Sõrve Peninsula
Sõrve säär · Sorve spit
57°54.8'N 22°04.1'E
Depth
4–9m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m for fair holding on sand/gravel in 4–9m. Gravel patches reduce reliability — set anchor firmly and test. This is a tactical anchorage for weather or passage stops, not a long overnight destination. In any easterly wind, untenable.
About This Anchorage
The Sõrve Peninsula is the southernmost extremity of Saaremaa and of the Estonian archipelago, a narrow sand and gravel spit pointing south into the Gulf of Riga. The area was the site of a famous WWII battle — German and Soviet forces fought here repeatedly through 1941–1944, and the WWII memorial at the peninsula tip commemorates the fallen. A lighthouse marks the southernmost point. The peninsula is largely uninhabited — pine forest, sandy beaches, and dramatic views across the open Gulf of Riga to Latvia (30nm south). This is a waypoint anchorage for boats rounding Saaremaa or crossing the Gulf of Riga.
Protected From
W · NW · N
Exposed To
E · SE · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: WWII unexploded ordnance in surrounding sea area — do not attempt to recover any objects from the seabed. Shipping lane nearby — maintain radar watch.
Hazards
- !WWII unexploded ordnance on seabed — do not attempt to recover any objects
- !Open to E, SE, and S across Gulf of Riga — only use in settled westerly conditions
- !Shipping traffic in Gulf of Riga approaches — maintain radar watch and AIS
- !Gravel patches reduce anchor holding — test thoroughly before leaving unattended
- !Remote location — no facilities within 35nm
Skipper's Tips
- →The WWII memorial at the peninsula tip is worth a dinghy landing — dramatic history in a remote setting
- →Best as a lunch stop or waypoint when rounding Saaremaa westbound/eastbound
- →Anchorage only tenable in W or NW wind — do not stay if forecast shows E or S shift
- →Lighthouse at tip is active — good navigation mark for Gulf of Riga approaches
- →Brilliant stargazing — zero light pollution and very dark summer nights
Facilities
No facilities. Nearest provisions at Kuressaare (35nm) or Pärnu (55nm).
Nearest provisions: Kuressaare (35nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Weather window anchorage only — only use in stable westerly conditions. Do not overnight unless forecast is solid.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
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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