Readers’ favourite Anchorages of the World. Showcasing your favourite anchorages.
Tobago Cays
From Justin, Ocean Sailor reader from the Ireland
Location: Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Caribbean
Coordinates: 12°37.90’N 61°21.54’W
Seabed: Sand
Protection: Protected anchorage from NW to E
This beautiful anchorage is found in the southern Grenadines and is part of the Tobago Cays marine park. The biodiversity of the area is astonishing with crystal clear waters, coral reefs and a vast array of marine life. You have to be careful when dropping your anchor not to hit a turtle or ray. The surrounding coral reef offers some protection and a great spot to snorkel but be wary of changing currents.
The local rangers will greet you when you arrive and it costs $10 per person to stay in the anchorage. The rangers are friendly and provide a lot of information about the local area. Generally the anchorage is well protected but can get a little lumpy in strong winds. You can move to Salt Whistle Bay (Editor note: which was featured in the February issue of Ocean Sailor) which may offer a little more protection from different wind directions.
A short dinghy ride will take you to the white sandy beaches of Petite Rameau. Here you can enjoy bbq lobster, fish or chicken on the beach from one of the shacks. Accompany this with a beer or punch during sunset and it is a magical experience.
Okuklje
From Peter, Ocean Sailor reader from the United Kingdom
Location: Okuklje, Mljet, Croatia
Coordinates: 42°43’35.1”N 17°40’15.2”E
Seabed: Good holding in sand
Protection: Very well protected anchorage from all directions
Nestled within the forest shrouded island of Mljet, this anchorage is not only the perfect safe haven to escape bad weather but is also a magical location to explore. Located about 20nm from Dubrovnik, Okuklje is a perfect stopover while you explore the Croatian coastline. According to legend, Odysseus was drawn to the island for 7 years.
The bay offers various spots to anchor and the local restaurants provide free mooring jetties or buoys with water and electricity as long as you eat at their restaurant. The Restaurant Maestral is a favorite amongst cruisers. There is a church overlooking the bay which is worth a walk up to and overall the hiking and biking on Mljet is excellent.
Woody Bay
From Louise, Ocean Sailor reader from the New Zealand
Location: Woody Bay, Rakino Island, New Zealand
Coordinates: 36°42.91’S 174°56.53’E
Seabed: Good holding in mud and sand
Protection: Protection from any wind direction from the various island bays
A stone’s throw to the northeast of Auckland, Rakino is one of the many islands of the Hauraki Gulf. With only 21 permanent residents, it is an isolated and a quiet escape from the city. The island features many bays that can provide protection from all wind directions. Woody Bay and West Bay offer the best protection generally although open to the west.
There is excellent swimming and snorkelling in the bays and the island offers lovely walks and great spots for picnics. Fishing is also popular at Rakino, especially spearfishing.
The island itself has a strange history being owned by some noteworthy individuals. Governor Sir George Grey first bought the island to establish his home, however he abandoned the idea when Kawau Island came up for sale. In 1963 Dr. Maxwell Rickard (the
Great Ricardo) bought the island, planning a great eutopia, advertising for 100 men and women to join him on the island. He even went as far as to pitch to the United Nations to recognise the island as an independent country. Alas, by 1965 he gave up on his plans and sold off the island. Rakino is also the first place in the world to install a solar telephone which still remains today, offering free calls to Auckland.
