Borkum Approaches (Westgat)
Westgat anchorage · Dutch-German border · Ems outer
53°34.7'N 06°31.0'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m on sand/mud in 3–8m with 2.5–3m tidal range. This is a passage anchorage — use 5:1 scope minimum and set alarm conservatively. Exposed to North Sea swell from NW to N — leave immediately if northwesterly conditions develop.
Setting Your Anchor
- Check tidal height for your arrival time — many Groningen Wad anchorages dry at LW
- Plan arrival at HW -2 hours or better for all tidal locations in this region
- Daylight navigation only in all Wadden and Ems channels — no exceptions
- Set your anchor alarm immediately after anchoring — the tide will drop while you sleep
About This Anchorage
The Westgat is the main shipping channel connecting the North Sea to the Ems estuary — the route used by the large cruise ships being floated to sea from the Papenburg shipyard 110km inland. The anchorage in the outer Westgat (Dutch waters, approaching Borkum from the west) is a passage stop for yachts heading east toward Germany or waiting for a fair tide through the Ems. Borkum is the largest of the East Frisian islands (German), 6nm to the east. This is offshore territory — the outer Wadden, transitioning from the sheltered channels of the Dutch islands to the more exposed outer Ems approaches.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free passage anchorage
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Do NOT anchor in the Westgat main shipping channel (buoyed); monitor VHF Ch 20 (Ems Traffic) for shipping movements; Papenburg Schiffsdurchfahrt events may restrict the Ems — check before entry; Dutch/German border — check customs requirements if entering German waters.
Hazards
- !Offshore exposure: the Westgat outer reaches have full North Sea swell from N and NW — not a refuge anchorage in bad weather
- !Shipping traffic: the Westgat and Ems are among the busiest waterways on the German Bight coast — large vessels at all states of tide; VHF Ch 20 mandatory
- !Papenburg Schiffsdurchfahrt: when cruise ships are transited, the entire Ems is closed — can be unannounced; check wsv.de
- !Tidal range 2.5–3m: strong currents in the channels at springs (2–3kt); plan passage for neaps if possible
- !Dutch/German border: ensure documents are in order; German customs may board on Borkum arrival
Skipper's Tips
- →Time the Ems entry on the flood (NE-running) — it will carry you to Emden or Borkum at 2–3kt bonus
- →VHF Ch 20 (Ems Traffic) must be monitored at all times in this area — vessel movements, bridge and lock status
- →Borkum (6nm E) is the first German East Frisian island — good marina facilities and a natural waypoint for those heading east
- →The North Sea weather changes fast in this area — do not commit to an outer anchorage here if the forecast shows W or NW winds building
- →The Dutch/German Wadden boundary is not marked on the water — maintain same safe navigation practices both sides
Facilities
No facilities. Nearest services: Borkum island (Germany, 6nm E) or Delfzijl (Netherlands, 30nm W).
Nearest provisions: Borkum (Germany) (6nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September, fair weather only. Passage anchorage for North Sea voyagers. Not suitable for extended stays.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
In the Groningen Wad and Ems estuary, anchor drag on a drying tidal flat can leave you stranded at low water. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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