For early arrivals who wish to practice, there is no objection to this providing that buoy laying operations are not restricted.
SPECTATORS and FAMILY MEMBERS. YOU ARE MOST WELCOME.
Although pub type seating, long bench seating and individual chairs will be available to use around the lake they are limited in number so your own favourite individual use seating brought by yourself is encouraged. In addition to the club main shed type building gazebos of several types will be erected around the north side of the lake. A gazebo is likely to be erected at the Southern gate entrance locality, if racing is taking place on that side of the lake. These will be used by race control and also as shelters from the weather which can be unpredictable near Dartmoor at times.
Toilet facilities will be upgraded with additional units should competitor numbers exceed normal club capacity levels. Toilets(chemical) are provided at the North end of the lake. Gentlemen do tend to use a convenient bush during racing times but they should be discreet when doing so and should watch out for the odd rogue sheep which might object to you using its patch!!
GENERAL INTEREST.
A short walk from the Club to the left will lead you to the ice cream vans which frequent the local beauty spot at Cadover Bridge. On really hot days they can also be found almost opposite to the club adjacent to the river side. Deep pool swimming and diving areas are sited further up river towards the stone age settlement areas which is popular with walkers.
There is a public bridleway that runs through the quarry area to the South of the racing lake and it is not unusual to see horse riders and walkers in that area. If you are lucky birds of prey are often seen in that area too.
As the lake is quite close to the Dartmoor military training areas it is not unusual for jets and helicopters to overfly the lake area at low level and at times the pilots will wing waggle to show that they have seen us, particularly Hercules transports.
FOOD and DRINK.
A café is sited quite close (approx. 8-minute drive) on the left-hand side on the road back towards Plymouth which serves breakfast, lunches and cream teas. There are also several good local pubs in the area. Club members will be able to give directions to these if required.
Tea and coffee will be available at minimum cost from the main shed and also emergency water will be on site.
SITE ACCESS.
As the site is a private site which is not accessible to the general public the main road access gates must be kept shut at all times so please after entering or leaving make sure that the gates are not left open. These gates also deter major flocks of sheep and herds of Dartmoor ponies from accessing the area where their numbers are controlled by the Dartmoor farmers.
Further updates to follow.
We hope to see you at Dartmoor.
A GOOD TIME TO ENTER – 14 DAYS BEFORE ENTRIES OFFICIALLY CLOSE.
Yes, just over fourteen days to go before the entry officially closes (WEDNESDAY 7Th OF AUGUST) for DF65(round 11) and DF95 (round 12) of this year’s TT Series racing at DMBC.
The club looks forward to meeting both new and returning entrants at the event together with family and friends of those who are competing. Club members too are most welcome to come and watch the action as it takes place on the lake and if you are a Dartmoor DF sailor you could also pick up some tips from those who race on the circuit.
The entries have been coming in via the MYA on-line entry system but not in large numbers. So, if the large number of anticipated competitors had put you off competing this time maybe it is time to think again and broaden your experience by entering what is sure to be a special event at Dartmoor this Summer.
Entry list to date: