Porlock Wier

[Earendil-uk]

Mirage 26

 

[Graham_Wright]

I remember lots of problems getting a variety of anchors to hold off Porlock whilst waiting for the tide......

My

first experience of a katabatic wind. Everything out and we still dragged.

 

[Birdseye]

Hi all

I used to be a frequent visitor to Porlock and would highly recommend a visit to anyone - if you feel that entering the pool might be inconvenient, risky etc, why not just anchor off? This is what I've done on my numerous visits and I've never had any probs.

Regards
Paul

That isnt the generally accepted picture. There is a small patch you can anchor in ( or used to be oe) but most of the areas near the entrance channel are poor holding

 

[theoldsalt]

That isnt the generally accepted picture. There is a small patch you can anchor in ( or used to be oe) but most of the areas near the entrance channel are poor holding

Years ago (back in the 60s)
Porlock Weir was a favourite destination both going up and down the Channel. Often anchored off with no holding problem; but we did not have modern fancy anchors, only the good old fisherman's.

Sometimes we stayed ashore too long as the photo shows.

 

[steveej]

I have anchored off and gone to the pub for 3 times this season. I have anchored in exactly the same spot and the anchor comes up with mud on it!. I also lay a kedge off at 90 degrees.

Never had a problem, and its a good way to visit Watchet from Cardiff. In my Hurley 22 it takes me around 4.5 hours from Cardiff to Porlock leaving on the ebb. Then after fish and chips and a visit to the pub (were normally ashore for 3 or 4 hours), a short < 2hr sail up to Watchet just in time for the gate to open.

 

[theoldsalt]

Porlock Weir as it was in the 60s

 

[donm]

Porlock Weir as it was in the 60s
View attachment 61407

Great photo.

Wasn't "Lillian" Arthur Ley's boat? I can remember lying where "Eider Duck" is and not being welcomed by the owner of the motor boat in the picture!

 

[theoldsalt]

Hi donm,

Yes, I believe you are correct. I also think I remember Arthur had a brother (Preston?) and they not only ran tripper boats but Arthur also managed the harbour on behalf of the manor estate that owned it and the surrounding land.
A couple of years ago one of the tripper boats was for sale at Minehead on ebay looking for a new owner to finish restoring it.

P.S. For those interested in a fascinating read about local harbours I can recommend "Somerset Harbours" by Graham Farr. Sadly out of print but possibly still available from second hand book shops.