Heltermaa
Heltermaa sadam · Heltermaa ferry port
58°51.6'N 23°02.6'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on mud/sand in 3–7m. Keep well clear of the ferry approach channel — ferries run frequently (8+ times daily in summer). Monitor VHF Ch 16 for ferry traffic.
About This Anchorage
Heltermaa is the eastern gateway to Hiiumaa island — the ferry terminal connecting to Rohuküla on the mainland. The village is small but the harbour anchorage provides a convenient overnight stop when transiting the Väinameri (Moon Sound) or arriving from the mainland. The Väinameri strait immediately south of Heltermaa is navigable by shallow-draft vessels on the marked channel. The surrounding coast is part of the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. Heltermaa's main attraction for sailors is its strategic position: east of Hiiumaa, it is the departure point for crossing the Väinameri toward the mainland or continuing to Vormsi Island.
Protected From
W · SW · N
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring outside ferry area
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: CRITICAL: Stay clear of ferry manoeuvring area — active ferry traffic 8+ times/day. Do not anchor in the ferry approach channel. Väinameri channel navigation — mandatory use of marked channel.
Hazards
- !Active ferry traffic — ferries run 8+ times daily; maintain VHF Ch 16 watch
- !Do not anchor in ferry manoeuvring zone — position carefully to east of pier
- !Väinameri to south is extremely shallow (0.5–4m) — keelboats only on marked channel
- !Open to E and SE — uncomfortable in easterly conditions
Skipper's Tips
- →Good transit anchorage for Väinameri passage — check chart and tide tables for channel depths before proceeding south
- →The ferry terminal has a small café in summer — useful for provisions top-up
- →If catching the ferry for mainland errands, the anchorage allows leaving the boat while you go ashore
- →Monitor VHF Ch 16 for ferry traffic updates — the ferries move predictably but need clear berth
Facilities
No facilities at anchorage. Small kiosk at ferry terminal in summer. Nearest full facilities at Kärdla (18nm).
Nearest provisions: Kärdla (18nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Transit anchorage primarily — not a destination in itself. Ferries run year-round to Hiiumaa.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In the shallow bays of the West Estonian Archipelago, anchor drag in an unfamiliar cove can put you aground before you wake. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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