Newlyn Harbour Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 4–7m (CD) in the lee of Newlyn's south pier and outer breakwater, keeping clear of the working fishing vessel approach channels. Mud and sand bottom — good holding once the anchor is set. The harbour breakwater provides good protection from S through SE; the inner harbour is a working fishing harbour and not available for pleasure craft anchoring without prior arrangement. Tidal range approximately 4.9m springs at Newlyn — one of the largest in Cornwall. Actual depths at HW reach 8.9–11.9m. A useful staging post for the Land's End passage or the Isles of Scilly.

Setting Your Anchor

Check the current tidal height using UKHO Admiralty TotalTide or EasyTide before anchoring — with 4.8m springs at Falmouth (and up to 4.9m at Newlyn), the actual depth at HW is considerably greater than Chart Datum. Add the current tidal height to the CD depth shown on your chart to find the actual depth at your chosen spot.

Bottom at Newlyn Harbour: primarily mud and sand. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (56m at 8m CD — allow for HW tidal addition). Motor astern firmly to set the anchor before relying on it.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before sleeping. Atlantic swell watch: even in settled conditions, check the MetOffice SW England inshore forecast and NAVTEX before turning in — fronts can arrive with 6–8 hours' notice and swell builds quickly in exposed anchorages.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Set GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius. 90m radius for the outer anchorage with a 4.9m tidal range at Newlyn (one of the highest in Cornwall). Actual depth at HW reaches 8.9–11.9m — minimum 7:1 scope requires 62–83m of rode at HW springs. The outer anchorage is exposed to W and SW — in any westerly above F4 the anchorage becomes uncomfortable and potentially unsafe; seek the inner harbour (if space and tide permit) or Falmouth as an alternative. Reduce to 75m in neap conditions.

May–September. Newlyn is a year-round working port but the anchorage is most pleasant in settled summer conditions. The Scilly passage (28nm) is best attempted in May–September when Atlantic weather is more predictable. The passage round Land's End demands careful tidal planning at any time of year.

Navigation Hazards

• Commercial fishing fleet — large trawlers operate at all hours and have priority in all harbour approaches; keep clear of all fishing vessel movements
• SW and W exposure — the outer anchorage deteriorates rapidly in SW winds above F4; seek shelter inside the harbour (if acceptable to the Harbour Master) or move to Falmouth
• Tidal range 4.9m springs — one of Cornwall's highest tidal ranges; ensure ample rode for HW depth
• Land's End tidal race — the passage around Land's End is one of the most significant tidal features in SW England; time the passage carefully with a fair tide using Admiralty Tidal Atlas
• The Runnelstone reef (1nm SW of Gwennap Head) and Longships lighthouse shoals — critical hazards for the Land's End passage; consult Admiralty Chart 1148

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: No special permit required
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor in outer harbour approaches. The inner Newlyn harbour is commercial fishing only — contact Newlyn Pier and Harbour on VHF Ch 09 for guidance.
• Restrictions: The inner harbour is a working commercial fishing port — pleasure craft must not obstruct fishing vessel movements at any time. Keep clear of the fish quay approach and trawler berths. Monitor VHF Ch 09 for harbour traffic. The Penzance Marina pontoons (1nm NE) are a better option for an overnight berth.
• Tidal predictions: UKHO Admiralty TotalTide / EasyTide (ukho.gov.uk) for Chart Datum tidal heights at this port.
• Coastguard: HMCG Falmouth MRCC — VHF Ch 16 at all times; safety broadcasts every 4 hours on Ch 16.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available — plan ahead
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: The Tolcarne Inn in Newlyn is a famous fish restaurant — excellent seafood menu using locally landed fish. Basic provisions from Newlyn village shops. Full supermarkets in Penzance (1nm).
• Provisions: Available nearby

Skipper's Tips

1. Newlyn is primarily a staging post rather than a destination — use it for the Land's End passage or Scilly run; time your departure for a fair tide round the Longships
2. The Penzance Marina (1nm NE) is a better overnight option if a berth is available — phone ahead to check availability; good facilities and shore access
3. Fresh fish from the quay or the Tolcarne Inn is a highlight — Newlyn fish is outstanding; ask at the quay if any boat is selling direct
4. The tidal gauge at Newlyn is the UK's national tidal reference — a piece of British maritime history worth seeing if you enjoy such things
5. Land's End passage timing: aim to arrive at Land's End at LW + 1 hour to carry the flood NE past the Runnel Stone; Reeds Almanac or pilot book gives exact timing