SOUTHWOLD ANCH

• Latitude: 52.2789
• Longitude: 1.92919
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Anchorage in UK

Location: Southwold UK

Southwold Anchorage in the United Kingdom is a maritime area designated for vessels to anchor offshore from the town of Southwold, which is a small coastal town located on the North Sea coast in Suffolk, England. Here are some key details and specifications for Southwold Anchorage:

Geographic Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 52° 19.00' N, 001° 41.00' E.
• Proximity: Southwold Anchorage lies close to the town of Southwold, which is known for its picturesque landscape, lighthouse, and pier.

Navigational Information

• Charts: Admiralty Chart 1536 is typically used for navigation in the region.
• Water Depth: Depths at the anchorage vary, but they generally range from 6 to 12 meters.
• Seabed: The seabed consists of sand and gravel, which provides reasonable holding ground for anchors.

Piloting and Access

• Approaches: Care should be taken when approaching the anchorage due to the shifting sands and variable depths.
• Pilotage: While Southwold does not have its own dedicated pilotage services, vessels navigating there typically use pilots from nearby larger ports such as Felixstowe or Harwich if needed.

Anchorage Considerations

• Weather: The North Sea can be rough, and the weather can change rapidly. Mariners should be prepared for high winds and waves.
• Tidal Range: Southwold experiences a moderate tidal range, with a difference of up to 2-3 meters between high and low tides.
• Shelter: The anchorage is relatively exposed; it does not offer significant shelter from strong northerly or easterly winds.

Facilities

• Port Facilities: Southwold is a small town, and the anchorage itself does not have extensive port facilities. For more comprehensive services, mariners might need to head to larger nearby ports like Lowestoft.
• Communication: VHF radio is commonly used for maritime communication, particularly channel 16 for emergencies.

Regulations and Authorities

• Port Authority: The harbor is under the jurisdiction of local maritime authorities, which ensure the compliance of vessels with UK maritime laws and regulations.
• Environmental Regulations: The anchorage is within UK territorial waters, and vessels must comply with environmental regulations, including those pertaining to waste disposal and emissions.

Notes for Mariners:

• Advisory Notices: Mariners are advised to consult the latest notices to mariners issued by the UK Hydrographic Office for any updates or changes in local navigation conditions.
• Safety: It is important to monitor weather forecasts closely and ensure all safety equipment is in working order given the potential for adverse weather conditions.

In summary, Southwold Anchorage is a useful stop for vessels needing to anchor off the Suffolk coast, offering basic anchorage conditions and requiring mariners to be vigilant regarding navigation, weather, and safety regulations.