Benner Bay

About This Anchorage

Benner Bay is a well-enclosed local anchorage on the north side of St. Thomas's east end — a primarily working waterfront area used by local fishing boats, small yard facilities, and resident sailors. The bay has good physical protection from most wind directions and only opens to the south. Holding is fair — the mixed sand, mud, and weed bottom can reduce anchor purchase. Draft restrictions apply in the shallower inner areas. Benner Bay lacks the scenic appeal of other St. Thomas anchorages but provides very good protection from the ENE trades and is within easy reach of Red Hook's facilities. Best suited for shorter stays and smaller draft vessels.

Hazards

• !Fair holding — weed and mixed bottom reduces anchor purchase; engine test mandatory; monitor for drag overnight
• !Shallow inner areas — draft limitations apply; consult chart before moving to inner bay
• !Working waterfront — local fishing boats and yard activity; maintain clear passage for working vessels
• !Open to south — southerly conditions expose the anchorage; monitor weather

Skipper's Tips

• →Benner Bay provides excellent physical protection from ENE trades — good in strong trade wind conditions when more exposed anchorages are uncomfortable
• →Engine test after anchoring is essential — holding is only fair; re-anchor if the anchor does not bite cleanly
• →Red Hook's facilities are 1.5nm west by dinghy — convenient for provisioning and services
• →Local knowledge anchorage — not in most guide books but well-used by St. Thomas residents as a storm anchorage
• →Check draft carefully before proceeding into the inner bay — several shoal areas on the chart

Nearby Anchorages