Hırsız Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Peaceful pine-clad cove in 6–8m over good-holding sand. All-round shelter except open southerlies. Part of the Değirmen Bükü complex. Dense pine trees down to water's edge. No facilities — provision at Okluk (1nm).

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Hırsız Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 6–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Hırsız Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.At 7m depth: 7:1 scope = 49m chain. Recommend 70m given the sand bottom. Open to southerlies — if S wind is forecast, use the enclosed Okluk sub-cove instead.

Never crowded — attracts sailors specifically seeking solitude. Pine forest setting is most atmospheric in shoulder season. Avoid if southerly is forecast.

Navigation Hazards

• Open to southerlies — check forecast carefully before committing to overnight stay
• SEPA zone — no discharging
• No facilities — provision at Okluk (1nm) before anchoring here
• GPS coordinates approximate — verify with current Turkish charts before approach

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free

For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Okluk Koyu restaurants (1nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Okluk Koyu restaurants (1nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Okluk Koyu restaurants (1nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use this as a quiet overnight if Okluk is full — same shelter (minus southerlies), infinitely fewer neighbours
2. Provision at Okluk before anchoring; there is nothing ashore here
3. Avoid if S or SW wind is forecast overnight