Virtsu Roadstead
Virtsu sadam · Virtsu ferry
58°34.3'N 23°30.7'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m for good holding on mud/clay in 3–8m. Open roadstead — only suitable in settled conditions or as a short stop. Monitor ferry traffic and keep VHF Ch 16 watch.
About This Anchorage
Virtsu is the mainland departure point for the Muhu/Saaremaa ferry — one of the most important inter-island connections in Estonia. The town is small but the ferry terminal is busy in summer. The anchorage in the roadstead south of the terminal provides a mainland base when visiting the island chain. From Virtsu, the Väinameri (Moon Sound) extends north and south between the islands and the mainland — this shallow inland sea (averaging 2m) is one of the most distinctive sailing environments in the Baltic, requiring careful piloting on the marked channel.
Protected From
E · S · SE
Exposed To
W · NW · N
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in roadstead
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Stay clear of ferry approach channel. Active ferry traffic. Väinameri channel navigation mandatory for keelboats — maximum draft 1.5m without pilotage.
Hazards
- !Active ferry traffic — Virtsu-Kuivastu is one of the busiest ferry routes in Estonia
- !Väinameri is extremely shallow — pilotage required; do not leave marked channel
- !Open roadstead — exposed to W and N; only use in settled conditions
- !Limited facilities — plan self-sufficiency
Skipper's Tips
- →Good mainland transit point before heading into the island chain
- →Väinameri pilotage — hire a local pilot if unfamiliar with the channel; depths as low as 0.5m between marks
- →The ferry schedule is frequent in summer — easy day trip connection to Muhu/Saaremaa
- →Haapsalu (30nm north) has full marina facilities if you need a proper stop
Facilities
Small café at ferry terminal. Petrol station nearby. Nearest full facilities at Haapsalu (30nm north).
Nearest provisions: Haapsalu (30nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Transit anchorage primarily. Year-round ferry service runs from Virtsu.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
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.
Download Free for iOS