BEACON ISLAND COVE

59°20.5' N 63°37'
Chart 4771 Eclipse Hbr to Cape White Handkerchief

Canadian Pilot: Labrador and Hudson Bay, ch VI, p 293
Admiralty Pilot 50: Newfoundland and Labrador, 15.86

Variation: 31°W (17' E) 1977
Spring Range approximately 6 ft

General

While passing through the Beacon Island Channel, the tide turned against us and the wind disappeared. We anchored off the small cove S of Beacon Island in 5 fms.

Approach

Approach is along the indicated track on chart 4771.

Anchorage

The cove is sheltered from E through S almost to NW. There was little tidal stream felt there at anchor.

CAPE WHITE HANDKERCHIEF

While tacking past Cape White Handkerchief, we saw an uncharted, breaking rock. Its position is approximately 59°18.5' N 63°21.5' W. This is 1.75 M NE of the recommended track.


In 2002, it was noted that there are at least two uncharted drying rocks, less than 2 M N of the
‘Recommended Track’, between Cape White Handkerchief and Big White Bearskin Island.

SEAPLANE COVE

59º22.5' N 63º49' W Chart 4771 Eclipse Hbr to Cape White Handkerchief
Canadian Pilot: Labrador and Hudson Bay, ch VI, p 293 Admiralty Pilot 50: Newfoundland and Labrador, 15

Variation: 31°W (17' E) 1977 Spring Range approximately 6 ft

Approach

The approach to Seaplane Cove is straightforward. It is safe to pass either side of Lone Rock, a skerry about 6 ft high. The rock shown on the chart about 100 yds N of Niakungutialuk (Big) Head, dries about 3 ft and generally breaks. Foul ground extends about 100 yds E of the unnamed W point of Seaplane Cove (59º22.7' N 63º48.3' W).

Anchorage

The best berth is in the W corner of the cove, in 24 to 30 ft. Swell from the NW may find its way in. Holding is excellent in mud with some kelp. The surrounding high land can produce strong blow-me-downs.

Iron Bark rode out sustained hurricane force winds in Seaplane Cove. After a 45 lb plough dragged, she lay to a 45 lb plough in tandem with a 45 lb Delta anchor on one chain and a 55 lb fisherman (Yachtsman) anchor on the other, with whatever assistance her 16 hp engine could provide.

A polar bear swam out to inspect Iron Bark and give her rudder a bat.

COLLINS POINT BAY

59°41' S 63°57' W Chart 4771
Eclipse Hbr to Cape White Handkerchief

Variation: 31°(17' E) (1997)
Spring Range approximately 7 ft

General

An unnamed bay close SW of Collins Point (at the E end of Goodfellow Peninsula) provides a good anchorage sheltered from all winds, except the SE quadrant.

Approach

Collins Point forms the S entrance to the Eclipse Channel. Approach along the recommended track, give Collins Point a reasonable berth, as there are a few rocks close off the point.

Anchorage

There are several rocks in the bay, but anchoring as shown on the sketch chart, we appeared to be well clear of any dangers. Anchor in 18 ft sand and weed. At the head of the bay there is a sandy beach at which you can land. We saw a caribou ashore at Collins Point, and a cave which appeared to have been used by a bear. Collins Point is low-lying and in contrast to the bulk of the Goodfellow Peninsula - an attractive anchorage.

Collins Point Bay

BIB COVE

59°51.5' N 64°05.5' W Chart 4771
Eclipse Hbr to Cape White Handkerchief

Variation: 31°W (17' E) (1997)
Spring Range approximately 7 ft

General

Bib Cove is at the entrance to Eclipse Harbour. It provides a spectacular anchorage beneath the towering cliffs of Mt Bache (2100 ft). There is good shelter from all but the N, but the very steep sides of the cove to the E may well cause squalls in strong winds. We visited in calm conditions and sunshine, when it was delightful.

Approach

The approach is straightforward, passing between the Platt Islands and Mt Bache Point; no dangers were observed.

Anchorage

We anchored off the shingle beach in the SE corner of the cove, in 5 fms. The bottom appeared to be sand, weed and rock.

A stream runs over the low cliff to the N of the beach: useful to top up supplies. On the beach, there was quite a bit of driftwood.

Bib Cove

SHOAL BAY

60°02 N' 64°12' W
Charts 4773 Cape Chidley Area, 4774 Approach to Williams Harbour

Variation 33°W (12' E) (1997)
Spring range approximately 10 ft

General

Shoal Bay lies W of Black Rock Point, N of Cape Kakkiviak. It is aptly named, but there is still plenty of water for most yachts. There is good shelter from all but the NE.

Approach

When approaching from the S, give the reefs off Black Rock Point a reasonable berth. From the W, pass N of Pomiuk and Mikak Islands, following the recommended track shown on the chart. Chart 4773 shows an alternative track S of Mikak Island, but we found the water shoaling quickly and abandoned the passage when in 9 ft of water.

Anchorage

We anchored in the two places indicated on the sketch chart, both having good holding in sand.

Looking N from W anchorage, Shoal Bay

Shoal Bay