Mevagissey Harbour as does the whole Bay Area offers good protection in the prevailing westerly weather. It is rather exposed in easterlies, and even gets quite a surge in the outer harbour in these conditions. In strong onshore conditions entry would be dangerous, and a Fowey would be the best bet.

Mevagissey is a picturesque Cornish fishing village, with plenty of tourists in season and it still operates a significant fishing fleet with over 60 registered fishing vessels, mostly under 10 m in length. Types of fishing include trawling, wreck netting, potting, long lining, and hand lining for mackerel. In summer months some of these boats take out angling trips.

Megavissey is unusual in that the harbour has the status of a registered charity. There are two distinct areas to the harbour the outer harbour which in most places has plenty of water for yachts at all tides, and the inner drying harbour which is barred to visitors. The harbour authorities can accommodate a few yachts, but the berths are on the inside of Victoria Pier, and tidal walls are not particularly topside friendly. It needs to be remembered that this is a working harbour.

In settled westerly weather the town is well worth a visit, but if there is a chance of easterlies it is best to move. Ashore the town can provide all the day-to-day facilities required. ... read more

Pilotage details: Straightforward enough, Gwineas Rock lies to the SSE and strangers are advised to pass East of it, although with a large-scale chart one will find an inshore passage. With the white lighthouse (Fl(2)10s 12M) on the end of Victoria Pier bearing west, make your approach, this will keep you clear of the unmarked Black Rock that lies to the NNE of the North Pier.

Enter between the Piers, but be aware that the edge of the North Pier has concrete foundations that cover at half tide and it is marked on the corner by pole with a green conical top mark. (See chart and photo gallery).

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In settled weather it is possible to anchor off the harbour, clear of the entrance. Indeed during busy periods and offshore winds, sometimes boats are berthed on the outside of Victoria Pier. No anchoring is allowed inside the harbour.

The outer harbour has plenty of water even at low spring tides and visitors normally berth on the inside of the outer end of Victoria Pier, as shown on the chart. Good fendering will be essential, and a fender board useful. (The harbour office can provide) The harbourmaster keeps listening watch on VHF channel 16, with working on channel 14, from 9 AM to 9 PM during the summer months. Telephone 01726 843305. His office is in the white building on the North Pier. Check with the harbour authorities before leaving your boat unattended in this location, as they may need to shift you.

Anchorages in this area, and further details: ... read more