Anchor in Nanaimo??

[klee wyck]

This seems like it would be straightforward, but I am only getting conflicting information.
I am likely overweight/length for a mooring so wanting to confirm if there is a decent place that I am allowed to anchor near Namaimo in preparation for a crossing.
Any advice appreciated; I am 135K#/56'

 

[tiltrider1]

Yes, you can anchor over by Newcastle Park. It can get a bit crowded with the morning field but there is a designated anchorage. It is marked by a series of yellow cans.

 

[GoneFarrell]

Mooring bouys are up to 40 feet there.

Most big boats tend to anchor to the south east of the anchorage, or a ways out from the Dingy Pub.

 

[sunchaser]

If you want to avoid the Newcastle Island crowds there is a good spot just North of Dodd Narrows and to the East of the Coho Cove Yacht Club. It is about 5 miles from Nanaimo though.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Mooring bouys are up to 40 feet there.

Most big boats tend to anchor to the south east of the anchorage, or a ways out from the Dingy Pub.

Yes it can get crowded with draggers. Stay alert and by all means go over to the dingy pub!!

 

[klee wyck]

If you want to avoid the Newcastle Island crowds there is a good spot just North of Dodd Narrows and to the East of the Coho Cove Yacht Club. It is about 5 miles from Nanaimo though.

Thanks, Sunchaser and this sounds like it would fit my appetite. However, Neither google nor Navionics recognizes a search for Coho Cove Yacht Club. Is the anchorage NE of Dodd or NW?
5 miles from Naniamo would suit me fine and if I run that radius on a chart I can only see what might be an anchorage just through and to the ENE of Dodd.
Is this it?

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Thanks, Sunchaser and this sounds like it would fit my appetite. However, Neither google nor Navionics recognizes a search for Coho Cove Yacht Club. Is the anchorage NE of Dodd or NW?
5 miles from Naniamo would suit me fine and if I run that radius on a chart I can only see what might be an anchorage just through and to the ENE of Dodd.
Is this it?

Do you have a Waggoner Cruising guide?

 

[sunchaser]

KW
As soon as you exit Dodd Narrows you'll pass by Purvis Point to your starboard. About 1/2 mile to the East is the anchorage. My Navionics clearly shows the "Yacht Club" on the chart.

 

[klee wyck]

KW
As soon as you exit Dodd Narrows you'll pass by Purvis Point to your starboard. About 1/2 mile to the East is the anchorage. My Navionics clearly shows the "Yacht Club" on the chart.

And boom! Right there where it says Coho Cove Yacht Club....
Dandy. Not sure how I could have missed that, must have been looking past that though I was focused on that area that the chart calls Percy anchorage right next to it.
Thanks for the help! That will work.

 

[AlaskaProf]

Yes it can get crowded with draggers. Stay alert and by all means go over to the dingy pub!!

And mind the rock!

 

[tiltrider1]

If you are not looking to go into Nanimo you can skip Dodd’s Narrows completely and anchor in either Silva Bay or behind Kendrick Island (I prefer this, less crowded). This gives you a shorter shot at crossing either to Vancouver or Pender Harbor. You will also be able to avoid WG with out a long trek off course.

 

[luna]

If you are prepping for a crossing of the Strait and have no desire to visit Nanaimo you can avoid the hassle of Dodd Narrows and/or Gabriola Passage by staying outside of Gabriola Island, (assuming southbound travel) pass by Breakwater Island, once past the off-lying rock turn to Stbd. and head towards Gabriola Passage. Just before you get to the Passage turn to Port into the unnamed cove between Valdes and Kendrick Island.

Locally known as Dogfish Bay it is well protected, usually empty, has good holding and the air is way cleaner than Nanaimo Harbour. West Van Yacht Club has an outstation half way in. Navionics shows 2 Anchors in the cove.

Wakes Cove to the west has a Dingy dock at the park for an easy stroll through the woods.

I don't go to Silva Bay anymore, too many derelics on the hook.

 

[GoneFarrell]

And mind the rock!

There is a small trawler type boat still sunk in the shallow passage at Protection Island, been there all summer!

 

[sunchaser]

If you are not looking to go into Nanimo you can skip Dodd’s Narrows completely and anchor in either Silva Bay or behind Kendrick Island (I prefer this, less crowded). This gives you a shorter shot at crossing either to Vancouver or Pender Harbor. You will also be able to avoid WG with out a long trek off course.

I believe KW's question was about anchoring near Nanaimo. Dependent upon the course desired, where from and-to-and South Georgia Strait weather avoidance , Dodd Narrows is a good choice when heading north. Silva Bay is at times more crowded than Newcastle near Nanaimo and chock full of mooring buoys.

 

[klee wyck]

Thanks folks. I like the Kendrick Island solution. I have no need for Dodd or Nanaimo on this trip. I am northbound first, but then Southbound but crossing through SJI and across the Strait of J de F.
Very helpful.

 

[Nomad Willy]

We never did overnight at Newcastle .. looked insanely crowded so we went into the downtown harbour and walked uptown to restaurants, Starbucks ect.

Over the years as long as there was an interesting town or city to explore staying on one’s boat didn’t have much draw. Anchoring out was just sitt’in on the boat.

 

[tiltrider1]

I believe KW's question was about anchoring near Nanaimo. Dependent upon the course desired, where from and-to-and South Georgia Strait weather avoidance , Dodd Narrows is a good choice when heading north. Silva Bay is at times more crowded than Newcastle near Nanaimo and chock full of mooring buoys.

That is why I offered the Kendrick Island solution. It is also a far better crossing point than Nanimo. You can also avoid Dodd Narrows which can get shut down for barge traffic.

 

[hollywood8118]

The anchorage off Newcastle can get crowded, but the sights of the city at night and all the things happening make it an interesting spot. The island is a wonderful place to walk (or if your my crew) run. Miles of trails and interesting history. It had a coal mine, a quarry and has some interpretive signage about its history.
Also you can do the wreck dive right outside of the island.

The cruising in B.C. is really first rate.. if it just wasn't full of those damn cranky Canadian's!
:lol:

Hollywood

 

[Tim]

Anchored in Nanaimo this summer. Anchor was 5’ outside anchor zone. Visited by Harbor Patrol in the morning and asked to relocate. Crowded but doable. Enjoyed the Dinghy Dock restaurant.