oldharry
Well-known member
Dunedin makes a good point, and the fact remains that the larger vessels of which he speaks (i.e. 55ft plus) do tend to stay further out, if only because of lack of depth.
But 10 tons limits the moorings to many boats of around 36 foot. There are three conditons unique to Studland which a skipper seeking a safe anchorage is wise to take into account: firstly the wind. In strong westerly winds the Bay provides excellent shelter from the waves, but the wind frequently funnels down off the hills into the Bay with gust strengths way above those further out. These can only be avoided by anchoring close in under the cliffs. These gusts can be extremely dangerous particualrly for inflatable dinghies. There have been fatalaties with people trying to get ashore even from the centre of the Bay because of this wind, which can spring up without warning. This in itself makes any sort restriction on inshore anchoring potentially highly dangerous.
Second, there is a race off Old Harry on the Ebb which creates a considerable scend into the outer parts of the Bay. Thirdly there is a current on both flood and ebb which holds boats across the scend - unless you can anchor fairly close in. Smaller boats at anchor can be very uncomfortable outside the VNAZ area. Inside the VNAZ its a good safe anchorage, ideal to let the kids run loose.
But 10 tons limits the moorings to many boats of around 36 foot. There are three conditons unique to Studland which a skipper seeking a safe anchorage is wise to take into account: firstly the wind. In strong westerly winds the Bay provides excellent shelter from the waves, but the wind frequently funnels down off the hills into the Bay with gust strengths way above those further out. These can only be avoided by anchoring close in under the cliffs. These gusts can be extremely dangerous particualrly for inflatable dinghies. There have been fatalaties with people trying to get ashore even from the centre of the Bay because of this wind, which can spring up without warning. This in itself makes any sort restriction on inshore anchoring potentially highly dangerous.
Second, there is a race off Old Harry on the Ebb which creates a considerable scend into the outer parts of the Bay. Thirdly there is a current on both flood and ebb which holds boats across the scend - unless you can anchor fairly close in. Smaller boats at anchor can be very uncomfortable outside the VNAZ area. Inside the VNAZ its a good safe anchorage, ideal to let the kids run loose.