Anchoring in Dandy Hole

[KeelsonGraham]

There doesn’t seem to be much swinging room in Dandy Hole, even without other yachts to think about. Do most people use a kedge as well as a bower?

 

[Sandy]

No. I've seen 20 boats in the Dandy Hole and the permanent residents have been there for years.

 

[john_morris_uk]

There doesn’t seem to be much swinging room in Dandy Hole, even without other yachts to think about. Do most people use a kedge as well as a bower?

There’s more room than you think. Certainly enough for several yachts/boats to anchor without a second anchor to stop/reduce any swinging. (How was the kedge going to help?)

Edit: I was too slow with my typing!

 

[Binnacle]

It can become a little crowded at times but the river bed is pretty good holding.

The one time that worried me was when a strong NE blew up and everyone on a single anchor was pushed over toward the shallows - which could have been embarrassing and even dangerous if the boat had struck on a falling tide.

The difficulty of using a kedge is that your boat stays roughly where you parked it, and other people pivot around the anchor through 180-ish degrees.

 

[Matador]

Hello, the most boats we have seen at Dandy was 45! That was on an August bank holiday many moons ago. Been pretty quiet of late. More liveaboards though. No problems with a single anchor.

 

[Sandy]

It can become a little crowded at times but the river bed is pretty good holding.

The one time that worried me was when a strong NE blew up and everyone on a single anchor was pushed over toward the shallows - which could have been embarrassing and even dangerous if the boat had struck on a falling tide.

The difficulty of using a kedge is that your boat stays roughly where you parked it, and other people pivot around the anchor through 180-ish degrees.

No need to worry the tide comes back in and the bottom is mud. I witnessed an instructor, a wise old fox, deliberately ground a boat on the way up to Dandy Hole - clearly the Yachtmaster candidates were not paying attention - the boat had a big wing keel and we had supper and waited for the tide before continuing with a night sail.

 

[KeelsonGraham]

Thanks all. Single an anchor it shall be!

I assume everyone uses a relatively short scope? 3x HW?

 

[KeelsonGraham]

There’s more room than you think. Certainly enough for several yachts/boats to anchor without a second anchor to stop/reduce any swinging. (How was the kedge going to help?)

Edit: I was too slow with my typing!

Well, I suppose a Bahamian moor would also stop swinging, but I’d prefer to set a kedge.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Well, I suppose a Bahamian moor would also stop swinging, but I’d prefer to set a kedge.

How are you planning on setting your kedge? Twin anchors to reduce the swinging circle is often a PITA for other boats IMHO. Just all swing together on a reasonable scope is the normal scheme of things...

 

[KeelsonGraham]

How are you planning on setting your kedge? Twin anchors to reduce the swinging circle is often a PITA for other boats IMHO. Just all swing together on a reasonable scope is the normal scheme of things...

I’m not. The consensus here is that there’s enough room to swing. Thanks, I’m well aware that single anchors is the normal scheme of things.

 

[john_morris_uk]

I’m not. The consensus here is that there’s enough room to swing. Thanks, I’m well aware that single anchors is the normal scheme of things.

No worries. It was your suggestion that you prefer to set a kedge that confused me.

 

[B27]

What's the attraction of anchoring close to a lot of other boats, many of them full of crusties, with no facilities and restricted access to the rest of the world?

 

[john_morris_uk]

What's the attraction of anchoring close to a lot of other boats, many of them full of crusties, with no facilities and restricted access to the rest of the world?

When we’ve anchored in Dandy Hole we’ve either been the only boat there, or perhaps shared the anchorage with only one or two others. We’ve enjoyed the solitude, the peace, the wildlife, and the simple, getting away from everything that you experience when anchored in a remote place. I admit that Dandy Hole isn’t very remote, but it certainly gives you the feeling that you’ve got away from things. We don’t need facilities every night we’re on the boat.

 

[B27]

When we’ve anchored in Dandy Hole we’ve either been the only boat there, or perhaps shared the anchorage with only one or two others. We’ve enjoyed the solitude, the peace, the wildlife, and the simple, getting away from everything that you experience when anchored in a remote place. I admit that Dandy Hole isn’t very remote, but it certainly gives you the feeling that you’ve got away from things. We don’t need facilities every night we’re on the boat.

Indeed, being at anchor away from other boats is nice, but when these places 'fill up' and you have to think about swinging room, the attraction has gone. You're left with avoiding mooring fees and the risk of problems at dark-o'clock.

 

[Sandy]

What's the attraction of anchoring close to a lot of other boats, many of them full of crusties, with no facilities and restricted access to the rest of the world?

An interesting question. In the case of Dandy Hole I suspect it is about the depth of water, a stunning location, an easy passage from a centre of population with a lot of pleasure craft and a great feeling of isolation.

Back in July a pal and I took the dinghy up on a very high tide from Treluggan Boatyard to the Notter Bridge Inn in search of good beer and dinner. A stunning ride that felt quite rainforest like at times - experiences like that take a little more planning and preparation.

More generally, look around at the number of people who buy camper vans, caravans and go wild camping in remote places, but only stray a few hundred metres from the highways and byways. Dartmoor in particular comes to mind.

 

[Seven Spades]

The Dandy hole is my favourite anchorage, but I am applaud to hear that livabords have moved in. In the past there have been just us and no more than three other boats. I can’t Imagine how you could fit in more than t boats unless they are bilge keelet’s.

 

[Seven Spades]

I have not had the courage to take my latest boat there as we draw 2.2m and swinging room might be an issue.

 

[B27]

An interesting question. In the case of Dandy Hole I suspect it is about the depth of water, a stunning location, an easy passage from a centre of population with a lot of pleasure craft and a great feeling of isolation.

Back in July a pal and I took the dinghy up on a very high tide from Treluggan Boatyard to the Notter Bridge Inn in search of good beer and dinner. A stunning ride that felt quite rainforest like at times - experiences like that take a little more planning and preparation.

More generally, look around at the number of people who buy camper vans, caravans and go wild camping in remote places, but only stray a few hundred metres from the highways and byways. Dartmoor in particular comes to mind.

The problem is, there's a few anchorages mentioned in every pilot and guide book, they quickly become hideously busy at peak times.
As you say about camper vans etc, everyone heads for Snowdon and other well known points, while ten miles away you can be on your own.
Everybody knows about Newtown Creek, but I'd only go there on a Tuesday in November or similar. It's often lovely then, but sometimes a great advert for Eberspacher.

 

[Sandy]

The problem is, there's a few anchorages mentioned in every pilot and guide book, they quickly become hideously busy at peak times.
As you say about camper vans etc, everyone heads for Snowdon and other well known points, while ten miles away you can be on your own.
Everybody knows about Newtown Creek, but I'd only go there on a Tuesday in November or similar. It's often lovely then, but sometimes a great advert for Eberspacher.

Indeed. One reason I have my own anchorages notes, I must get round to fitting that heater.

 

[MontyMariner]

I suspect it is about the depth of water, a stunning location, an easy passage from a centre of population with a lot of pleasure craft and a great feeling of isolation

Ah! Just like the Solent