French prisoners of war constructed the Old Ballast Pond around 1783 to shelter the ballast barges within its walls. This ancient monument was recently restored and developed to offer boat owners secure berthing within the massive walls against the might of the British weather. The harbour is an ancient monument being only one of two to survive today. 

The Old Ballast Pond now known as Torpoint Yacht Harbour is only one mile from Plymouth Sound and the port of Plymouth. Steeped in nautical history and leading to one of the best cruising grounds in the British Isles. From Torpoint Yacht Harbour one can easily cruise south, eighty miles to the popular Channel Islands or travel a little further to the Brittany coast. An easy days sailing to the East are the ports of Brixham, Dartmouth and Salcombe and to the West the ancient towns of Fowey and Falmouth and beyond Falmouth and another days sail West brings you to the magical Scilly Isles.