VENTNOR HAVEN VENTNOR HAVEN
50º35’.53N, 01º12’.50W (ENT)
Ventnor, on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, is sheltered by high cliffs. A steep road winds down from the terraced town past the famous cascade gardens to the seafront.
Image: Island Visions, Jamie Russell
This fair weather haven provides a stopping-off point in favourable conditions only. Although the haven is predominantly used by the small fishing fleet there is also a slipway access facility for local boat owners, anglers, and other interest groups. You will find a harbour-side cafe and coffee shop, boat builders, a fish landing stage with fishery outlet, and fish and chip shop. Navigating the Haven entrance is suitable only in certain weather conditions and tides. On approach, beware of races which occur south of St Catherine’s Point to the west and Dunnose Point to the east. Consult almanacs in advance for information on each race depending on the state of tide. The Haven mouth is approached from the east and is lit after sunset by two fixed navigation lights (vertical). Entry and exit are recommended 2 hours either side of High Water only with draught of less than 50cm. Stay close to the southerly markers to avoid sandbanks which form on the northern side of the mouth. Do not attempt to approach in easterly to southerly conditions as swell may occur at the entrance. The Haven is not suitable for sailing boats or motorboats which cannot dry out. The entrance dries completely at Spring low water and is very shallow during Neap Lows. The depth is variable, dependent on sediment movement and dredging operations. Beware of the two rock arms - the largest extending seaward (south) from the site of the old pier before curving to the southeast. The smaller arm, some 58m to the east, extends seaward towards the first arm with a 24m gap. Shelter is reasonable in the lee of the rock arms during southwest through to north-easterly winds, and extremely vulnerable in east through to south easterlies when swells can enter. The Haven is exposed to strong winds from all directions except northwest to northeast. Cheetah Marine currently organise the dredging of the Haven removing seaweed and sediment with a custom built shallow water 124
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