[bradmhill]

Can a Lagoon 52 safely get to a mooring ball in Anegada harbor?

The 52 has a draft of 1.5 meters and I'm trying to figure out if we have to anchor outside or if we can safely get into the inner harbor. From what I'm reading online it looks like the area with mooring balls is for vessels under 35'.

I'm planning out my trip and don't want to get in any sticky situations, any thoughts on the matter are appreciated.

 

[Zanshin]

Yes, a Lagoon 52 can make it into the channel and the anchorage. My old boat had a draft of 2.15m and I went in there several times, but I wouldn't use the mooring field itself and would anchor a touch further out (normally you turn north after the channel to get to the field, I would turn south for about 50-100 feet) in good holding and about 1m under the keel. The mooring balls are pretty closely spaced and while I've seen big cats in the field it is preferable to avoid those crowded mooring conditions, especially in season.
I now draw 2.5m and can't go inside anymore, but places such as Pomato Point are still accessible, even with a deep draft.
If you are chartering the Lagoon, you might have different restrictions placed upon your boat and your person by them - some of the companies used to redline Anegada unless you've been there before. These days there's a veritable highway heading to Anegada, so navigation isn't an issue.

(On a side note, I'm writing this from the North Sound in the BVI, from where I can watch this daily convoy of charter boats head out towards Anegada as I write this response)

 

[outbound]

I end up anchoring every time I been there. Going in there are balls to port. They are quite close together. They are always full.
To the right there is 8-10' of water. Holding is sand and quite good. Last few weeks there has been a swell coming in from the south so both places have been rolly but normal easterlies have developed so it should be quiet now. The harbour is quite open. Even with a Rocna I've used 100+ feet of chain. The beaches on the Atlantic side are awesome. Worth the trip and a cab ride.

 

[outbound]

Z- where are you? Off Saba or near bitter End?

 

[Zanshin]

outbound - off Prickly pear, in a straight line from Saba Rock to the dock at the Sand Box, closer to the Sand Box than Saba. How about you?

 

[outbound]

Having mainsail repaired by Doyle. Stuck in Road Town. Small tear near luff due to my stupidity when reefing in that heavy rain a few days ago and not watching while using a powered winch. Oh well. Hopefully a mistake I make only once. Powered winches are dangerous.

Good spot. Had thanksgiving dinner with the Sdr crowd there.

 

[Zanshin]

I've had really good experiences with Doyle; I just had my genoa leech repaired by Quantum - my error as well with short-tacking with full sails and electric winches

 

[GeorgeB]

You guys are so lucky to be able to spend an extended time in the BVI. We were there the last two weeks in January and it was wonderful. In regards to Anegada, the approach is from the south so isn’t the anchorage situated east to west? I found that the controlling depth to be 6-7 feet. We anchored to the west side of the channel and it was tight (we drew 6’ 9”). My only real contribution is to leave early. We left Leverick’s at 8 (following our charter company’s instructions). But were caught up in the parade of boats to Anegada and were aced out of a mooring ball that could accommodate our draft. PM me if you have extra space on board! It has only been two weeks and I want to go back!

 

[outbound]

Found anchoring out to left of channel is best. Can find 8-10' in spots but good to make a big circle slowly around where you think to anchor. Find it wise to be out as less risk of damage from charter boats dragging.
When last there a charter cat dragged. Didn't have sense enough to put out sledge immediately. In south swell got good and stuck. Fascinating to watch them put big inflatable bags around hulls and float them off.
Could happen to any one but this clown dropped his dinghy gas tank and TURNED AROUND in the narrowest part of the channel almost causing us to run aground avoidin him and repetitive jumped on our conversation as we were ordering lobsters. Wife said " God will get you" when she watched the show then " oh my did I say that ". " could happen to us".
Not any tidal range to speak of. Therefore be careful. Use a lot of scope.. Don't leave boat for first few hours.
Have fun.