anchor for free in the UK

[wpsalm]

Is it possible to cruise the British Isles on the cheap ? get the impression that it,ll cost anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds a day to anchor anywhere decent that is to say within rowing distance of the shore within walking distance of pub, supermarket and laundermat....

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[Trevethan]

Anchoring by and large in the UK is free. As the right to anchor forms part of the right to navigate a vessel on the seas.

However certain ancient statutes allow some areas to charge for anchoring. Many of the folks who turn up and ask you for money are just trying it on.. Even the Crown Estates and National Trust request payment in some areas where they can not legitamately charge.

There has been a very long and interesting discussion on the matter in Sailing Today.

Its quite often an idea request a copy of the authority that allows them the right to make a charge. Ask them to bring it by before you hand over any money.

I think the general exceptions to the right to free anchorages are areas where the area is under the jurisdiction of a statutory port authority, though not quite sure. The magazine is on the boat....



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[Danthegorrila]

I have never paid or been asked to pay in Scotland. Indeed many places have free moorings for visitors.

Head north for the best sailing and best anchorages.

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[Gunfleet]

It's a south coast thing. Anyone wanting to charge for anchoring in Essex would run the risk of a ducking! But then marinas are cheap and moorings and quays easy to find here. Sh. Don't tell that lot in the Solent. They'll all come up here.

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[Escapeii]

I've anchored in most areas around the UK and never been asked for money nor told to move on. With the exception of the Scillies, even picking up the occasional mooring buoy has been FOC.
Long may it remain that so.

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