Choosing an anchorage

Identifying a good anchorage is half the battle. The better-known spots are in the pilot guides, but you needn’t limit yourself to those. Choosing your own anchorage is simple when you know what to look for

SHELTER

For open anchorages, an offshore breeze for the duration of the stay is essential, as well as protection from the sea and swell. Check the forecast for wind shifts which could turn a secluded cove into a dangerous lee shore.

Swell is harder to we had a prolonged period of easterlies. We were keen to explore the coastline between Salcombe and Plymouth which has lovely anchorages such as Bigbury Bay and Hope Cove. However, despite the offshore wind, swell from distant Atlantic depressions crept up the English Channel and made the area untenable. We had a quick coffee stop in Hope Cove and moved off to Salcombe.