Bardsey Island anchorage

[dlovelock]

We are wondering about an overnight stop at Bardsey Island this summer, weather permitting. However I can't find a decent detailed chart or plan anywhere. Can anyone help, please? Any tips from those who have been there? Thanks, David.

 

[Skylark]

It’s covered in Cruising Anglesey and the North Wales Coast and includes an A4 size chartlet.

Henllwyn Cove on the eastern side of the island is shown as a temporary anchorage during settled weather. Last time I anchored there was August 2013 so I don’t have a strong recollection. I’ve noted in my copy of the pilot book that it is exposed to SW’ly winds, despite being on the eastern side of the island. Last time I stayed there overnight was more than 10 years ago. Don’t recall having an issue but I think it wise to consider it “fair weather”.

 

[TSB240]

I have not been in to the Anchorage on the last 12 months. I was told that Colin Evans who operates the ferry from near Aberdaron has commissioned a permanent bouy in the Anchorage. If you contact him I am sure you could come to an amicable arrangement to use it. I would trust anything he has laid. If you choose to anchor in this area is critical to get your anchor dropped into a spot clear of weed. If you get just inside the mouth of the bay you will avoid any tidal set and lie to the wind. The Anchorage only gives minor protection from the SW and is open to anything from the east. See attached. Make sure you have earplugs as there is a biig colony of very noisy and inquisitive seals. They will make a mess of any dinghy if you dont bring it on deck overnight. It's great for a lunch time stop or overnight in settled weather. If winds likely to pep up especially from the south you can find both an excellent pub and shelter a few miles further north at Porth Dinllaen. The tides and overalls should not be underestimated. Aberdaron is an alternative anchorage fo strong northerlies but beware there are large boulders that only show at low water springs and you have to anchor well off. This makes for a long dinghy ride to the pub . Anchorage is very tidal rode. Steve.

 

[TSB240]

If you want even more up to date information for the area there is a good Facebook closed group called Sailing and Cruising Wales. All the above and additional information is available in the files section. This antiquated forum wont allow me to post excellent PDFs of the tidal flows around Bardsey.
The SCW site should also carry updated info for Caernarfon Bar or latest NTMs regarding the bar bouys. However it is very rare for Caernarfon Harbour Trust to update these before May 1st. We usually get some idea earlier from local boats especially the sail training boats from The Menai and Conwy of how the sand bar has shifted over winter . This can be of more use than last years CHT guides .

Finally if you are visiting Caernarfon make sure you plan a visit to the RWYC and you wont be disappointed with the warmth of welcome we give to all visitors.
Steve.

 

[dlovelock]

Great, thanks to you both for your advice. I would certainly go elsewhere in anything but very settled weather, probably Porth Dinllaen (been there before) in a southerly blow.

 

[[3889]]

Great, thanks to you both for your advice. I would certainly go elsewhere in anything but very settled weather, probably Porth Dinllaen (been there before) in a southerly blow.

Been there once sitting out thick fog before I turned tail and retreated to PY.
Don't recall any issues anchoring with 2m draft in settled conditions, I'm guessing near neaps though can't remember.
Navionics web app gives fairly accurate charting on sonar charts.

 

[vyv_cox]

Anchored there many times years ago. The main problem is weed and I recall several attempts using heavy reversing revs before we were satisfied. I have not been there in big blows but had no problems in fresh SW winds.