St Agnes (Scillies) anchorages

[alexincornwall]

Hi All,

Does anybody have any experience or advice to offer as to potential anchorages on the NW facing coast of St Agnes? I’'m thinking between Little Carn and Carnew Point, say 49°53.49N, 006°21.32W.

Last summer we sailed our 32-footer from Falmouth and enjoyed a brilliant family camping holiday at Troytown campsite, which we’ll be repeating again this year. The only downside being that we had to leave the boat unattended on anchor at Porth Conger or The Cove each evening. That meant a nervous walk around the island each morning to check all was well (not to mention further returns to turn on anchor lights and where we wanted to use the boat). No actual problems came of it, but I’d rather be able to at least see the boat if she’s at anchor overnight unattended.

We didn’t see any other boats anchored in the area that I’m suggesting but that might have been because there isn’t really a good reason to unless staying at the campsite. Either that or there is another hidden danger… It looked a little rocky/kelpy so not sure if anybody can confirm anything suitable?

Obviously if the weather was less than benign the whole idea would be scrapped and we’d put her on a mooring at St Mary’s, but that would be a shame.

 

[oldmanofthehills]

I've wondered the same myself from the shore as I like Troytown but it looked kelpy with a rocky bottom thus poor holding and with lots of nasty rocks to negotiate to get there. Looking on my reduced isailor chart on my phone I can now see the approach via Smith Sound but it still seems awkward, however good luck with it.

 

[skyflyer]

your draught? can you take the ground?

 

[alexincornwall]

My mistake - 1.9m and fin keel so unable to take the ground.

 

[duncan99210]

Why not touch base by pm with Scilly Pete of this parish and ask him? He's in the Scillies and will either know the answer or be able to find out.

 

[alexincornwall]

Why not touch base by pm with Scilly Pete of this parish and ask him? He's in the Scillies and will either know the answer or be able to find out.

Thank you Duncan, will do.

 

[Appledore]

Thank you Duncan, will do.

You might find Pete's away right now. He did say he was escaping from the Gig Racing, going 'the other way'! He didn't say where or how long.

 

[doug748]

I have had a chance to consult my mouldering library of ald pilot books and see that Robin Brandon lists 3, deep water, anchorages, at:

St Wartha's Cove
Little Porth Askin
Porth Askin

In truth all three are very close together and south of your ideal site. He recommends entry 150m South of Long Point (although the revised edition says 200m), anchor in 2m sand, though the revised edition mentions rock as well.

 

[Scillypete]

Sorry for not replying sooner but as stated earlier I had escaped to sea and freedom from the constant need to be online.

To be honest there's not much to recommend for anchoring around there with that draft unless you can be sure of really good settled conditions that are unlikely to change. Even more so if you are not going to be aboard and ready to move at short notice. Porthcoose is usable under the previous proviso. During neaps and settled conditions you could anchor on the outer edges of periglis with a perfect view from the campsite. Another possibility might be the bay at the southern end of Annet near Annet neck which can be seen from the campsite but is a bit of a trek in the dinghy and realistically no better than cove or conger.

Per conger and the cove are really your safest bet, not that many years ago some friends used to come over every year doing the same thing staying for 3 weeks at the campsite and using their boat around the islands during the day and they always used cove and conger now their kids have grown and gone there's no more need to camp.

 

[alexincornwall]

That’s a great help, many thanks to all. Looks like it’ll be the same drill as last year. At least it gets me out of bed early in the morning!