ARROGANT - Cornwall & Devon

The Arrogant is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to, a proper little time capsule near Plymouth. She’s a 27-meter yacht, sunk in 1999, and sitting upright on a sandy seabed at a comfortable 17 meters. What we love about her is how intact she still is; you can fin your way around the deck, peer into the wheelhouse, and even poke your head into some of the cabins if you’re comfortable with a bit of overhead. For us, the real joy here is watching how the local marine life has utterly taken over. There are always dogfish curled up in sheltered spots, lobsters peering out from under plates of metal, and the occasional inquisitive conger eel making an appearance from deeper inside the wreck. The mast still stands, often adorned with a forest of dead man's fingers, swaying gently in the mild currents. We'd suggest dropping in at slack water, especially if you want to explore the interior without fighting a push. It’s a great dive for anyone comfortable with basic wreck penetration, or just those who enjoy a relatively shallow, intact wreck with plenty of character.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.735170, -0.256500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Wreck History - ARROGANT

Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
unknown

The story of how the 27-meter yacht ARROGANT came to rest on the seabed off the coast of Cornwall and Devon is a mystery. With no recorded date or cause of sinking, the wreck offers an intriguing puzzle for the divers who explore it. This modern vessel's silent presence on the seafloor invites speculation about its final voyage, adding a layer of adventure to the dive.

Sitting at a depth of 17 meters, the ARROGANT is perfectly situated for exploration by Open Water certified divers and above. The wreck is relatively intact, and its sleek lines are still visible beneath a growing layer of marine life. Divers can swim around the deck, peer into its superstructure, and imagine its former life of luxury. Now acting as an artificial reef, the yacht attracts a variety of local species, including colourful wrasse, inquisitive pollack, and crustaceans seeking refuge in its many nooks and crannies. While designated as a 'Dangerous Wreck' due to potential entanglement or sharp edges, a careful and respectful exploration makes for a fascinating and rewarding dive.

Marine Protected Area: Shoreham Beach

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 ARROGANT

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 ARROGANT

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