anchor and swim

[bluewater sailor]

I'm new to the lake and would like to learn where I can anchor my sailboat so people can swim. I've tried heaving-to in open water on calm days, but the power boats racing by make me nervous. I would prefer a protected cove in about 10-15 feet of water. My boat draws 4.5 feet and I carry 150 feet of anchor rode.

[trfour]

I'm new to the lake and would like to learn where I can anchor my sailboat so people can swim. I've tried heaving-to in open water on calm days, but the power boats racing by make me nervous. I would prefer a protected cove in about 10-15 feet of water. My boat draws 4.5 feet and I carry 150 feet of anchor rode.

There is a very nice spot, on the eastern side of Stonedam Island. Coming in from Governors Island, when you see the public dock, on your left, come just inside the black marker, southeast of the dock and anchor. You should be fine there.
Enjoy!

Also, Don Hughes would know a good place, as he is a well respected and long time sailor here!

[DRH]

A popular spot for anchoring and swimming is the West Alton sandbar, which is right at the mouth of Smalls Cove (lighted marker #75, located at area "H 14" on the Bizer chart). The water there is fairly shallow and on nice days there are often a number of boats, including an occasional sailboat, anchored there. You'll need to watch your depth gauge as you approach the area to ensure you don't get in too shallow, but you should be able to find a spot with just enough depth for your keel.

[bluewater sailor]

Don, is the bottom sandy or rocks? Also is there usually sufficient swing room?

[DRH]

Don, is the bottom sandy or rocks? Also is there usually sufficient swing room?
The bottom is sandy in the area where the boats anchor. As for swinging, most boats there use bow and stern anchors so they don't swing.

[jrc]

Bluewater, the West Alton sand bar itself is of course sandy but too shallow for you. At the edges it's less than four feet. Approaching the sandbar, the bottom is very deep and very muddy. You can do what I do when the sand bar it too crowded, anchor in about 10-20 feet of water and swim into the sandbar.

The sandbar in Paugus bay near the Margate, is another alternative. It has a more gradual slope, and is sandy out to at least 8 feet deep. The sand there is a little mucky and the wave can be annoying.

[Rob]

I'm not sure that it would be worth it to bring a sailboat past Governor's Island, through the Weirs Channel, and nearly all the way to the end of Paugus Bay. Unless, that is, you really like tacking.
I don't remember what the Weirs Channel bridge has for clearance, but that's another thing.

There is a book, The Winnipesaukee Cruising Guide, by David Buckman, printed in 1984 or so. The book does a nice job of summarizing the lake from a sailor's perspective, including places to anchor and swim. I don't know if the book is still in print or not, but someone else on this forum may have a copy.

While I have never anchored there, and I would imagine that the bottom is quite rocky, the east side of Rattlesnake Island is fairly well protected, and the Broads are just around the corner when you want to get back to sailing. The bottom drops off fast, so you wouldn't have to worry about draft, although you would be anchored in more than 10-15 feet. Nice, cool, clean water though.


Rob

[jrc]

You're right Rob, I guess I didn't take a sailing perspective. Assuming Bluewater is on the main part of the lake, I'd still recommend West Alton or Braun Bay for shallow sandy bottoms. If that's not important, lots of people anchor and swim on the north and east side of Timber Island and in Winter Harbor at Johnson Cove.

[Dave R]

There's a nice spot just southwest of Farrar point in Center Harbor. It shoals up quickly and is quite sandy. With prevailing winds you could run or sail a broad reach to get out of there. Much less crowded than Small's Cove. Gotta stay to the north of the black markers though. I don't think it would be wise to try and sail along the southwestern channel though it is navigable...

[Kona Bay Girl]

There is this one island where I've seen a massive cabin cruiser anchored there, so you should have no problem. Around Black Cat Island. Also, right near our beach is a small island where people anchor.

I wish I could find a map to help you out with names, but I can't. Anyway, the islands are around Black Cat and one even has a small beach.

[hazelnut]

I think that might be the one you are referring to Kona Bay Girl. It gets pretty shallow on the Northern side but the south side is pretty deep. I love that area.

[bluewater sailor]

Rob, do you know who published the Winnipesaukee Cruising Guide?

[Rob]

I don't remember the name of the publisher, but I'm pretty sure that it was published locally.

In my earlier post I called it The Winnipesaukee Cruising Guide, now that I think of it, I'm pretty sure it's called The Lake Winnipesaukee Cruising Guide. Sorry- small difference, but I'm sure it matters to the search engines.

Fay's Boat Yard (in Gilford) caters to sailors, they might know where to get a copy.

There is a couple at my marina who go sailing every weekend, I can ask them where they cruise/anchor and get back to you next week. In the meantime, the other suggestions posted here sound good- let us know what you think!


Rob