RENOWN - Cornwall & Devon

Renown sits about two miles southeast of Porthcawl Gas Buoy, a ketch that went down back in 1926. It's a proper piece of history, built in Bideford way back in 1856, then finally lost while sailing from Bridgewater to Dublin after a heavy squall ripped off her mizzen mast. We love a wreck with a story, and Renown has a good one. At 15 metres, it’s a friendly depth for most divers, and while the wreck itself is well-broken, you can still make out the distinct shape of a wooden sailing vessel, with ribs and planks scattered across the seabed. When you drop down, the first thing you notice is the way light filters through the green water, often quite moody, giving the whole site a wonderfully atmospheric feel. We’ve spent hours here, meticulously picking through the debris, finding old fittings, and imagining her final moments. Conger eels are often found tucked into the larger sections, and pollack will dart around the masts, which are now just stumps on the seabed. It’s not a site for big schools of fish, but rather for those who appreciate the quiet history of a lost ship and the small, resilient life that colonises it. If you’re into gentle exploration and a bit of maritime archaeology, Renown is our pick for a dive that offers a real connection to the past.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.417140, -3.717875
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Southerndown Coast

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 RENOWN

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 RENOWN

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 are the typical depths for diving the MV Rena shipwreck?
The provided data is for the RENOWN shipwreck, not the MV Rena. For the RENOWN, divers can expect a typical depth of 15 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for many certified divers in the Cornwall & Devon region.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the MV Rena dive site?
The provided data describes the RENOWN, a ketch vessel that sank in 1926, measuring 19.9m x 5.6m. Divers can explore the remains of this historic wreck, which lost its mizen mast during the sinking. There is no specific marine life information provided for this site in the available data, but you can explore general marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the MV Rena, and what level of experience is recommended?
For the RENOWN shipwreck, diving is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certification. The wreck is also classified as a 'Dangerous wreck', indicating potential hazards that intermediate divers should be prepared for when visiting this site in United Kingdom waters.
What is the best time of year to dive the MV Rena for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the RENOWN shipwreck does not specify a best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, you may consult our When to Dive section for broader seasonal insights.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the MV Rena?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the data for the RENOWN, its intermediate difficulty suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for deeper wreck dives and potential hazards associated with a 'Dangerous wreck' classification at this dive site.
What are the typical current and water conditions at the MV Rena dive site?
The provided data for the RENOWN shipwreck does not detail typical current or water conditions for diving. While the vessel sank during a 'sudden heavy squall,' this event does not reflect everyday diving conditions. Divers should consult local dive operators for current conditions before planning a dive to the RENOWN.