Anchorages

[dazzle]

HI,
I'm new to both sailing and the Bristol Channel. In a forum elsewhere I noticed a thread that described good places to anchor in the Bristol Channel, under what conditions etc..
It would be extremely useful if members and readers could share their knowledge and experiences.
Thanks.
Bob

[sandpiper]

Any particular area of the Bristol Channel you're interested in?

[dazzle]

My intention is to explore as much of the Channel as I can over the next couple of years. Starting near by to Cardiff and gradually taking more ambitious passages as my experience grows.

So probably starting with Weston, Portishead, Barry, Minehead, Burnham, etc.. Locally I had heard you can anchor off Sully, and Penarth pier - is that right?

As many of the harbours are accessible around HW +- a bit, I guess I'm looking for spots where you can anchor safely while waiting for the tide.

[allan]

As there is nothing from anyone else, I shall try to make a start. If you are going over to Watchet, you can anchor at Blue Anchor bay or Minehead. Minehead is marked by a large white spot on the cliff a few hundred metres west of the harbour.
Allan

[sandpiper]

Apologies Dazzle had forgotten about your thread until Allan's post highlighted it on the main page.

Off Penarth is good, and I have often used it to wait for the tide as it saves a lot of time. There's a pool which is a bit deeper than the area around it, and I can stay afloat at LW well out of the channel - it's off Penarth, N of the yellow buoy at N51 25.508 W003 09.695 It provides superb shelter when the wind is from the North or West, and is ideal for waiting for the west going tide. Also a calm lunch spot.

[dazzle]

Thanks Allan and Sandpiper for your responses. Very helpful. I'll give them a try next time I get the opportunity.