 Kingston : Profile
When selecting anchorages on the island it does pay to seek local knowledge. A good point of contact is Dean Burrell; dwburrell@ninet.nf or ask customs to contact him. Dean is a local boat builder with offshore sailing experience in racing, commercial and pleasure boats, but most importantly has an understanding of what yachties need and is only too happy to help.
In NW – N – NE winds Sydney Bay off Kingston has an anchorage to the W of the range marks: 29 03.630 S, 167 57.030 E. The bottom at those coordinates is flat coral heads with very little sand at a depth of 8 meters. There is a jetty used for landing cargo and local fisherman say to stay within 5 meters of the coral mole extending out from the end of the jetty when coming into the harbor by dinghy, particularly on low tide.
In SW winds Cascade Bay offers an anchorage off the wharf where cargo is landed.
Anchorage is now allowed in Anson Bay as the cable station has been decommissioned. This is the best anchorage in fresh E winds when anchoring off Kingston is not possible due to the swell. There is a good anchorage off the beach in 10 meter depth with sand bottom: 29 00.700 S, 167 55.150 E. Landing is often possible on the sandy beach and there is a track up to the road.
Ball Bay offers a sound anchorage in winds from the western quadrant with a boulder beach to land on. There is a road from the beach which is well traveled if you need to hitch a ride to town.
Fresh bread and provisions are available in the small town of Burnt Pine and hitchhiking from any of the anchorages to town is easy, but let Customs know first before coming ashore. Rental cars are inexpensive.
Last updated December 2010.
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