In settled weather Swanage makes an attractive stop which avoids the need for sailors making passage up or down the Channel to divert into Poole Harbour.

Entry from the north or east is simple. From the west there are two tidal races to avoid. The smaller one is off Peveril Point immediately to the south of Swanage. Keep outside the red buoy which marks the outer limit of the ledges.

The larger hazard is off St Alban’s Head to the west. This does not have the fearsome reputation of Portland and at slack tide can be little more than an area of choppy water, but at springs with a strong tide running is definitely to be avoided as we can confirm from personal experience. The solution, as with Portland, is either to give it a wide berth and pass about 3 miles out, or possibly to take the narrow inshore passage close to the Head.

Once off Swanage pick up a buoy or anchor north-west of the Victorian pier and enjoy the views of the Isle of Purbeck. Access to the town will require a dinghy trip to the beach.

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