Inner cove at Moncton Inlet

Even the most protected-appearing anchorages can have a surprise or two. Moncton Inlet is just off Principe Channel, on the west side of Pitt Island, near the south end of the island. This particular anchorage in Moncton Inlet is a tiny 4-fathom hole surrounded by high, steep hills. The entrance to the hole is quite shallow—we backed away rather than risk our props and rudders at low tide.

Bob,

We are very impressed with the 2005 Cruising Guide that we purchased this year.

With information from yours and other cruising guides we have felt comfortable going into small places that most other cruising boaters bypass. One of our favourites has been the inner cove at Moncton Inlet. After spending the night there many times and sometimes waiting for a low tide to rise considerably in order to leave (our 35 foot trawler had a 5 1/2 foot draft), we considered it to be a very safe anchorage. One day a few years ago, upon notice of expected storm force winds from the northwest, we chose to anchor there in the most bomb-proof shelter we could think of. In the night we were hit with winds from every which direction. Thank goodness for our Bruce anchor which we credit for keeping us in the middle of that small cove. It took us the better part of an hour to pull that anchor out of the mud as it was dug in so deep.

This taught us that you may still get surprised in what are considered to be the most sheltered spots.

—Phyllis and George Davidson