Seasonal· Anegada· Virgin Islands (BVI, USVI and Spanish Virgins)
Winter North Swell & Horseshoe Reef Hazard
18° 43.4′ N · 64° 23.1′ W · approximate
From about October to May, rollers from North Atlantic winter storms and fronts run down onto Anegada's exposed reefs, and the trades can blow 20 knots or more for days: the channel buoys vanish in white water, the low island gives little shelter, and Horseshoe Reef becomes a lee shore for any boat set east.
Practical
Position is the Setting Point mooring field. US Coast Pilot 5: during the period of rollers, October to May, it is advisable to anchor south of the island rather than off the West End; the island is low and, owing to strong and irregular tidal currents, extremely dangerous to approach at night; Horse Shoe Reef breaks in any weather and many vessels have been lost by passing close to windward of it. Noonsite: the channel buoys are difficult to see in rough conditions. Yacht Warriors suggests rescheduling the crossing if winds exceed about 20 knots and allowing for about a knot of westerly set. Setting Point has some protection from northwest to northeast but the island offers little protection in heavy weather (Kraken reader report). Strong trades also make the north-shore snorkel spots (Loblolly, Flash of Beauty) too rough. Plan the crossing for a settled day with good overhead light, and be ready to leave early if a front or strong northerly swell is forecast.
Best for
Timing the Anegada visit for settled weather
Season
Rollers Oct–May; reinforced 'Christmas winds' in midwinter
Nearby
- Hurricane Season (Anegada)Right here
- Setting Point Mooring Field & AnchorageRight here
- Setting Point Mooring Operators & PaymentRight here
- Anegada Bonefishing Flats0.2 NM away
- Anegada Lobster Festival0.2 NM away
- Anegada Provisions & Small Markets0.2 NM away
- Anegada Reef Hotel0.2 NM away
- Horseshoe Reef & Conch Island Boat Tours0.2 NM away