UK & Ireland — Hebrides & Orkney

Vatersay Sound

56°54.7'N 007°31.1'W · Castlebay (Barra, CalMac ferry) (2nm)

3–7m

Depth

Good

Holding

85m

Alarm radius

Low

Crowd level

Vatersay Sound is the sheltered waterway between Barra and Vatersay (now connected by a causeway built in 1991, ending the isolation of Vatersay's small community). The anchorage provides outstanding shelter compared to the more exposed Castlebay, particularly in SW conditions, and is correspondingly quieter. Vatersay itself is the southernmost inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides — a beautiful, quiet island with fine Atlantic beaches on its west side. The Annie Jane memorial (to the 1853 emigrant ship disaster in which 350 drowned off Vatersay) stands on the western shore.

Best Months

JuneJulyAugust

Anchor Zones

Vatersay Sound — north end anchorage

Good

3–7m · Alarm: 85m

Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the sheltered sound between Barra and Vatersay islands, at the northern end near the causeway. Sand and mud — good holding. The sound provides excellent shelter from all directions except SW, where there is a gap between the islands. Tidal range approximately 3.5–4.0m springs. The sheltered sound is significantly calmer than Castlebay in SW conditions — the most useful alternative anchorage for the area.

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

85m radius for the sound. The SW gap between Barra and Vatersay allows some swell penetration in strong SW conditions but this is generally much calmer than Castlebay. With 4.0m tidal range at springs, HW depths reach 7–11m; ensure adequate scope.

Recommended radius: 85m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !SW exposure through the gap between the islands — some swell penetration in strong SW conditions
  • !Causeway footings at the N end — do not anchor within 50m of the causeway structure
  • !Tidal range 3.5–4.0m springs — plan scope accordingly
  • !No provisions — rely entirely on Castlebay (2nm) for all supplies

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓Vatersay Sound is the best alternative to Castlebay in SW conditions — move here from Castlebay if the bay becomes uncomfortable
  • ✓Walk across the causeway to Vatersay and continue to the beautiful west beach (Traigh Siar) — white sand and Atlantic breakers
  • ✓The Annie Jane wreck memorial on the west coast of Vatersay is a moving reminder of the emigrant era — worth the walk
  • ✓Castlebay (2nm) is easily reached by dinghy for provisions and the pub

Facilities

No facilities — wild anchorage

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Free
Restrictions:
Clear of the causeway footings. Respect local moorings. Scottish right to anchor applies.

Sleep Safely at Vatersay Sound

Set your anchor alarm to 85m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.

Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free
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