chichester bar navigation

No1_Moose

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Yep, not a good idea to go across there in the conditions you describe. I have done it and ended up doing 10kts across there and didn't see a lot with all the spray. My Dad also did it and encountered similar conditions, though he was doing 20kts!
 

mjf

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The 'pilot' says this too. But frankly if you read the pilot book and followed the advice on many occassions you would stay tied up on your berth!

The first time into Chichester can be a bit exciting as you watch the water disappear on the echo sounder, as you approach the bar .

With S'ly and for the first time I would delay arrival and take a flood - piece of mind thing.....FYG: The HM is excellent and will advise appraoch tactics over the phone.
 

gjgm

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http://www.conservancy.co.uk/water/navigation.htm

has some detail for you. But going right over the bar itself is unnecessary anyway, though with up to 6knts pulling through the harbour mouth it can get pretty lumpy for sure. Check out chimet too and you ll get the conditions at the bar which might help you make a decision. You really are going to need quite a blow and a strong tide to make it scary, but unless its really bad, you re likely just to get a wet and bumpy trip in.
 

oldharry

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Go on the flood, at least 2 hours after LW. If the wind is anything over top end of F4 onshore, check Chimet (Wap site available for current wind and wave conditions before commiting yourself: www.chimet.co.uk/wap).

Ebb tide with onshore wind can range from exciting to wet to downright dangerous, depending on wind strength/direction.

Finally do not go too far east of the beacons, the sand has built up there and is now drying at LWS.
 
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