UK & Ireland — Solent & South England

Cawsand Bay, Plymouth Sound

50°19.9'N 004°12.8'W · Plymouth (Devon) (3nm)

3–8m

Depth

Good

Holding

85m

Alarm radius

Moderate

Crowd level

Cawsand Bay is Plymouth Sound's finest free anchorage — a broad, sandy bay on the Cornish side of the Sound, within easy reach of Plymouth's full marina and town facilities, but without harbour dues. The twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand are a delightful pair of unspoiled Cornish fishing villages accessible only by narrow lanes — a passenger ferry connects to Plymouth. Plymouth Sound is one of Britain's most important maritime locations: the Pilgrim Fathers departed from here in 1620, Francis Drake played bowls here before defeating the Armada, and it remains home to one of Britain's largest naval bases (HMNB Devonport). The views over the Sound from the anchorage — Plymouth Hoe, Drake's Island, the breakwater, and beyond to the Mew Stone — are among the finest in England.

Best Months

MayJuneJulyAugustSeptember

Anchor Zones

Cawsand Bay — main anchorage

Good

3–8m · Alarm: 85m

Anchor in 3–7m (CD) in the wide bay on the Cornish (west) side of Plymouth Sound, off the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. Sand and mud — good holding. Sheltered by the Rame Head peninsula from E and N. Exposed to S/SW — Atlantic swell enters in southerly conditions. Tidal range approximately 4.5–5.0m springs (Plymouth has a large tidal range). Plymouth Breakwater (1nm S) gives some offshore swell protection. No dues — free anchoring outside Plymouth Harbour limits.

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

85m radius for the open bay. With 5.0m tidal range at springs, actual depths at HW reach 8–13m; ensure scope is adequate for the full tidal cycle. Plymouth Breakwater (1nm S) reduces the direct Atlantic swell significantly but southerly swells can still wrap around the headland. In sustained SW conditions, the Hamoaze (Plymouth's sheltered inner harbour) provides refuge.

Recommended radius: 85m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !S/SW exposure — Atlantic swell wraps around Rame Head in southerly conditions; in sustained SW the bay becomes uncomfortable; move to the Hamoaze for shelter
  • !Royal Naval vessel movements — HMNB Devonport operates large vessels; maintain VHF Ch 16 watch and give way immediately
  • !Tidal range 4.5–5.0m springs — plan scope for HW depth; the bay shoals towards the beach
  • !Plymouth Sound shipping lane — commercial vessels and naval traffic use the main channel; keep clear
  • !Rocky shoals off Rame Head to the SW — do not cut inside the headland

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓Plymouth city (passenger ferry from Cawsand, 20-min crossing) provides all yacht services — chandlery, fuel berths, full provisioning; use Mayflower Marina or Queen Anne's Battery
  • ✓Walk the Rame Head coastal path from Cawsand — one of the finest coastal walks in Cornwall with views to the Eddystone Lighthouse
  • ✓The Barbican in Plymouth (historic quayside area) is worth a half-day visit — the Pilgrim Fathers' departure point, excellent seafood restaurants, Gin Distillery
  • ✓Drake's Island (in the Sound, 1nm) is now a licensed activity centre — day trips available from Plymouth
  • ✓Monitor HMCG Falmouth (Ch 16) for the Plymouth Sound range activity schedule before anchoring

Facilities

Restaurant

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Free (outside Plymouth Harbour limits)
Restrictions:
Plymouth Sound has designated anchorage areas — Cawsand Bay is outside harbour limits and free to use. Royal Naval vessels in the Sound have operational priority. The range in Plymouth Sound is occasionally used for naval exercises — check HMCG Plymouth (VHF Ch 16) for any range activity notices. Drake's Island is MOD property.

Sleep Safely at Cawsand Bay, Plymouth Sound

Set your anchor alarm to 85m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.

Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free
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