CHATEAU YQEM - Cornwall & Devon

The Chateau Yquem. Now this one, we love. It’s a proper dive, sitting deep at 44 metres, so it’s one for the experienced tech divers among us. Dropping down, you’ll feel the chill hit you long before you see the wreck materialise out of the green, a real testament to its 85-metre length. She went down in 1917, torpedoed by a U-boat, and what’s left is a fascinating skeletal structure. We’ve spent hours here, meticulously tracing the deck lines, poking our lights into what would have been cargo holds. The boilers are still impressively intact, huge cylindrical guardians of the wreck’s heart. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where you can often find conger eels peering out from gaps, thick as a diver's thigh. She’s become a home for so much life down there; often we’ll spot schools of pouting darting through the superstructure, and the odd spider crab scuttling across the plates. Visibility can be a challenge, so we’d always suggest timing your dive for slack water on a neap tide. It makes all the difference when you’re trying to appreciate the sheer scale of her. This isn't a quick dip; it’s an exploration, a step back into history shrouded in a vibrant, living ecosystem.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.484833, -2.984183
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
44m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 CHATEAU YQEM

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 CHATEAU YQEM

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth and average depth of the Chateau Yquem wreck dive?
The maximum depth for the Chateau Yquem wreck dive is 44 meters. The provided data does not specify an average depth for this site. Divers should be prepared for a deep dive experience.
What can divers expect to see on the Chateau Yquem wreck, such as intact sections or marine life?
Divers exploring the Chateau Yquem wreck can expect to see the remains of an 85.3m x 11.6m steam ship, built in 1913 and sunk in 1917. Notable features include its two boilers and triple expansion engine. The wreck is classified as non-dangerous, offering an interesting historical dive, though specific details about intact sections or marine life are not provided in the current data.
What is the difficulty level of the Chateau Yquem dive, and is it suitable for recreational divers?
The Chateau Yquem dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its maximum depth of 44 meters, it extends beyond the typical limits for standard recreational open water divers. This dive is generally more suitable for divers with advanced certifications and experience in deeper wreck diving.
What specific diving certifications are required to dive the Chateau Yquem wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated for the Chateau Yquem wreck, its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 44 meters strongly suggest the need for advanced dive training. Divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification, and ideally a Deep Diver specialty, to safely and comfortably explore this site. Always check with local dive operators for their specific prerequisites.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Chateau Yquem dive site?
The provided data for the Chateau Yquem dive site does not include specific information regarding typical currents or visibility conditions. Divers planning a trip should consult with local dive centers or experienced guides in the Cornwall & Devon area for up-to-date details on these environmental factors.
When is the best time of year to plan a dive trip to the Chateau Yquem wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to plan a dive trip to the Chateau Yquem wreck for optimal conditions. For seasonal recommendations and local insights, it is best to consult with dive operators in Cornwall & Devon or refer to general when to dive guides for the United Kingdom.