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Approaching Cardiff by Day
When
approaching Cardiff by day, the Ranie Buoy (PORT HAND BUOY) marks the
extremity of the rocks and sand spit off Lavernock Point. The South
Cardiff cardinal buoy marks the southern extremity of the Cardiff
Grounds. From a position between the two buoys make a course for the
Outer Wrach Buoy (West Cardinal Buoy). Follow the Wrach Channel and
buoyage into the Cardiff Bay Outer Harbour.
Approaching Cardiff by Night
When
approaching from the South or West, leave the Ranie Buoy (FL(2)R.5s)
to PORT and the SOUTH CARDIFF (FLQ(6) + LFL.15s) to STARBOARD. Steer a
course for the OUTER WRACH BUOY (FLQ (9) 15s). You will pick up the
SECTOR LIGHTS for the WRACH CHANNEL (oc 10s WRG). Stay in the white
sector until you pick up the Buoyed channel for the CARDIFF BAY OUTER
HARBOUR, and the sector light (LFI.WRG5s).
NOTE:
Vessels coming from Kings Road (Avonmouth) are advised to use the
SOUTH/WEST APPROACH.
It is
important that you keep a careful watch for large vessels coming from
Cardiff Docks as they are severely constrained by their draught. It is
also required that you maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 69 (Severn
V.T.S) during this time.
When
on your final approach, you should call ‘Barrage Control’ on VHF 18 to
request a lock in. They will advise you of the next available lock and
give the instruction to enter the Outer Harbour.
Navigation within the Bay
As you
enter the Bay, having passed through the locks, you will find yourself
at the Penarth end of the Bay. On your Port side you will see the
entrance for Penarth Marina.
As you
look ahead you will see the Ely Peninsula with the Clubhouse of the
Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, with their moorings in front. Looking to
starboard you will see the Butetown Link Road, over the River Taff,
then Cardiff Yacht Club moorings and the clubhouse. Further to
starboard in sequence are the prominent St David’s Spa Hotel, the
Inner Harbour and visitor pontoons. You are warned to stay well clear
of the line of Sluice Marker Buoys. If you wish to head towards the
Inner Harbour and short stay visitor pontoons, it is recommended that
you take a straight line to the Norwegian Church, the distinctive
white church on the foreshore with a black roof.
Shallows
Depths through the
Bay are mostly greater than two metres, there are however some
exceptions, please take care when navigating in the Bay.
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