Starehole Bay

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I'm planning a trip to Guernsey in a couple of weeks time, catching the tide down the Tamar late afternoon and planning to stop off at Salcombe late evening, and then depart again circa 4.30am for the cross channel trip to Guernsey.

Rather than faff around going into Salcombe, probably rafting up, trying not to wake the poor souls next to us as we depart at an ungodly hour, I was considering anchoring in Starehole Bay for the night. Although I've seen boats at anchor there in the day I haven't anchored there myself, and I haven't been able to find out too much information about it, except a reference in one of the pilot books that it's rarely a calm anchorage!

If really settled I might go to Ellender Cove I suppose.

Thoughts on the suitability of either, crew will be rather green (experience wise) and I don't particularly want them green in the face too.

TIA

Tim
 
If Starehole is unsettled, there's always Sunny Cove, tucked in behind the Black Stone. The only downside is that you are likely to be pinged for harbour dues.

Take a look here
 
andygc said:
If Starehole is unsettled, there's always Sunny Cove, tucked in behind the Black Stone. The only downside is that you are likely to be pinged for harbour dues.

Take a look here
Click to expand...

Thanks Andy, it did cross my mind while I was contemplating the very same website yesterday! However, I have at the back of my mind a notion that anchoring is no longer allowed there, but I may well have dreamt it - I did try and find some up to date info on the Salcombe Harbour website but to no avail.
 
anchor further up

Just two weeks ago came down the Tamar and got to Salcombe on dusk. Anchored at the top of the harbour near the little island that's a bird sanctuary. Takes a little longer but it's a lovely trip. Came down again at 4.30am. No harbour dues. Pondered Starehole Bay and thought it looked pretty scary.
 
pugwash said:
Just two weeks ago came down the Tamar and got to Salcombe on dusk. Anchored at the top of the harbour near the little island that's a bird sanctuary. Takes a little longer but it's a lovely trip. Came down again at 4.30am. No harbour dues. Pondered Starehole Bay and thought it looked pretty scary.
Click to expand...

Do you mean the anchorage at Halwell Point, or the one just by Salt Stone? Yes, nice up there and very peaceful. We anchored off Salt Stone three or four years ago, and the harbour patrol didn't come to us for any money - although you are still liable for dues if they trouble to make the trip up to you.
 
Salt stone is agreat anchorage ...

Last time I anchored there the harbour patrol followed us up.

He did have the good manners to wait until we put the anchor down - I think we were his last fare of the day ...
 
Not quite what you asked but when we leave Millbrook for the Channel Isles we usually anchor off Hallsands; about a mile north of Start Point. Good holding and sheltered in a SW to N wind.

Peter.
 
I've overnighted in Starhole. You need a gentle westerly breeze to hold you nicely in place, and no swell. Then it's great.
 
Spent a couple of nights at anchor in Starehole Bay in June - a fabulous anchorage in good weather - didn't roll and no swell. Don't go to far in to the NW as there is a large wreck - the Herzogin Cecile - which is just below the surface at low water. I would much prefer to anchor here than at Sunny Cove - not much water there and it can get too crowded. Anchoring off East Portlemouth can be hairy - got clobbered once there by a "Yachtmaster" who had not quite mastered the effect of crossing an outgoing tide. Starehole also has the advantage of being well south of Salcombe Bar which always has to be treated with caution. Safe approach to the center of the bay is from the East - definitely not from the South - so as to keep you well clear of the Mewstone rocks.
Fair winds and tides.
Robin

Pleiades of Birdham
MXWQ5
 
ancientsailor said:
Salt stone is agreat anchorage ...

Last time I anchored there the harbour patrol followed us up.

He did have the good manners to wait until we put the anchor down - I think we were his last fare of the day ...
Click to expand...

After I anchored there I was I was chased by a Harbourmaster's RIB towards Prawle Pt wanting dues, I refused to leave the tiller to pay him!
 
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