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Watchet Harbour in Somerset is another of the very few places along this stretch of coast where a small craft can enter relatively easily, and remain afloat (entry only possible a couple of hours either side of HW). Again in common with all this coast entry is not possible in strong onshore winds.
Watchet is about 80 miles further into the Bristol Channel/Severn Estuary from Padstow in North Cornwall. In the right weather a 24-hour trip will get you here, and this could be a good place to rest up and take stock before pushing onwards.
Not that long ago Watchet was a small working (and drying) harbour, handling coasters. In the photo gallery you'll see ships lying alongside where the Marina is now. ... read more
For the yachtsman or motorboater the approaches to Watchet are reasonably straightforward but the powerful tides are very significant, and need to be allowed for.
If approaching from the North, (say Cardiff), the Culver Sands need to be avoided. They are marked either end by Cardinal buoyage, and lay about 6 miles to the NNE of Watchet. This shallow patch is not shown on our chart which covers the closer approaches only.
To the east of Watchet there is a firing practice area, but there are no restrictions on passing through. To the west of Watchet there are two very conspicuous radio masts.
Once within the outer harbour, the Marina entrance is immediately to port...
Probably it would be wise to call them on VHF channel 80 or telephone 01984 631264 before approaching the outer harbour. A link to the Marina's website is provided below: ... read more