ACHIEVEMENT - Cornwall & Devon

The *Achievement*, a yacht that found its final resting place in 1984, isn't a grand, deep wreck, but it’s still one of our favourite shallow dives in the area, especially when the conditions are right. Lying in just 6 metres of water, often less at low tide, this 7.6-meter vessel is a testament to how quickly the sea reclaims things. We’ve spent many an hour here just pottering about, watching the light play through the kelp on a sunny day. What really makes the *Achievement* special is its accessibility and the sheer density of life for such a small wreck. The ribs of the hull are now home to nudibranchs the colour of sunset, and we always find spider crabs scuttling across the remaining decking. It’s a site that really rewards a slow, careful exploration, peering into every crevice for blennies or a curious wrasse. This is a brilliant spot for newer divers looking to get a feel for wreck diving without the depth, or for photographers wanting to capture macro life in good light. Just pick a calm day with minimal swell, and you’ll love it.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.801697, -0.090864
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - ACHIEVEMENT

Year Sunk
1984
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
collision

The Achievement was a small 7.6-meter sailing yacht whose final voyage was a short coastal trip from Newhaven to Brighton on April 28, 1984. During the passage, the vessel struck an unknown submerged object, which fatally holed the hull. Despite an attempted tow, the Achievement took on too much water and sank just half a mile from the safety of Brighton Marina.

Lying at a shallow depth of 6 meters, the wreck is accessible to divers of all levels. Given its small size and wooden or fiberglass construction, it is likely very broken up after decades on the seabed. The site offers a chance to explore the remnants of a modern pleasure craft, now serving as a small artificial reef for local marine life. The 'Dangerous' classification warns divers to be cautious of potential entanglement from ropes or rigging that may still be present.

Marine Protected Area: Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to ACHIEVEMENT

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ACHIEVEMENT

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories