Watchet (Marina/Local Harbour) (GBWAT)

The port has been closed to commercial traffic and the SE part converted to a pleasure craft marina, entered through a lock.

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

Watchet is a small port located on the southern side of the Bristol Channel approx 48km W of Bridgwater.

LOA 20.0m.

Safe anchorage can be obtained in Blue Anchor Road (51°12'N 003°23'W), 1.5nm N of Blue Anchor, in a depth of 7.0m, tenacious blue clay.

It is advisable to approach the harbour entrance within 1.5 hours of HW. Vessels exempt from pilotage and visiting pleasure craft should not attempt to enter Watchet without recent local knowledge. Fishing stakes may be encountered at the harbour entrance. Lights are exhibited from both pierheads. Owing to the strength of the tidal streams across the entrance, close attention must be paid to the steering of the vessel.

BA 1160, 1165. Admiralty Pilot NP37.

1025.

Western Pier Light (red 6 sided metal tower, white lantern, green cupola, 5.0m in height) (51°11.0'N 003°19.7'W).

West side of Harbour dries out and is difficult to enter during onshore gales. East side marina entered through locks near HW, max LOA 20m.

Range 7.0m.

There are no tugs available.

Prevailing winds: N'ly, NW'ly and NE'ly. Gales from NE and NW bring a heavy sea and cause uncomfortable conditions along the W Breakwater.

VHF: Port/Marina: Ch 80.

Vessels outward to or inward from non EU countries must present Form 1331 with Customs and Excise.

Byelaws are in force, a copy of which can be obtained from the Harbour Master.