Chichester Harbour

50º46’.86N, 00º56’.00W (ENT)

Chichester Harbour is an ideal water recreation centre with its 11 square miles of water, 17 miles of well marked and lit channels and easy access to the Solent. The sheltered waters are ideal for racing and day sailing and its channels offer secure moorings for cruising vessels. In addition, the harbour is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and of national and international importance for nature conservation.

Image: Paul Adams

The low lying entrance to Chichester Harbour is not easily distinguished against the backdrop of the South Downs and is bordered on both sides by extensive drying banks; West Pole, Middle Pole and East Pole Sands, the latter extending more than a mile seaward. A deep-water channel running between these banks to the harbour entrance is interrupted by a bar joining West to Middle Pole and East Pole Sands, this mobile feature varies in position and height and is periodically dredged to maintain a charted depth of 1.5 metres below chart datum. The width of the dredged channel across the Bar is a little less than 200 yards.

Vessels approaching the harbour from the west are advised to shape course for West Pole Beacon 50º 45’.45 N, 00º 56’.59 W. On rounding the Beacon aim to pass between Eastoke Buoy and West Winner Beacons leaving the Bar Beacon 50º 46’.023 N, 00º 56’.380 W, close to port. When approaching the harbour from the east, mariners are advised not to cross the 5 metre contour until West Pole Beacon bears 310º T. On reaching the beacon shape a course for the harbour entrance keeping the Bar Beacon close to port.

Chichester Bar is normally dredged to approximately 1.5m below chart datum giving a depth of 2m at MLWS. However, through gradual accretion and after severe gales the bottom can vary markedly and it is then prudent to assume a least depth of 0.8 metres below Chart Datum. Mariners should be aware that ebb tides in the entrance to the harbour can attain a rate of up to 6 knots on springs.

With a falling tide and strong winds from a southerly sector a dangerous sea may be encountered. In these conditions it is advisable to exercise caution and cross the bar between three hours before and one hour after HW springs. In very strong winds entry should not be attempted. The speed limit throughout the harbour is 8 knots and is strongly enforced.

Up-to-date tide and weather information at the Harbour Entrance is available at chimet.co.uk or from the Harbour Office. The Harbour Patrol maintains a VHF radio watch on Ch 14, Call Sign ‘Chichester Harbour Radio’ or ‘Chichester Harbour Patrol’. The speed limit throughout the harbour is 8 knots. Useful navigation information, including race start times and locations, is published each weekend as an eNewsletter, sign up at conservancy.co.uk to receive a copy.

Itchenor - visitor moorings, fresh water, showers, free pump-out station and maintenance piles available, contact Chichester Harbour Patrol for information. Ferry available weekends and bank holidays all year and daily from mid May to September, call ‘Ferry’ on Ch 08.

Emsworth - visitor pontoon, jetty and fresh water available. Ferry operates weekends and bank holidays Easter to September 2hrs either side of HW. Call ’Emsworth Mobile’ on Ch 14 for information or ferry.

Bosham - deep water visitor moorings available on request and drying quay for day visits and overnight stays. Fresh water and jet washer to hire. Call ‘Bosham Quay’ on VHF channel 14 (01 April to 30 October) or call 01243 573336.

Long-term moorings are available throughout the harbour managed by Chichester Harbour Conservancy. These offer the opportunity to enjoy the best of the beautiful natural environment of Chichester Harbour. Located in some idyllic settings these well maintained and sheltered moorings offer a cost effective way to experience this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Contact: Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Harbour Office, Itchenor, Chichester, PO20 7AW. Tel: 01243 512301 conservancy.co.uk

Sparkes Marina, on the south-east tip of Hayling Island, lies within Chichester Harbour – one of Europe’s largest natural harbours, and is accessible at all states of the tide. The area is famous for its birds and marine life and stunning sunsets. The facilities at this 140-berth marina include 24-hour showers and toilets, a laundry room, and a restaurant and bar.

When approaching the marina, enter Chichester Harbour and proceed on the starboard side of the channel until the Hayling Island Sailing Club mast is bearing 240 degrees M (236 degrees T) on the portside. From this position you will see an East Cardinal Mark with tide gauge bearing approximately 290 degrees M (286 degrees T) and a jetty pontoon on the sailing club shore. Alter course to port onto a heading of 281 degrees M (277 degrees T).

Adjust your course to pass midway between the cardinal mark and the pontoon. You will now see transit marks consisting of two Day-Glo orange St Andrews Crosses, bearing 281 degrees M (277 degrees T). Adjusting your course to keep the transit in line, proceed down the transit for approximately three cables, leaving the pile mooring to port. As you pass the last pile mooring you will see steel piles with red can top marks on your port bow (South West). Follow these marks, which will lead you into the marina. The approach channel from the Sailing Club to the Marina has been dredged to 2 metres below CD.

swinging moorings; 40-ton mobile crane; storage ashore; full maintenance services; 24-hour showers and toilets; laundry facilities; restaurant and bar; yacht brokerage; sea school; and MDL Wi-Fi.

Contact: Sparkes Marina, Wittering Road, Hayling Island, PO11 9SR. VHF Ch 80. Tel: 023 9246 3572. sparkesmarina.co.uk

Image: MDL Marinas, Sparkes Marina

Accessible at all states of the tide, Northney Marina offers excellent boatyard facilities for boat repairs or maintenance work. There is storage ashore for over 200 boats as well as a 35-ton boat hoist and crane for mast stepping. There is also a modernised slipway, with an access pontoon, giving easy access to the water for trailer sailors – with ample space for car parking and trailer storage.

When approaching Northney Marina, enter Chichester Harbour on the top half of the flood. Continue north up Emsworth Channel for 3 miles to Emsworth south cardinal light beacon. Here fork 45° to port up Sweare Deep. After 8 cables turn sharply port around the Northney red beacon. Enter the marina via a short channel dredged 1m; access H24.

Northney Marina has 228 berths; max LOA: 24m; fuel (diesel); boat lifting and storage ashore; 35-ton boat hoist; slipway; car parking and trailer storage; boatyard services; yacht brokerage; laundry facilities; café; provisions shop; electric vehicle charging; 24/7 self-storage facilities and MDL Wi-Fi.

Contact: Northney Marina, Northney Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0NH. VHF Ch 80. Tel: 023 9246 6321. northneymarina.co.uk

Emsworth Yacht Harbour is a friendly, family owned marina within walking distance of the attractive village of Emsworth with its many restaurants and pubs. There are limits on access due to the fixed sill and the marina is accessible ±2 HW. The marina has 220 fully serviced pontoon berths; hard-standing for 200 boats; and a visitor pontoon. There is a 50 tonne travel hoist and Wise W10 boat parker. Also on site are The Deck Restaurant and a range of boat repair services; slipway and drying grid, diesel and Calor Gas sales, and free WiFi.

Contact: Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Thorney Road, Emsworth, Hants, PO10 8BP. Tel: 01243 377727. emsworth-marina.co.uk

Image: Emsworth Yacht Harbour

Thornham Marina is at the top of Prinsted Bay in Chichester Harbour. Visitors can moor on drying pontoon berths, on pontoon berths within a gated basin, or on swinging moorings. Access to pontoon berths is around ±2 HW, (swinging moorings is 2.5 hours), depending on tide height.

To find Thornham Marina enter into Thorney Channel and proceed north, pass Thorney Island SC and church to port. Follow the moorings all the way to the entrance to Prinsted Bay. After entering the bay, follow the channel markers which will then guide you into the deep water pool or pontoon berths. Call Sign ‘Thornham Marina’, VHF Ch 80. There is storage for around 300 vessels; a 12 ton boat hoist; electricity and water; toilets and showers; and car parking.

Contact: Thornham Marina, Thornham Lane, Prinsted, Nr. Emsworth, PO10 8DD. Tel: 01243 375335. thornhammarina.com

Birdham Pool Marina is situated on the south eastern edge of Chichester Harbour, six miles from the entrance, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The oldest marina in the UK, recently upgraded to provide completely up to date facilities. The marina runs alongside a traditional working shipyard which provides excellent services.

With the addition of 28 new finger pontoon berths, Birdham Pool can now accommodate up to 275 vessels. The remainder of berthing is mostly between piles, bow or stern to the shore or jetties. The approach channel to Birdham Pool Marina is approximately 10m in width and is marked with starboard posts. Please call on VHF Ch 80, Call Sign ‘Birdham Pool Marina’, or by phone to the lock on 01243 511482 or 07831 466815. Email: lockkeeper@birdhampool.co.uk Entrance and exit via the lock is available 3 hours before high water, through to 4 hours after high water.

Contact: Birdham Pool Limited, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7BG. Tel: 01243 512310. Email: info@birdhampool.co.uk

birdhampool.co.uk

Chichester Marina is in an area of outstanding natural beauty situated upstream from Itchenor on the Eastern side of Chichester Harbour. Once inside the harbour you need to head northeast at East Head, passing through Itchenor Reach and toward Birdham Pool to arrive at the Marina.

The channel to the marina is marked by the Chichester Marina starboard pile - Maximum speed 8 knots. When you reach this pile please call the marina on VHF Ch. 80 for locking and berthing instructions. During busy periods and at certain states of the tide you may be asked to moor on the outer waiting pontoon. The lock allows 24-hour access to the marina with excellent CCTV security provided around the clock. The marina has luxury toilets and showers; a launderette; free Wi-Fi; the Boat House Café overlooking the water; a welcoming yacht club with stunning views across the harbour, car parking; boatyard with lift-out, a fuel berth with pump out facility and a wide variety of marine services. Premier also boasts The Salterns luxury short and long term let apartments with stunning views over the marina.

Image: Castle Marinas, Birdham Pool Marina

Contact: Premier Chichester Marina, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7EJ. Tel: 01243 512731. Email: Chichester@premiermarinas.com

premiermarinas.com/Chichester thesalterns.co.uk

Haines Boatyard, Itchenor is a small friendly boatyard offering a comprehensive range of services for all types of craft. They are well respected in the marine community in and around Chichester Harbour for their specialist expertise in shipwright work, painting, rigging and engineering.

Excellent modern facilities and skilled staff mean that they are able to restore and maintain the Itchenor classic keelboats as well as other craft like Folkboats, yachts, motorboats, RIBs and dinghies to a very high standard. Boats up to 32ft or 6 Tonnes can be hauled using the slipway services for repairs and maintenance, including pressure washing and anti-fouling. Haines can offer secure indoor and outdoor storage, which is available throughout the year and moorings in the Itchenor Reach.

Contact: Haines Boatyard, Itchenor, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7AN. Tel: 01243 512228. Email: admin@hainesboatyard.com

hainesboatyard.com

The Hayling Yacht Company is a family owned business which has generations of experience providing expert boat repairs, osmosis treatments, winter boat storage and marina berths. With so many years on the water, they have learned to change with the times, embracing the latest technology and techniques for boat repairs, but keeping some things the same such as pride in their work and a commitment to their customers.

Located on the western edge of Chichester Harbour they are perfectly positioned to take advantage of the natural shelter, offering calm marina berths and safe boat storage - with over 15,000 square feet under cover.

Their hard-standing boat storage gives access to both electricity and water points, and soft mud berths offer exceptional value for money.

Contact: The Hayling Yacht Co Ltd, Mill Rythe Lane, Hayling Island, Hants, PO11 0QQ. Tel: 02392 463592. haylingyacht.co.uk