Sound of Islay anchorages?

[DavidMcMullan]

From memory there is an anchorage (a small inlet out of the main tidal stream) just north of Port Askaig? Is this Caol Ila? Would this be the best anchorage on the way up the Sound of Islay? Or is it full of local boats?
Since they carried out marine works at Port Askaig, can a yacht berth or anchor there?

[Beadle]

Some time since I was there, but from memory there were a number of fishing boats moored there.

Even if not I'd think carefully - the tide down there is pretty fierce.

I have seen boats moored near the lifeboat but I have no idea of whether or not visiting yachts can moor there.

Sorry can't help more.

[agurney]

If transiting the Sound, I'd choose Bunnahabhain . Last time I passed Port Askaig I was nearly run ashore on the opposite side of the Sound by the ferry.

[Aja]

David

This is what it was like last year when we passed

As you can see the commercial stuff (including the lifeboat) take a lot of room. As far as I know you can't tie up. The tide runs strongly - the CCC Sailing Directions do say that it is an anchorage, but frankly I wouldn't like to try it, except for a lunchstop.
To give an idea of the tide..... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]


Regards
Donald

[Sgeir]

The only anchorage we've used in the Sound is at Am Fraoch Eilean at the south end; it can also be a handy spot to anchor up while waiting for the tide to turn. I don't have the old logs to hand, but, from memory, it seemed shallower than the charted depths. Sand on bottom.

[bikedaft]

craighouse is not too far away from sound (easy/visitor moorings)

or tuck in behind/beside those islands about a mile up the sound on the north side (as above)

or if you are brave there is an anchorage amongst the small islands/rocks at the ne corner of islay before you get into the sound. can't remember the name, think its some sort of wildlife sanctuary, plenty seals.

or anchor off jura shore at northern end of sound, in sheltered weather. need good chart few rocks about

west loch tarbert jura is lovely, but slow to get into. amazing spot tho, timotei waterfall at south end of large raised beach on s side before first narrows

[Aja]

[ QUOTE ]
or tuck in behind/beside those islands about a mile up the sound on the north side (as above)

or if you are brave there is an anchorage amongst the small islands/rocks at the ne corner of islay before you get into the sound. can't remember the name, think its some sort of wildlife sanctuary, plenty seals.



The lovely Ardmore Islands

Donald

[DavidMcMullan]

Thanks for all the comments/suggestions.
David.

[bunyip]

Since the completion of the harbour improvement work at Port Askaig there is now alongside berthing for yachts clear of the Jura Ferry.