Skerries Approach
Position 53°25'.25N 004°36'.50W
Approach
Approach from the south west, keeping inshore of African Rock until close by Trench Rock, a small islet. Pass either side of the rock, into North or West Gullies. The West Gully has 5 metres in it, but is only 50 metres wide. It is opposite the (now disused) landing steps for the lighthouse The North Gully is almost closed by rocks which are awash at Low water neaps (dries 1.5m).
Dangers
With 6+ knots at the strength of a Spring tide over a rocky and sharply uneven ground, races and overfalls abound. East and West Platters and African Rock need to be avoided. The tide sets strongly across the entrance to both gullies and it is essential to establish a transit before entering. Rocky shoals (drying 1.5m) exist in the entrance to the North Gully and drying platters on the stacks either side of West Gully restrict its width.
Shelter
Though surprisingly well sheltered from winds from all directions, seas created by winds from ANY direction make this a very temporary anchorage.
Lights & Marks
Skerries Lighthouse
White tower. Red band.
Fl(2).10s. F.R. (Vis.231° - 254°), 24 hrs.
Horn(2) 20s. Racon (T)
Reproduced with kind permission from Ralph Morris from "Cruising Anglesey and adjoining waters"
Approach
Approach from the south west, keeping inshore of African Rock until close by Trench Rock, a small islet. Pass either side of the rock, into North or West Gullies. The West Gully has 5 metres in it, but is only 50 metres wide. It is opposite the (now disused) landing steps for the lighthouse The North Gully is almost closed by rocks which are awash at Low water neaps (dries 1.5m).
Dangers
With 6+ knots at the strength of a Spring tide over a rocky and sharply uneven ground, races and overfalls abound. East and West Platters and African Rock need to be avoided. The tide sets strongly across the entrance to both gullies and it is essential to establish a transit before entering. Rocky shoals (drying 1.5m) exist in the entrance to the North Gully and drying platters on the stacks either side of West Gully restrict its width.
Shelter
Though surprisingly well sheltered from winds from all directions, seas created by winds from ANY direction make this a very temporary anchorage.
Lights & Marks
Skerries Lighthouse
White tower. Red band.
Fl(2).10s. F.R. (Vis.231° - 254°), 24 hrs.
Horn(2) 20s. Racon (T)
Reproduced with kind permission from Ralph Morris from "Cruising Anglesey and adjoining waters"
