Recommended overnight anchorages

[PCUK]

We'll be getting out and about this year for the first time and would like to find some nice overnight anchorages (weather permitting) within half a days down channel cruising (about 40 miles) from Watchet. Could also be possible meet-up locations!

 

[LizzyD]

I've over-nighted at Porlock with no problems, and I have day-anchored off Oxwich too, although the chart seems to favour Port Eynon. I anchored outside Portishead Marina once too - when I missed the tide. (Damo - don't laugh!) My own fault for insisting that we had enough time in Cardiff for another pint. But I hadn't reckoned on Bev needing to make an emergency clothes shopping trip en troute to the boat, which was why we were late! However as Skipper, I accepted all responsibility, and she did look nice in her new shorts.

Take care all,


Lizzy D

 

[NickiCrutchfield]

Clovelly is great in any wind from SW to NE. Slack tides and good shelter. Can go inside the wall at HW where you can dry out against the wall. An amazing place.
Appledore is a nice spot. There are three mooring barrels, two of which are RNLI, but the middle one belongs to Appledore shipyard and it is often empty. I've spent several nights there. Very exposed in strong SW and W winds. Swell also. Can be very unpleasant. Combe Martin is nice when it's not too rough. Lots of pubs ashore and, unlike Ilfracombe, free. If you can dry out, Watermouth is absolutely stunning. Very friendly with the yacht club open at week ends.

 

[PCUK]

Thanks chaps but I'm thinking more along the lines of secluded bays with no facilities and no people!

 

[NickiCrutchfield]

Any number of them. Just hug the coast and stop when you see what you want. Keep a keen eye on the weather.
Nicki

 

[graham]

Not so many places in the upper reaches where you can find shelter that doesnt dry out. Theres an anchorage just to the North east of St Thomases Head where you can stay afloat and get some shelter from prevailing West/south west winds.

Used to be very secluded .Went over recently and there are some boats moored in the river now.

Nicki suggested Watermouth, there is space to anchor just inside the cove that doesnt dry out except on very big tides.Or if you can dry out you can go right up behind the halftide breakwater to find more shelter.Theres a post marking the end of the breakwater (which covers at HW)which you leave to Stbd on the way in.

 

[damo]

"secluded bays with no facilities "

Might be tricky to find a bay, but as Nicki said there are endless place in good weather. My own faves are Combe Martin, Lundy (go further up from the Landing Bay, near the Quarry. You can get ashore there as well), and behind Worms Head, which is fantastic.

 

[damo]

Why should I laugh? I am surprised more don't do it to wait out a tide. You shouldn't need to wait long, and it saves on the berthing fee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[wotayottie]

[ QUOTE ]
Any number of them. Just hug the coast and stop when you see what you want. Keep a keen eye on the weather.
Nicki

[/ QUOTE ]

Easy enough. If the wind is NW there are loads on the Welsh coast, If its SW there are loads on the English coast. Have a look at the charts and you will see lots of anchor symbols.

 

[john_filer]

You can anchor either side of Brean down about 1/3 from the end, just pick the lee side.
On the NE side of Flatholm, but the holding is variable so don't leave the boat and go ashore without another boat watching it.
Off Barry Old harbour in Northerlies, but this is not off the beaten track.
Off Minehead about 1 mile to the West there is a white mark painted on the cliffs which marks a patch of good holding just off the beach.
Off Porlock I've found the holding to be variable and conditions can change quickly.
If anchoring in the tide close to the shore you will be held abeam to the incoming waves. Life can be more comfortable if you take a line from the stern, tie it to the anchor warp and let some anchor warp out to form a bridle which will hold the boat across the tide.