Anegada--BVI

[Zanshin]

I've been to Anegada many times, most recently last week and I draw a shade over 7 feet. While entering the channel I had a lot of water under the keel. You would need to turn right after then channel and anchor outside of the mooring field, since I can't get in there without leaving a furrow in the bottom sand
Another option that I've seen the big, deep draft, yachts do is anchor in 15-20 feet right outside of the entrance of the channel. Unless there is a swell coming in from the North or even slightly west of north it is sheltered and calm, and the dinghy ride in isn't too irksome.
Walker Mangum has some excellent charts and resources (Navigating to Anegada) on getting into Anegada. I use the paper chart, a danger sector and follow the recommend compass bearing in. Don't use your GPS or chartplotter for this approach, as it is several hundred feet off to the south and would put you right on the reef when entering. All other BVI GPS coordinates equate to the map, it is just the Anegada one which is erroneous.

[Yamsailor]

I have read there is 10-12 feet of water off the commercial dock where boats can anchor. Has anyone anchored off the commercial dock recently? If so can you confirm at least 10' of water?

Zanshin--thanks for the info. Did you anchor off the commercial dock?

Thanks

[snmhanson]

Thought I would ad to this post rather than starting my own. We are going to be down there at the beginning of February on a boat with a 5'5" draft. I have made the sail to Anegada once with a captain about ten years ago when we were getting bareboat certified. Been to the BVIs several times since then but never ventured to Anegada. This time we have ten days and we would really like our kids to see the island but I have to admit, I am a bit nervous about the approach. If we decide to make the trip we will certainly get briefed by our charter company but I would still like to get input from others. With a fairly shallow draft and a cautious approach would we likely be fine once we find the entrance cans? I am a bit concerned about having to keep an eye on the cans as well as the GPS all while figuring out what our next move will be. I am a reasonably competent sailor and haven't had any mishaps to date but still, I only get out once every year or two when we charter so I am always relearning things to some degree. Does everyone get a bit nervous leading up to their first (solo) trip to Anegada and does it typically turn out to be easier than anticipated?

Thanks,

Matt

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by snmhanson

I am a bit concerned about having to keep an eye on the cans as well as the GPS all while figuring out what our next move will be.

Matt

Was there last February.

Read the advice above - especially Navigating to Anegada

Check with the charter company about the location of the cans. Do not rely on the GPS. Watch the depth sounder.

If in doubt, follow a deeper draft boat.