Chichester Bar

[bedouin]

For next season I am considering moving the boat our present mooring in Gosport to Chichester but one of things against it is the problem of crossing the bar in adverse weather conditions. I've been in and out of Chi a number of times, but always in moderate weather.

For those familiar with Chi, under what conditions would you consider it dangerous to cross the bar? I'm particularly thinking of a situation like crossing the channel in say F7-8 with a lot of South in it - would you always feel safe to head directly for Chi or are there times when you would think it prudent to divert to somewhere like Portsmouth?

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[robp]

In the eleven years I've been in Chi I have never actually had to divert. True it's bad with a Southish gale on a fast ebb and there have been tragedies. But you have control over your time of entry? I've had it VERY bumpy and shipped water but again, not that often when I consider how many times we go in and out. I don't think it's something that should put you off.

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[bedouin]

When you say "control your time of entry", at what times would you think it prudent to avoid crossing the Bar in a southerly gale?

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[robp]

Well if there's a sea running you don't want to be on the bar at or near low water. Obviously the ebb is a major contributing factor, specially on or near springs. This is copied from the Conservancy's site;

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Mariners should be aware that ebb tides in the entrance to the harbour can attain a rate of up to 6 knots on springs. When falling tides coincide with strong winds from a southerly sector a dangerous sea may be encountered. In these conditions it is advisable to exercise caution and only cross the bar between three hours before and one hour after high-water springs.
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[brianhumber]

Just watch your time of entry on a strong ebb. If its blowing a hooly from the south after +3hrs HW springs I would be thinking hard about it, on the other hand I am quite happy in 30 kts plus on the flood.
To sum up in 8 years of being at Chi I have never had to divert cause if its is forecast to blow I always adjust my leaving time to suit.

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[nonchalant]

Yes, I agree with the other posts. We've been in Chi for 3 years now, without problems on the bar. Though the fact that our mooring is only accessible for about 3 hours each tidal cycle means that we're usually crossing the bar at the higher end of the tide anyway. The main challenge is Chi is the large number of boat movements at weekends! But it's a great place to be.

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[jimi]

I've always found a bar a most agreeable solution in adverse weather conditions, however the ones in Chichester are crap and you'd be much better off in Pompey which is full of bustling bars and busty wummin. Its the day after I find a real pain!

Hope that helps.

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