Coverack Cove Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 2–4m (CD) in the small bay off Coverack village. Sand and gravel bottom — fair holding in settled conditions. The anchorage is sheltered from N through NW by the Lizard Peninsula headland but is fully exposed from SE through SW — the direction of the predominant Atlantic swell. Use only in settled weather with offshore or northerly winds; any southerly or easterly winds make the bay untenable. The small stone pier at Coverack provides marginal additional shelter on the N side. Tidal range approximately 4.6m springs. A very beautiful but demanding anchorage — for experienced sailors with settled weather windows only.

Setting Your Anchor

Check the current tidal height using UKHO Admiralty TotalTide or EasyTide before anchoring — with 4.8m springs at Falmouth (and up to 4.9m at Newlyn), the actual depth at HW is considerably greater than Chart Datum. Add the current tidal height to the CD depth shown on your chart to find the actual depth at your chosen spot.

Bottom at Coverack Cove: primarily sand and gravel. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (28m at 4m CD — allow for HW tidal addition). Motor astern firmly to set the anchor before relying on it.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before sleeping. Atlantic swell watch: even in settled conditions, check the MetOffice SW England inshore forecast and NAVTEX before turning in — fronts can arrive with 6–8 hours' notice and swell builds quickly in exposed anchorages.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Set GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius. 75m radius for this exposed anchorage with a 4.6m spring tidal range. Actual depths at HW reach 6.6–8.6m — ensure 7:1 scope minimum (46–60m of rode at HW springs). The anchorage is highly exposed to E through SW — the alarm radius of 75m is a minimum; set anchor watches and be prepared to weigh and depart at short notice. Sand and gravel gives only fair holding — do not rely on this anchorage in any deteriorating conditions. Keep the engine ready to start.

June–September in settled conditions only. July and August offer the most reliable westerly and northerly weather windows. Never plan to stop at Coverack unless you have flexibility to wait for the right conditions — the anchorage is unsuitable in any southerly quarter. Always have a plan B (Falmouth, 13nm).

Navigation Hazards

• The Manacles — a large reef system 1.5nm NE of Coverack, one of the most dangerous in Cornwall; give at least 1nm clearance at all times; consult Admiralty Chart 154
• Fully exposed to S, SE and SW — Atlantic swell can build rapidly from any southerly direction; depart immediately on any forecast of S/SW wind above F3
• Fair holding only in sand and gravel — not suitable for leaving the boat unattended; maintain continuous anchor watch
• The Lizard overfalls — wind against tide in the Lizard Race (SW of Lizard Point) creates dangerous sea states; time passage through the race carefully
• Limited depth at LW springs — 2m (CD) at the shallowest; confirm echo sounder before anchoring and avoid the shallower northern sector

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: No special permit required
• Anchoring fee: Free.
• Restrictions: Settled weather ONLY — depart immediately at the first sign of wind backing S or E, or any swell developing from the south. The Manacles reef (NE) must be avoided on approach and departure — consult Admiralty Chart 154. Do not leave vessel unattended at anchor here.
• Tidal predictions: UKHO Admiralty TotalTide / EasyTide (ukho.gov.uk) for Chart Datum tidal heights at this port.
• Coastguard: HMCG Falmouth MRCC — VHF Ch 16 at all times; safety broadcasts every 4 hours on Ch 16.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available — plan ahead
• Fuel: Not available at anchorage — nearest: Coverack village shop (0nm)
• Restaurant: The Paris Hotel in Coverack village is one of the most characterful pubs on the Lizard — excellent local food, friendly atmosphere. Named after the SS Paris which ran aground on the Manacles in 1899.
• Provisions: Available nearby

Skipper's Tips

1. Use Coverack only when you have a solid 24-hour forecast of N, NE or NW wind with no southerly swell — it is one of the most beautiful anchorages in Cornwall but punishes complacency
2. The Paris Hotel is worth the trip — sit in the window with a pint of local ale and watch the sea through the lifeboat house door
3. The Lizard Point (1.5nm SW) is the southernmost point of mainland Great Britain — a pilgrimage stop for any sailor; accessible by dinghy in calm conditions
4. Time your passage round the Lizard Race carefully — the overfalls west of Lizard Point are dangerous in wind-against-tide; use local pilot books for timing
5. Serpentinite rock (the distinctive green/red striped stone of the Lizard) can be bought from local craftspeople in the village — a unique souvenir