Dorset anchorages

chubby

chubby

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hampshire, uk
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We have a few days off in the coming week, are planning to sail from Portsmouth towards Weymouth or Poole, looks like calm winds, the Lulworth ranges are shut, any advice on the Dorset anchorages: e.g. Chapman`s pool, Kimeridge, Worbarrow, are they lunchtime stops or sheltered enough for an overnight in settled conditions? From the comfort of my home the idea of a night at anchor appeals but not a sleepless night wallowing in the swell!!!!! We have previously been to Lulworth with slightly mixed feelings about the holding and shelter, or shall we stick to the fleshpots of Weymouth or nose into Poole?
 
There was an excellent book: "Inshore along the Dorset Coast" I think. A copy would make your cruise ten times more fun and interesting.

In particular I remember enjoying several afternoons and even one night at the very exposed anchorage on Kimmeridge ledges snorkelling and going ashore to look for fossils. Would never have done it without some printed guidance.
 
If conditions were really settled it is worth considering Lulworth, as unless the wind swings around through the South while you are there, the chances are you'll get a good night. Exiting if things have gone 'lively' can be less comfortable.

I wouldn't overnight at Chapmans myself unless very confident of the forecast, as its exposed to prevailing winds, and can change conditions quite quickly.
 
I can vouch for Worbarrow, but if you are at the Eastern end make sure you put out enough scope, I believe that there is some shale on the bottom. It is a very prety anchorage, but it is only a short distance from Weymouth so if Weymouth is your destination then you wont do much sailing the next day.
 
Kimmeridge is pretty but shallow, and although you can get in, you need to be very careful. Worbarrow and Chapmans Poole are fully exposed if the wind changes overnight and comes onshore, but make good stopping places.

Lulworth is reckoned tobe fine as long as the wind doesnt go above F4 onshore, and I have spent a number of nights there. Always a rolly berth though! Anchor to the centre or eastern side, as the western (sheletered) side is full of small boat moorings.

Mupes Bay is another worthwhile corner where I have overnighted, but being in the range area you will be turfed out at 7.00am! About a mile east of Lulworth, it is possible to tuck in behind the reef at Mupes Head in settled or offshore conditions.

West Of Lulworth comes Man O War Cove, another possible anchorage I have used, but with a scary entrance, and very rocky bottom. Take care to choose where to drop the hook there if you do go in. Because of the narrow entrance through the rocks I wouldnt use it overnight as groping out in the dark could make your insurers very unhappy!

Durdle door offers a small cove with little protection, but the spectacular arch is worth seeing.

Listen carefull for the range time broadcasts from Portland CG. Even if the range is booked to close, they do not always use it, and you may be lucky to get a day when the army has gone away to play somehwere else! Also, I find they often cease firing much earlier in the day than advertised, and the range opens sometimes soon after lunch. Again its worth monitoring VHF as they always call the CG to tell them when they are going home!
 
I agree with much that has been written above. Lulworth tends to get packed in season and the holding is not brilliant. There is a lot of weed. Mupe Bay if the wind is in the west has got to be my favourite. It is simply idyllic.

If it all goes pear shaped, Portland Harbour is not a bad place to anchor now the Navy and their flying machines have left. It is possible to find a corner to anchor in whatever the wind direction.
 
From Monday........
lulworth2.jpg


nice one currently in the background - will be great one in the foreground in another thousand years............. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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