Heading down at the end of the month, and was wondering if anyone had any experience anchoring overnight in the winter on the channel side of Salt. I've overnighted many times there in June/July but never in the winter. Usually try to make the first night at Manchioneel, but the balls fill up quickly that time of year and would really prefer to not go all the way to Marina or Trellis. I've had good holding in high winds tucked up against the mountain on the east side towards Cooper...good sandy bottom in 12-20 feet with 4-1 or so of chain. Not sure how a swell would affect that anchorage. Any advice appreciated.

There are many days that spot may be just fine. That spot is wide open from at least the WNW to ENE. Tortola at times will offer some distant protection. The issue is you go to bed with your back against a wall with no protection from changing weather from the North.

When you drop anchor on the North side of Salt you are unprotected for nearly 180 degrees. In that position you should have a plan and crew capable moving the boat immediately to safety if and when the weather or sea changes. "Tucked in" would leave very little room/time for error. At least when you anchor in the open the boat and rode should be positioned for a 360 swing to give a sleeping crew the chance to escape a shift to the North.

It would depend on the forecast. If there was any chance for thunderstorms even small I would not even consider it. I would also go for a bit more scope. 5 to 1 is my minimum for overnights.
G

Here is another image that shows just how open and at risk a boat would be "tucked in" near shore to a change in wind direction or sea condition change. In the warmer months there is always dramatic risk of a sudden squall. White Bay has offered many examples and teaching moments. North Atlantic storms in winter or tropical events 1000's of miles away can show up suddenly with large swell in a different direction.



With White Bay you get some small protection from the reef. The reef can also server as a trap for the boat and crew trying to escape. Salt the change can be sudden and instant with no protection. The good news the prepared crew has and open escape.