South West England

Marine Information



There is safe anchorage in The Range, which is situated between Capstone Point and Beacon Point as depicted on British Admiralty Chart 1160. The anchorage has good holding ground and offers a least depth of 10 metres within 2 cables of the Harbour.

Advise Harbour Authority and or Port Agent of the following:

  • ETA 24 hours before arrival
  • Name of vessel
  • Draft
  • DWT and passenger/crew
  • Liberty boat requirement
  • Number of passengers to be landed
  • There is no requirement for a pilot

INFORMATION:

VHF channels:
The Harbour Office maintains a listening watch on VHF Channels 16 and 12.
The Harbour working channels are 12 and 14.

Prevailing currents:
Ilfracombe has a large range of tide, consequently at times there are strong tidal streams in the approaches. These can reach 2-3 knots. Care should be taken near the Buggy Pit where there is often a tidal rip. Buggy Pit is marked on Chart 1160- and is approximately 3 cables NNE of Beacon Point.

Winds - direction:
Prevailing winds are from the SW and the North facing coastline offers good protection.

Local time: GMT
Summer time between the following dates – April-October (dates vary)

Alongside Berths:
3 alongside berths are available but all are tidally dependent.
2 dry completely and the third reduces to 1m on a low spring tide.
However, with a large range of tide all berths can be used at certain states of tide, particularly for shallow draught vessels.

There is little big ship traffic at Ilfracombe.
There is sufficient sea room for 2 or 3 ships to be safely anchored in The Range.

South Quay:
Berth dries at 2m. There is a depth of 4m at this berth for approximately 4 hrs around each high water, except extreme neap tides when tidal height only reaches 6.3m.
Maximum vessel LOA 200ft. 2 medium sized pneumatic fenders are available at this berth.

Stone Bench:
Berth dries at 1m.
There is a depth of 4m at this berth for approximately 6hrs around each high water.
Maximum vessel LOA 250ft (with some overhang of bow and stern).

East Face:
This berth uncovers at 5.8m of tide when there is a least depth of 6.8m alongside.
The window for this berth is therefore quite small for anything other than relatively shallow draught vessels. Unless shell doors or a Mediterranean ladder are available gangways tend to be rather steep at this berth. The passenger ships Waverley and Balmoral use this berth extensively during the summer months.
Waverley, which is the biggest, is 240 ft LOA with a draught of 2.2m. Maximum vessel LOA 250ft (with some overhang of bow and stern).

Passage Distance:
The passage distance from Ilfracombe to Penzance, Cornwall is 135 nautical miles.
This passage follows the main traffic separation scheme off of Lands End.
The return journey, which follows the lane closest inshore is 20nm shorter.
   
Maximum length of cruise ships that can berth:
No restriction on length of vessel.

Any beam or air draught restrictions at any berth/anchorage: No

If at anchor, distance from anchorage to landing stage: 2 cables

Use of ship's tender: Yes

Levy payable: No charge

Shore launches available:
Shore launches are available, although all boats also conduct fishing/pleasure trips during the day. Costs for a dedicated all day service would therefore be more costly to cover for lost seasonal trade. Contact Harbour Master for information.

Speed restrictions for launches/tenders: 4 knots, within the harbour limits.

Number of launches that can go alongside at one time:
Dependant on the state of tide, generally 1 or 2 maximum.

Tugs: Not available and not required.

Line boats available: Yes, advance notice required.

Restrictions on vessels arrival and departure times:
Nil at the anchorage but tidally dependant alongside.

Difference between high and low tide:
Time - 6hrs 12mins, Range - from 3.1m to 10.1m



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