CAERNARFON

• GBCNV
• Latitude: 53.1444
• Longitude: -4.27689
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in UK

Location: UK

Caernarfon is a town in Gwynedd, northwest Wales. Though not a major commercial marine port in the traditional sense, Caernarfon does have maritime facilities due to its historic and geographic significance. Below is a description and specifications for the maritime facilities associated with Caernarfon:

Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 53.1397° N latitude, 4.2761° W longitude
• Waterbody: Caernarfon is situated on the Menai Strait, which separates the Isle of Anglesey from mainland Wales.

Maritime Facilities

1. Caernarfon Harbour:

   • Usage: Primarily for small recreational and leisure vessels.
   • Management: Overseen by the Caernarfon Harbour Trust.
   • Facilities:
     • Moorings for private yachts and boats
     • Limited berthing space available for visiting vessels
     • Basic amenities such as water and electricity for moored boats

2. Victoria Dock (Doc Fictoria):

   • Purpose: A blend of residential, leisure, and marine use.
   • Facilities:
     • Modern marina for recreational boating
     • Residential apartments and commercial space along the waterfront
     • Restaurants and retail outlets nearby
     • Access to maintenance and repair services for boats

3. Maritime Services:

   • Pilotage: Generally not required for small craft, but larger vessels may need to arrange for piloting services.
   • Tides: Tidal flows can be significant, so local tide tables and navigational guidance are essential for safe passage.
   • Navigation: Navigational aids and markers are in place for safe navigation within the Menai Strait.

Notable Features

• Historical Significance: Caernarfon is renowned for its medieval castle, constructed by Edward I, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Tourism: The town attracts tourists who visit the historic sites and enjoy maritime activities.
• Environment: The area is known for its scenic beauty, with the backdrop of Snowdonia National Park offering striking views.

Limitations

• Commercial Traffic: Not a large-scale commercial port; its use is primarily confined to leisure and tourism-related activities.
• Draft Limitations: The harbour and dock may have limitations on the draft (depth of water) they can accommodate, restricting access for deeper-draft vessels.

Access and Transportation

• Road: Well-connected by road to other parts of Wales and the UK via the A487 and A4085.
• Rail: The nearest major railway station is in Bangor, which is approximately 10 miles away.
• Air: Closest major airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, about 89 miles away by road.

Development Potential

• Tourism: Opportunities for expanding marine tourism due to historical attractions.
• Leisure Activities: Potential for further development of leisure and recreational boating facilities.

Caernarfon, while not a large-scale commercial port, offers a rich blend of historical, cultural, and leisure maritime experiences thanks to its prime location along the Menai Strait and its iconic castle.

For up-to-date information, always refer to local maritime guides or contact the Caernarfon Harbour Trust directly.