Fowey
50°20.2'N 004°38.1'W · Fowey (Harbour) (0nm)
3–8m
Depth
Good
Holding
80m
Alarm radius
Busy
Crowd level
Fowey (pronounced 'Foy') is one of Cornwall's most beloved harbour towns — a medieval port on the steep western bank of the River Fowey, 4nm inland from the sea. The town was the birthplace of the fictional Frenchman's Creek (Daphne du Maurier, who lived nearby at Menabilly) and the backdrop to several of her novels. The harbour is genuinely commercial — large china clay vessels (Fowey is the principal china clay export port in the world) share the water with yachts and pleasure craft, creating a fascinating working harbour atmosphere. The town is compact, beautiful and full of character — excellent provisions, chandlery and restaurants. The Fowey Royal Regatta in August is one of Cornwall's oldest regattas.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Fowey Harbour — anchorage south of the town
Good3–8m · Alarm: 80m
Anchor in 3–7m (CD) in the harbour south of Fowey town, clear of the large-ship fairway (china clay vessels up to 10,000 tonnes use the harbour). Mud and sand over clay — good holding. The harbour entrance is open to the south and west — in a strong SW swell the anchorage can be uncomfortable, but the river arms upstream provide refuge. Tidal range approximately 4.5m springs. Harbour dues collected by patrol boat. Large china clay vessels move with little warning — monitor VHF Ch 12.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
80m radius for the harbour anchorage. Tidal range 4.5m springs — actual HW depths reach 7.5–12.5m; ensure rode is adequate. China clay ships require the full harbour width to manoeuvre — when a commercial vessel is moving, all yachts must be well clear. The harbour dues apply throughout and are actively collected.
Recommended radius: 80m
Hazards & Warnings
- !China clay ship movements — these vessels (up to 150m) have right of way at all times; monitor VHF Ch 12 and move immediately when commercial traffic is announced
- !SW swell enters the harbour in strong onshore conditions — move up the river above Wiseman's Point for better shelter
- !Tidal range 4.5m springs — drying areas in the upper river; plan movements carefully at LW
- !Very busy harbour in July–August — anchor well clear of visitor mooring fields and commercial berths
- !The harbour entrance on a strong ebb with SW sea can be rough — time departure for the flood tide
Skipper's Tips
- ✓Monitor VHF Ch 12 at all times in Fowey — china clay ship movements are announced in advance; you must be clear before they move
- ✓Anchor upstream of the town in the quieter upper harbour off Polruan for a more peaceful night with good shelter
- ✓Daphne du Maurier fans should visit Readymoney Cove and walk to St Catherine's Castle — the backdrop to Rebecca and Frenchman's Creek
- ✓Sam's restaurant in the town is an excellent informal option; the King of Prussia pub has outstanding views over the harbour
- ✓Polruan (east bank) is accessible by passenger ferry and offers a quiet alternative to the busy Fowey waterfront
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Harbour dues approx. £14–20/night (2025). Fowey Harbour Commission patrol boat collects. VHF Ch 12.
- Restrictions:
- COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC PRIORITY: China clay ships up to 10,000 tonnes use the harbour — when a commercial vessel is moving, all other traffic must give way immediately. Monitor VHF Ch 12 continuously. Keep well clear of the commercial berths (Town Quay and the china clay jetties). No anchoring within the charted fairway.
Sleep Safely at Fowey
Set your anchor alarm to 80m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
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