Anchorage near Watchet

L

lancelot

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Good morning. everyone.

I am looking for a safe anchorage, fairly close to Watchet, while we wait for high water to enter the marina. The chances are that we will sail with the tide from Ilfracombe and may need to wait for high water before entering.
Also, any tips on entering the marina, eg. favourable times and cross currents etc. I do have the pilot, but often people have good ideas.
What is Blue Anchor Roads like?
Fair winds,
Keith
 
Good Morning Sir L. Blue Anchor is about the only option close to Watchet and provides good holding and a little bit of shelter from SW winds. Any North in the wind can make it uncomfortable there.

If there is North in the Wind then you may be able to wait across the Channel in Barry Harbour, find an empty mooring or anchor in the deep water. then leave a couple of hours before the gate opens in Watchet. From memory Barry to Watchet is about 13 miles.

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Anchored in Blue Anchor

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Barry


The gate in Watchet opens about 2.5 hrs before HW so coming from Ilfracombe you could just time your arrival to go straight in. There is strong flow for a short while after the gate opens,its OK if you go in on the green lights and keep a bit of speed on until safely inside,on a big spring tide it could be wise to wait half an hour after the gate opening before entering.Rig lines and fenders out in the outer harbour as theres not much space in the marina itself for drifting about in.

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Watchet gate closed at Low Water

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Inside Watchet Marina
 
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If you come in early while the the water is still flooding, head straight in and once well inside the marina turn into the flood. Don't try and turn into the marina pontoons at this stage. This will put you back in control and you can then decide where you want to go.
It's not nearly as bad as it sounds by the way!
 
There is good holding at Blue anchor, I remember trying to clean the soft gloopy mud of my chain after waiting there.

Having said that, I do remember seeing one fella drift past me whilst 'at anchor' there one day. He was fishing, IIRC, and clearly not paying attention.........;)
 
One thing I've wondered about Watchet: when you go in, there is a big harbour wall on the left. Is there always enough water next to that harbour wall if you have enough water to get into the marina. I've always been concerned about getting too close to that wall and grounding: the depth soundings reduce as you get closer to the wall.
 
Blue Anchor - so named after the blue clay which represents some of the best holding ground there is. Word of advice if you arrive at low water Springs and and aiming for a near HW arrival at Watchet - allow time to bring in your anchor especially if no windlass - hard work pulling your anchor out of it but you will have earned your beer at the Star!
 
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