Irvine (GBIRV)

Irvine is a small port, mainly used for pleasure craft only.

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Irvine is located on the W coast of Scotland.

LOA 61m, draught 3.8m.

Anchorage with good holding ground may be obtained NW of the leading line in depths from 15.0-20.0m, 1nm from the entrance. This anchorage is very open and should only be used in fine weather or with offshore winds.

The approach to Irvine harbour is clear of dangers. A depth of 11.6m lies 0.1nm N of the leading line in a position 1.25nm SW of the harbour entrance. "IB-B" Lightbuoy (special) is moored 0.15nm NE of the 11.6m depth and marks the end of an outfall pipeline extending NNE to the shore. Shoals with depths of 10.7m and 13.0m lie 1.5nm W and 2nm WSW of the harbour entrance and approx 0.65nm S of the entrance there are several patches with depths from 3.2-4.6m lying up to 0.75nm offshore. The depth of the bar is normally 3.2m at HW springs and 2.7m at HW neaps, but is affected by the wind. Fresh S winds increase and N winds decrease the depth; freshets from the river sometimes increase the depth by 0.3m or more. Generally a lee going stream sets across the entrance during N or S winds, making it advisable for vessels with local knowledge only to enter the harbour. The harbour is entered between drying banks which extend approx 0.2nm offshore. Their extremities are marked by light beacons, each consisting of a metal column with a platform 6.0m in height, the N red and the S green.

BA 1866, 2200. Admiralty Pilot NP66A.

1025.

Leading lights are exhibited from 2 white masts on the SE side of the harbour. When in line, bearing approx 051°, they lead over the bar into the harbour. The banks on either side of the entrance channel have numerous groynes, whose ends are marked by perches showing the limits of the channel.

Range 2.7m springs, 2.4m neaps.

Prevailing winds: SW-NW'ly.

VHF: Ch 16.