Secret Cove / Halfmoon Bay

[michaelmrc]

good day all
am looking for advise on anchorages around secret cove or halfmoon bay somewhere protected against winter winds. am looking to head over that way for a few days after christmas . thanks

[MABell]

Between Secret Cove and Halfmoon bay is Smugglers Bay (directly across from the north end of Thormanby Isl).
It doesn't get any more protected than that. You may get some wind over the lower portions of land, but otherwise very protected.
You have to look closely for the opening as it's easy to miss.
Look for:
N49 30'54.95"
W123 58' 03.40"

[DRS]

If you use Smugglers look for the stern ties on shore. They have imbedded several steel eye bolts along the shore. Probably not busy this time of year but in the summer it can be packed. Secret cove has some anchorage areas off of the marina close to Turnagain Island in about 30 feet of water.

[ActiveCaptain]

We have a few things around there, ...although we have nothing in Halfmoon Bay. It would be great if someone with experience there filled in that anchorage - press-and-hold the mouse on the spot where anchoring is suggested and follow the popup menu command.

[hummingway]

Buccaneer Bay's another idea. All the way in and on the east side is Water Bay and it is well sheltered.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by michaelmrc

good day all
am looking for advise on anchorages around secret cove or halfmoon bay ...

Which Halfmoon Bay?

[hummingway]

Those of us with "local knowledge" presumed on the Sunshine Coast of BC since the OP is from Vancouver Island. Still I would be curious what the coast line around Halfmoon Bay Calif. provides. I don't recall much shelter there outside of the breakwater in the bay itself! A beautiful stretch of coast though.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by hummingway

Still I would be curious what the coast line around Halfmoon Bay Calif. provides. I don't recall much shelter there outside of the breakwater in the bay itself!

You're spot-on with that! They would never have built that enormous breakwater had there been a natural harbor that would have served. The fact is that right around Pillar Point from the harbor is one of the most famous big-surf spots in the world, Mavericks, renown for its 40'+ break. Something of a do-not-anchor zone, even with a Rocna.

[Randyonr3]

Ran across a guy a couple years ago who built a steel motor-sailor and was up in the delta.. one of those people you cant suggest anything to as they know it all and the boat they built will withstand anything nature can throw at them..
and then a couple weeks ago, his name came up in a conversation while setting around the Yacht Club Bar, seems he headed south to Mexico in his indestructable steel boat only to cut the corner going into Half Moon Bay.. (everyone knows you go out to the center of the bay befor comming back north)
Story is, his boat broke up on the rocks and went down, he jumped shipped and took off... Costies are looking for him for the funds it took to get the pile of bent up steel off the rocks and out of public view.. last heard, he's under a different name and living with relitives in the mid-west.........

[michaelmrc]

thanks everyone anyone have any knowledge of local attractions over there. am thinking of taking a few days off after christmas and spend new years on the hook somewhere that i havent been. but dont want to be stuck on the boat the whole time either. would like to wander around and explore a little.

[Blue Stocking]

.. Something of a do-not-anchor zone, even with a Rocna.[/QUOTE]

LOL Bash--a Rocna fan, huh?

[MABell]

Don’t know where you are, but
Maybe go up the coast to Ganges, Nanaimo, down to Sidney or Victoria.
To get off the island go international and head to Friday Harbor.

[hummingway]

Buccaneer Bay has a lot of sandy beach to wander if that's the sort of thing you're looking for. The park is a sand spit that connects N&S Thormanby. There's a lot of small parks and hiking trails aroung Half Moon Bay. If it's people stuff you're looking for you might have to go back to Gibson's Landing. There is Plumper's Cove across the water from there which is quite nice for a natural setting.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Bash

.. Something of a do-not-anchor zone, even with a Rocna.

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

LOL Bash--a Rocna fan, huh?

I couldn't resist.

[ahnutts!]

Hi Mike,

I was at Secret Cove last January on my Brothers boat. There wasn't really much around and nothing was open. Why don't you try Pender Harbour? Or if your looking for outdoorsy you could go all the way to chaterbox.

Jerin