Anchoring off East Tarbet

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dt4134

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I've thought a few times about anchoring behind the Mull of Galloway but have never actually done it. I'd be interested in hearing the experiences of those that have anchored there.

Any tips? What's the holding like?

How comfortable is it? I'm particulaly interested in what it's like in W or SW winds. Do the seas hook round into the anchorage?

Do you have to worry about the RAF bomb aimers having a bad day in the office?
 
Seems fine. We sat out a gale from SW there. Don't recall it being excessively lumpy, although it was very bouncy when we left the lee of the Mull. Had a walk ashore, nice enough, but kind of slightly boring spot.
 
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As said, it's a good, sheltered anchorage with good holding, but obviously not suitable in winds N. to E/SE. The tide might be a barrier to swell. I've seen pot buoys with rather long, floating ropes there, so take care. A bit further N. to Maryport Bay is good too.
AFAIK, Luce Bay is no longer a bomb range. I think the MOD abandoned Drummore to the locals a few years ago.
 
earlybird said:
As said, it's a good, sheltered anchorage with good holding, but obviously not suitable in winds N. to E/SE. The tide might be a barrier to swell. I've seen pot buoys with rather long, floating ropes there, so take care. A bit further N. to Maryport Bay is good too.
AFAIK, Luce Bay is no longer a bomb range. I think the MOD abandoned Drummore to the locals a few years ago.
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West Freugh airfield has been mothballed for quite a while now. I used to know one of the air traffic controllers there about ten years ago. At the time the MoD were looking for alternative uses, but nothing turned up (I'm surprise Ryanair didn;t have a go at BELFAST (West Freugh). I believe it's occasionally opened up for exercises, but as far as I know they have no ATC staff there any more - controllers and other aviation types come in as required. It's run by Qinetiq, who have a fairly big satellite link station there. See http://www.qinetiq.com/home/capabilities/energy_environment/satellite_ground_segment.html

Drummore Harbour was controversially sold by the MoD to a small trust (two people) who then did sweet fanny adams with it. In 2008 the local council (D&G) decided to adopt the harbour - you can see the discussions at http://rpu.dumgal.gov.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/committee_reports/018213.pdf

I gather from friends in Drummore that nothing much has been done yet, but that there are plans for substantial repair and dredging to make it a useful yachting harbour. It will still dry, though.
 
One point to bear in mind is that in a fresh SW, W or NW the anchorage will be serene and comfy, but all hell will break loose when you poke your nose out to head west with the tide, and for several miles.
Give Drummore a miss!
Dave
 
Ubergeekian said:
West Freugh airfield has been mothballed for quite a while now. I used to know one of the air traffic controllers there about ten years ago. At the time the MoD were looking for alternative uses, but nothing turned up (I'm surprise Ryanair didn;t have a go at BELFAST (West Freugh). I believe it's occasionally opened up for exercises, but as far as I know they have no ATC staff there any more - controllers and other aviation types come in as required. It's run by Qinetiq, who have a fairly big satellite link station there. See http://www.qinetiq.com/home/capabilities/energy_environment/satellite_ground_segment.html

Drummore Harbour was controversially sold by the MoD to a small trust (two people) who then did sweet fanny adams with it. In 2008 the local council (D&G) decided to adopt the harbour - you can see the discussions at http://rpu.dumgal.gov.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/committee_reports/018213.pdf

I gather from friends in Drummore that nothing much has been done yet, but that there are plans for substantial repair and dredging to make it a useful yachting harbour. It will still dry, though.
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I know this thread is old, but I have been researching the anchorage in East Tarbert Bay, I spoke to QinetiQ who use the bay as a firing range, and I was informed that Luce Bay is definitely still used as a firing range, but when in use, red flags are flown and you will be escorted off by a patrol boat.

East Tarbert Bay is still out of range though, and I was told it is safe to use, but look out for red flags if you are planning on crossing Luce Bay
 
I was interested to see this thread revived. It's a while since I sailed this area, there were two military ranges but neither really had much effect on leisure sailing, and I would think that usage is even less nowadays.
Dundrennan firing range is E. of Kirkudbright Bay, boats were asked to pass through reasonably close inshore to ensure visibility and keep watch on VHF. The area was patrolled by a mobo based at Kirkudbright.
Luce Bay is/was a bombing range, the danger zone, marked by a number of lit, yellow buoys, occupied much of the bay but didn't really interfere with the usual approaches to E. Tarbert Bay anchorage. This range was patrolled from Drummore, but no longer.
AFAIK, neither range actually had authority to prohibit navigation through their areas at any time, although it might be imprudent to ignore them.
I was told this by a member of the Drummore Range Boat crew, who was himself a yacht-owner.
Since Luce Bay is about 20M x 20M in extent, I can't see QuinetiQ's red flags being very visible to boat crews.
 
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