YVONNE - Cornwall & Devon

We love a good wreck with a story, and the *Yvonne* has over a century of them. Sunk in 1920, this steel sailing vessel lies at a comfortable 6m, making it one of Cornwall’s most accessible wrecks. You don't need to be an advanced diver to appreciate its scale; at 68m long, the outline is still clear, spread across the seabed. Dropping onto the *Yvonne*, you're immediately struck by how much of the original structure remains – the bow and stern sections are particularly distinct. We’ve found the stern often holds the most interest, with crabs scuttling into crevices and lobsters peeking from beneath plates of steel. Look closely at the ribs of the hull, now draped in soft corals and anemones, creating miniature ecosystems. The ambient light at this depth means colours truly pop, even on a grey Cornish day. For photographers, a wide-angle lens is perfect to capture the sheer size and the way light filters through the kelp forest that dances above the wreck. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for extending bottom time and really soaking in the history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.333910, -4.138639
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Marine Protected Area: Plymouth Sound Shores and 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 YVONNE

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 YVONNE

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 typical depth range for diving at the Yvonne dive site?
The Yvonne dive site has a typical depth of 6 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers, offering a manageable profile for exploration.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Yvonne?
The primary underwater feature at Yvonne is the wreck of a steel sailing vessel, measuring 68.3m x 12.9m, which sank on October 3, 1920. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wreck sites often attract various species. Divers can explore the remains of this historic vessel, which is classified as a dangerous wreck.
How difficult is the Yvonne dive site, and what level of diver is it suitable for?
The Yvonne dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This makes it suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications and are comfortable with wreck diving environments.
What is the best time of year to dive Yvonne for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Yvonne for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our when-to-dive resources.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Yvonne site?
Given that the Yvonne dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, it is recommended that divers possess certifications beyond entry-level, such as Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent. Experience with wreck diving is also highly beneficial due to the site's nature as a dangerous wreck.
What are the usual current conditions and water temperatures at the Yvonne dive site?
The available data for the Yvonne dive site does not include information on usual current conditions or water temperatures. Divers planning a trip to Cornwall & Devon should check local conditions closer to their dive date for the most accurate information.