What is the best protected Anchorage in the south?

[Robin]

I should have thought that somewhere in Poole harbour might be best, though I can't say that I know the area well.

+1, try to anchor outside of tide streams/wind over tide though

 

[burgundyben]

Whooosh...

Oh. Bum.

 

[Robin]

I also once sought respite from a nasty 7 off Goathorn point. I was only there for a few hours rest before running to Lymington and no-one hit me up for harbour dues but looking now I think they are chargeable, but will hardly break the bank if paid weekly:
Poole Harbour Commissioners

THEORETICALLY HARBOUR DUES ARE PAYABLE BUT ONLY COLLECTED IN MARINAS OR QUAY.

 

[lw395]

THEORETICALLY HARBOUR DUES ARE PAYABLE BUT ONLY COLLECTED IN MARINAS OR QUAY.

I think that might change in many places if you stayed for too long.

 

[LadyInBed]

I think that might change in many places if you stayed for too long.

I think you will be fairly safe from dues in most of the Poole anchorages, the PHC boats tend to stick to the well trodden paths, like anchoring off the main channel heading up toward the R Frome.
My favorite is around and just past Shipstal Pt., sheltered from the E by Long Island, SE by Round Island and SW to NW by the Arne Peninsular. Deer often come down to the water in the evening. Not a place for deep keels though.

 

[ryanroberts]

Heading for Poole myself to hang about and get used to the boat as soon as the channel is a little more newbie friendly weather wise. Drawing 1.4 in salt shouldn't be too restrictive? Have some legs so that I can make grounding look semi deliberate at least.

 

[Seven Spades]

Apart from Goathorn Point where else can you anchor in Poole. I draw 2.3m so getting to Goathorn is tricky.

 

[alahol2]

Apart from Goathorn Point where else can you anchor in Poole. I draw 2.3m so getting to Goathorn is tricky.

You should be OK going along the Wych Channel round to Pottery Pier.

 

[lw395]

If you draw 2.3m, most of Poole Harbour is 'the Land of Bad Things'.

 

[jdc]

What's your draft? My choices would be up the Fal near Maggoty bank or in Dandy Hole, but I draw 2m. If only 1.2 - 1.5m then further up the Tamar or up the Helford in the hole opposite Tremaine Quay would fit the bill. Actually St Helen's pool in the Isles of Scilly would be great also.

How high the mast also counts as there are electricity cables on many rivers: above Weir Quay on the Tamar or above St Winnow on the Fowey for instance, but both might suit a small boat able to get under the cables. You might touch the bottom at LWS but it's mud. Apologies, but I feel able to offer advice only for the SW.

 

[prv]

Chichester isn't free - you'll get stung for harbour dues

+1, a bit puzzled at all the people suggesting it. The Conservancy launch has generally been fairly efficient at finding us.

It‘s years since I’ve been there, but would Langstone fit the bill?

Pete

 

[Pete7]

We normally potter past Ladyinbed's yacht on our way up the Frome to seek shelter in a storm. Great location and Wareham just up the tow path for supplies. However, fin keelers will be worried. Totnes up the Dart another option, the harbour master only occasionally comes up that far, so you take your chances.

Pete

 

[LadyInBed]

Apart from Goathorn Point where else can you anchor in Poole. I draw 2.3m so getting to Goathorn is tricky.

Difficult!
Maybe somewhere here:

 

[Muddy32]

We normally potter past Ladyinbed's yacht on our way up the Frome to seek shelter in a storm. Great location and Wareham just up the tow path for supplies. However, fin keelers will be worried.

Totnes up the Dart another option, the harbour master only occasionally comes up that far, so you take your chances.

Pete

They normally always go up to Totnes at least twice a day, if the tide serves, and you need to be able to dry out, so a long stay there is not really on. Anchor lower down and pay your harbour dues, it gives you watering and refuse disposal, as well as plenty of places to land and walk or look after the inner man.

 

[GrahamD]

Difficult!
Maybe somewhere here:
View attachment 86185

The area you have circled is full of moorings, including mine. There’s not a lot of swinging room in that area and plenty of ground tackle to hook. Not an easy area to anchor

 

[Mark-1]

The area you have circled is full of moorings, including mine. There’s not a lot of swinging room in that area and plenty of ground tackle to hook. Not an easy area to anchor

Weird - I've anchored there in company with three other boats and, although there were moorings, we all seemed to fit in fine There was also at least one large motorboat and at least one other yacht. Yet google Maps confirms you're right:

Google Maps

 

[Petertheking1982]

Langstone has been mentioned. There are a couple of spots which could be used, but Thorny Channel or Itchenor in Chichester would be my choice.

 

[Babylon]

Heading for Poole myself to hang about and get used to the boat as soon as the channel is a little more newbie friendly weather wise. Drawing 1.4 in salt shouldn't be too restrictive? Have some legs so that I can make grounding look semi deliberate at least.

I haven't been paying consistent attention Ryan - what boat did you buy in the end?

 

[ryanroberts]

I haven't been paying consistent attention Ryan - what boat did you buy in the end?

I somehow ended up with a Fjord MS 33 canoe stern motor sailor despite mostly looking for fin & skeg jobs. Nice lines though and in great nick as she just had a complete refit (blogged here).

 

[Robin]

I somehow ended up with a Fjord MS 33 canoe stern motor sailor despite mostly looking for fin & skeg jobs. Nice lines though and in great nick as she just had a complete refit (blogged here).

View attachment 86253

lovely boat but beware wind over tide anchorages in poole if you can with long keel. you can sneak closer in to brownsea island watching depths to avoid strongest flow, alternatively pick tide time and hea up to ARNE/shipstal point where there are a couple of deep pools, little current and well protected.