Choosing an Anchorage
A good anchorage offers shelter from the wind and sea, adequate depth (allowing for tidal range), good holding ground (sand or mud), enough room to swing, and a clear approach free from hazards. Consider the forecast — if the wind is due to shift, will you still be sheltered?
Avoid anchoring in fairways, near moorings, cables (marked on the chart), or in environmentally sensitive areas like seagrass beds. Check the chart for designated anchorage areas (anchor symbol).
Key Points
- Shelter from wind and sea
- Adequate depth for tidal range + vessel draft
- Good holding ground (sand or mud preferred)
- Room to swing without hitting other vessels or the shore
- Avoid cables, fairways, moorings, and seagrass