The Swale to Gosport Anchorages

[Jay Bee]

Hello all, I want to do this trip 150nm ish , probably solo and because I prefer anchoring when solo (much less stressful than berthing), I was looking at Navionics and saw several anchorages along that coast that aren’t on charts. Does anyone have any experience anchoring along that coast (the Eastern south coast) and are they reliable?

 

[jdc]

I've used these in the last couple of years:

Small Downs - excellent and traditional anchorage to wait for a fair tide
Dungeness East Road - you have to anchor rather far out so it is pretty swirly, only a fair weather one I think
Between Rye SWM and the shore - ok. At least you aren't tangled with Lydd firing range
Off Eastbourne SWM - better than the traditional anchorage to the S of it I think

In previous years I have anchored in Seaford Road, and in Dover outer harbour - now forbidden.

 

[Concerto]

When I sail singlehanded to the Solent from the Medway, I take the gravy train of tide to Eastbourne or Brighton. For my Fulmar it takes about 14 to 16 hours and only have about 4 hours of adverse tide. This would make better use of your sailing time. You could use the anchorage off Eastbourne, except in the current easterly winds.

I do not have any problem berthing singlehanded, but in strong winds I request assistance just as a precaution. Perhaps you should take some time to practice your berthing skills. Last year I visited 54 different ports, but only 3 I had been into before, and only needed assistance in 3.

 

[Jay Bee]

I've used these in the last couple of years:

Small Downs - excellent and traditional anchorage to wait for a fair tide
Dungeness East Road - you have to anchor rather far out so it is pretty swirly, only a fair weather one I think
Between Rye SWM and the shore - ok. At least you aren't tangled with Lydd firing range
Off Eastbourne SWM - better than the traditional anchorage to the S of it I think

In previous years I have anchored in Seaford Road, and in Dover outer harbour - now forbidden.

Thanks jdc, excellent info. I’ve been trying to to find small downs, could you point me to where it is?

 

[jdc]