Landrail Point Anchorage

Approach and Navigation

The best anchorage lies north of Landrail Point, roughly halfway between the settlement and Pittstown Point to the north. Look for the white sand beach opposite the mid-beach group of casuarinas as your visual reference. Depths range from 20 to 30 feet, with coral scattered throughout the approach area.

Navigate by eye in good light conditions, watching carefully for coral heads. The approach from the northwest is relatively straightforward in calm weather. Consult Explorer Charts for the Crooked Island area and verify conditions with fellow cruisers on the radio before committing to the anchorage.

Holding and Protection

The bottom at Landrail Point is mixed sand and rock, providing fair holding once your anchor finds a sandy patch. Set your anchor carefully and verify it is secure, as rocky patches can prevent proper setting. The anchorage offers open and exposed conditions, with limited protection from north through southwest winds.

This is not a heavy-weather anchorage. In settled conditions with winds from the east through southeast, Landrail Point is comfortable and convenient. When fronts approach or winds shift to the north or west, cruisers should consider relocating to French Wells or other protected options.

What's Ashore and Nearby

Landrail Point settlement provides essential services for cruisers. Scavella's Fuel offers diesel and gasoline, accessible by dinghy with jerry jugs or at the mailboat pier when depth and weather permit truck delivery. A public well provides fresh water that can be trucked to vessels at the dock or small-craft basin.

Ashore, you will find small restaurants, basic shops, and the warm hospitality of Crooked Islanders. A short walk from the settlement brings you to Hope House, the atmospheric ruins of an 18th-century Loyalist plantation. The stone walls and overgrown grounds offer a haunting glimpse into the island's colonial past.

Cruising Considerations

The government dock and small-craft basin at Landrail Point can accommodate dinghies and provide access to fuel and provisions. The beach itself offers an easy dinghy landing for exploring the shoreline. Swimming conditions are excellent along the white sand beach.

Landrail Point serves as a good base for exploring Crooked Island by land or as a resupply stop between more remote anchorages. However, always monitor weather carefully, as the exposed nature of the anchorage means conditions can deteriorate quickly with wind shifts.

Getting there

Landrail Point is located on the western shore of Crooked Island, approximately 5 nautical miles south of Pittstown Point. Most cruisers approach from the northwest after transiting the Crooked Island Passage from Long Island or the Exumas. The anchorage is clearly visible once you round Pittstown Point heading south. Look for the white sand beach with casuarina trees as your landmark.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get fuel at Landrail Point?

Contact Scavella's Fuel at 242-344-2598. Diesel and gasoline can be obtained by bringing jerry jugs to shore via dinghy, or at the mailboat pier when depth and weather conditions permit truck delivery directly to your vessel.

Is Landrail Point a good overnight anchorage?

Landrail Point is comfortable overnight in settled conditions with easterly winds. However, it is exposed to north and west winds, so monitor forecasts carefully. Consider relocating to French Wells if unsettled weather is expected.

What can I see at Hope House ruins?

Hope House is the remains of an 18th-century Loyalist plantation, featuring stone walls and foundations overgrown with vegetation. The atmospheric ruins offer insight into Crooked Island's colonial history and make for a memorable shore excursion from the anchorage.