Report 1 - Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is a lovely seside town, but access can be very much effected by the weather. Be careful if the is any prospect of an easterly or southerly wind as the outer harbour and anchorage can be quite exposed

Basically there are three options

• Anchor off the outer harbour
• Tie up to the seasonal temporary pontoons, which can be very wobbly and busy
• Tie up against the inner harbour east wall against wooden piles with a ladder, you will need permission from the harbour master for this

Anchoring

Anchoring is safe in approximately 5m af water, but as the aanchorage is open to the full fetch and swell of Lyme Bay, this can become quite 'rolly' in the prevailing swell. There is a temptation to move closer to the beach for protection however, there are spacial buoys maring the swimming area which can get very busy in the summer

Outer Harbour

The pontoons are temporary and are only in place during the summer season. They are temporary modular block type and the cleats are not particularly meaningful so care and fenders are definitely needed. these are effected by the swell and are pretty wobbly in even benign conditions. They can get very busy in the summer months. The further you go into the pontoons toward the SW the shallower the water, so a lifting keel does help. The pontoon arm closest to the inner harbour entrance is reserved for tripper boats and fishing charter boats, to some extent they also encroach on the second arm in, so safest to use the southern two arms. It is walk ashore via the Cob on the west side of the harbour. There is sufficent room to warp a boat around provided there is no boat moored opposite.

Inner Harbour

The inner harbour wall on the east side of the inner harbour has vertical wooden piles and a couple of ladders. This can be a little more comfortable than the outer harbour, but you will need to contact the harbour master and make sure he is ok with this. During my visit they kindly let me borrow some large inflatable fenders, as my morring board was too short to go between the piles, long lines will be needed as the tidal range is around 4m. The bottom is fairly flat and mainly sandy with a little mud on top, so bottom inspections can be made. Shore acces is via the beach on the north end of the wall. In the summer the wal gets very busy with holiday makers, and particularly toomstoner (jumping off the wall) which can be a little noisy but entertaining

Showers and toilets are available at the harbour office, but only when the office is open. Summer rate for 10m was £24.50 (aug 2026)

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