Yachting_Monthly_2016-01

B

etween Tenby and Swansea the choice of anchorage is limited. Diverting across Carmarthen

Port, is not always convenient, and the Gower coast is mostly inhospitable in the Bar into the estuaries of the Taf and Towy, or across to Burry

prevailing southwesterly winds until you turn the Mumbles corner into Swansea Bay. However, there are two exceptions – Port Eynon and Oxwich Bay. I favour the

latter even though the beach itself is popular during the summer months;

it is so extensive that there is ample room for all.Those seeking

the anchorage in the north-west corner will be far from the madding crowds, and the true peace of this anchorage develops as the sun starts

to dip and the call of tea disperses the day visitors to leave this lovely stretch in the hands of a few fi shermen, dog walkers, and yachtsmen. Out of season, Oxwich

changes its personality and becomes a haven of peace and wildlife.the north through to the south-west – The anchorage is well sheltered from

if the wind has north in it, anchor in

the southern part, and if the wind is southwesterly, anchor as far north as the depth allows. If a southerly or easterly is

forecast, it’s time to move on.the wreck close to the western shore is noted. Coming from the west, give Oxwich The approach is hazard free as long as

Point and its overfalls a wide berth, whilst from the east the bay is open. The best anchorage is between the moorings and the shore – calculate the depth and drop

the hook on fi rm sand with good holding. Do not be tempted to use the

moorings. Many of them are marked ‘Keep Off’, which is always a good hint

fi shing boats might need the mooring at 0200, and some of the outside buoys are actually lobster keeps. – returning local

stretch your legs ashore and enjoy not only the beach, but also the Oxwich Bay SSSI and Oxwich National Nature However, if the weather is clement,

Reserve behind the dunes, where fl ora and fauna include everything from orchids to otters and boardwalks meander over the marshes and reed beds that host a

wide range of birdlife including rarities

such as the bittern and Cetti’s warbler. On one evening visit we were entranced by a murmuration of fl ocking starlings performing fantastic group aerobatics

that painted shadowy shapes against the twilight sky before they settled into the trees for their winter roost. The spectacle left us humbled, and we had to

visit the excellent Oxwich Bay Hotel for a small libation to help fi x the memory permanently in our minds.Apart from the beachside hotel, Oxwich

offers few facilities. The village has a shop and café and there are toilets in the car park. Local buses do serve the area and allow exploration further afi eld. The main local

hub is Swansea, although those wishing to avoid the hotspots should visit the adjacent Three Cliffs Bay, chosen by the operatic diva Katherine Jenkins as her favourite view.

Peninsula was rightly one of the fi rst places designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty under the The unspoilt and beautiful Gower

1949 Act, and Oxwich Bay provides a yachtsman’s gateway into this glorious domain. It’s all there waiting for you... W

Despite being a popular beach destination during the summer months, this anchorage can be far from

the madding crowd, as Jonty Pearce describes

‘Out of season, Oxwich changes its personality

and becomes a haven of peace and wildlife’

ANCHORAGES

Oxwich Bay,

The Gower

Oxwich Oxwich Bay

Little TorPenmaen Southgate

St Christopher’sKnoll

Gower PeninsulaThree Cliffs Bay

Oxwich Point

Moorings

(^2510)
(^02623207483451025562)
(^107)
(^37382837)
(^03)
(^18)
0 1nm
HavenMilfordPort EynonCarmarthenTenby OxwichBayGowerBurry Port SOUTHWALESMumblesSwanseaThe
St David’s
Charts not to beused for navigation SwanseaBay
PHOTO: ALAMY. CHART: MAXINE HEATH
The bay is so extensive that there is ample room for all
44 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com JANUARY 2016