Seasonal· Anguilla· Leeward Islands
Winter Northerly Swells (Anguilla)
18° 13.8′ N · 63° 6.0′ W · approximate
Anguilla's north-coast anchorages (Road Bay, Crocus, Little Bay, Sandy Island, Prickly Pear, Meads, Shoal Bay East, Island Harbour) are exposed when long-period northerly ground swells from North Atlantic winter storms roll in. They can turn a calm day stop into a dangerous dinghy landing within hours.
Practical
Coordinate approx: off the north-west coast (representative). Seen roughly December to April. Reports describe a large northerly swell making the anchorage rolly and dinghy landings through the reef too dangerous (2013), and moorings at Prickly Pear and Sandy Island becoming untenable in swell. In a northerly swell, move to the south-coast bays (Rendezvous, Cove, Maundays, Shoal Bay West) with permission, or to St Martin. Check swell forecasts, not just wind. The tourist board notes winter surf on the Atlantic side.
Best for
Choosing anchorages in winter
Season
December-April