Holyhead Approach
Position 53°19.8’N 004°37.1’W
Approach
Beware Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) across the harbour entrance.
Holyhead is a harbour of refuge, accessible at all states the tide and in any weather conditions. Within, yachts and dinghies can feel safe in most wind conditions. In heavy weather, the outer approaches can be a little awe inspiring.
Give Holyhead harbour breakwater ½ cable clearance, passing to port of SPIT buoy. Keep parallel to breakwater inside harbour until Sailing Club moorings are sighted ahead & to port. Keep to starboard in the marina approaches and secure to outer side of Marina Breakwater 1.
Dangers
Races and severe overfalls exist off South Stack, North Stack and Carmel Head, the latter extending into Holyhead Bay. No underwater dangers, but overfalls can be dangerous even to a well found boat at the wrong state of tide and wind.
Avoid patch in harbour marked by two R. Can lit buoys and two G. Con. buoys. (Platters & Skinner rocks), close N of Ro-Ro terminal.
Shelter
Totally protected in all conditions, but north-easterly winds can create considerable lop on moorings. The outer berths of the marina breakwaters, whilst providing excellent visitors' berths may become dangerous in fresh breezes with northerly and easterly components.
Lights & Marks
Clipera Rocks R. Can Fl(4)R.15s. Bell
Breakwater Head Fl(3)G.10s.
Spit G. Con Fl.G.3s
Aluminium Jetty Head Q+2F.R.(vert)+2F.G.(vert)
Outer Platters North R. Can Fl(4)R.15s
Outer Platters South R. Can Fl(4)R.15s
Breakwater Knuckle 2F.G.(vert)
Skinner Rock North G. Con.
Skinner Rock South G. Con
Salt Island Spit R. Can
Mackenzie Pier Mast 2F.R.(vert)
Reproduced with kind permission from Ralph Morris - "Cruising Anglesey and adjoining waters"
Click here for link to Holyhead marina site
Approach
Beware Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) across the harbour entrance.
Holyhead is a harbour of refuge, accessible at all states the tide and in any weather conditions. Within, yachts and dinghies can feel safe in most wind conditions. In heavy weather, the outer approaches can be a little awe inspiring.
Give Holyhead harbour breakwater ½ cable clearance, passing to port of SPIT buoy. Keep parallel to breakwater inside harbour until Sailing Club moorings are sighted ahead & to port. Keep to starboard in the marina approaches and secure to outer side of Marina Breakwater 1.
Dangers
Races and severe overfalls exist off South Stack, North Stack and Carmel Head, the latter extending into Holyhead Bay. No underwater dangers, but overfalls can be dangerous even to a well found boat at the wrong state of tide and wind.
Avoid patch in harbour marked by two R. Can lit buoys and two G. Con. buoys. (Platters & Skinner rocks), close N of Ro-Ro terminal.
Shelter
Totally protected in all conditions, but north-easterly winds can create considerable lop on moorings. The outer berths of the marina breakwaters, whilst providing excellent visitors' berths may become dangerous in fresh breezes with northerly and easterly components.
Lights & Marks
Clipera Rocks R. Can Fl(4)R.15s. Bell
Breakwater Head Fl(3)G.10s.
Spit G. Con Fl.G.3s
Aluminium Jetty Head Q+2F.R.(vert)+2F.G.(vert)
Outer Platters North R. Can Fl(4)R.15s
Outer Platters South R. Can Fl(4)R.15s
Breakwater Knuckle 2F.G.(vert)
Skinner Rock North G. Con.
Skinner Rock South G. Con
Salt Island Spit R. Can
Mackenzie Pier Mast 2F.R.(vert)
Reproduced with kind permission from Ralph Morris - "Cruising Anglesey and adjoining waters"
Click here for link to Holyhead marina site
