Chichester: Best anchorage in an easterly?

laika

laika

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<cosmic force of choice> willing we'll be in Chichester tomorrow night. May I ask those with local knowledge where might be the most comfortable place to anchor a 12m boat, 1.7m draft given expected easterlies and still being rather springy? A couple of sources suggest east head is uncomfortable in a north easterly and the only place I've previously stayed (east of Pilsey) looks a little exposed from the north east. Sweare deep and north west of itchenor are looking like the primary candidates but I have pitifully little knowledge of the harbour.

[EDIT] No requirement to go ashore
 
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If you talking anchoring (as opposed to pickup up a visitors mooring like Itechenor) then some thoughts (where cursor is);

- Part way up Emsworth Channel - opposite entrance to Mill Rythe

EmsworthChannelAnchorage-nr-Seals.jpg

- Pilsey - just inside the channel

PilseyAnchorage.jpg

- Itchenor Channel
ItchenorChannelAnchorage.jpg
 
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With these big tides this week and for 12m I would suggest a visitor mooring buoy off Itchenor, near the harbour office.

Or if anchoring then between Chalkdock and Fairway is a common used quieter spot. I use it myself. Take care to locate yourself so you do not swing into the mud bank on the side.
 
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Emsworth Channel by Mill Rythe - as suggested - is great in a westerly breeze, but an easterly might blow you into the deep channel used by traffic inc fishing boats at night - an anchor light would be a very good idea.

Sweare Deep should be good, personally I'd pick up a spare mooring, there are usually 1 or 2 going, should be well maintained but obviously have as good a look as poss; it's quite acceptable within byelaws to do this as long as you stay aboard.

It might be a tad lumpy at HW and if you did decide to go ashore it would be hairy, owners there generally use small mobo's with cuddys as tenders, that sort of thing.

The anchorage just short of Itchenor would have a long fetch in an easterly, and traffic to & from Chi Marina.

East Head is out IMO, I'd either grab a mooring or anchor in Sweare Deep; and if things get bumpy or you need something, Northney marina is handy with a lot of tide available for access by you, 02392 466321.
 
Seajet said:
Emsworth Channel by Mill Rythe - as suggested - is great in a westerly breeze, but an easterly might blow you into the deep channel used by traffic inc fishing boats at night - an anchor light would be a very good idea.

Sweare Deep should be good, personally I'd pick up a spare mooring, there are usually 1 or 2 going, should be well maintained but obviously have as good a look as poss; it's quite acceptable within byelaws to do this as long as you stay aboard.

It might be a tad lumpy at HW and if you did decide to go ashore it would be hairy, owners there generally use small mobo's with cuddys as tenders, that sort of thing.

The anchorage just short of Itchenor would have a long fetch in an easterly, and traffic to & from Chi Marina.

East Head is out IMO, I'd either grab a mooring or anchor in Sweare Deep; and if things get bumpy or you need something, Northney marina is handy with a lot of tide available for access by you, 02392 466321.
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Mr Seajet speaks very good sense here, clearly based on knowledge and experience of the harbour. The only place you can anchor in an easterly would be at the starboard marker on the Emsworth channel at Oar Rythe, but then still expect a lumpy sea on ebb. That said pick up a buoy. But do avoid the buoys to between the HISC and Mill Rythe, they are HISC moorings and even late at night there will be someone out to levy an unreasonable charge for its use.

Enjoy your stay in the most beautiful harbour on the south coast.
 
galadriel said:
Mr Seajet speaks very good sense here, clearly based on knowledge and experience of the harbour. The only place you can anchor in an easterly would be at the starboard marker on the Emsworth channel at Oar Rythe, but then still expect a lumpy sea on ebb. That said pick up a buoy. But do avoid the buoys to between the HISC and Mill Rythe, they are HISC moorings and even late at night there will be someone out to levy an unreasonable charge for its use.

Enjoy your stay in the most beautiful harbour on the south coast.
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How about the west (leeward)side of the "waiting pontoon" at the top of the big boat moorings in Emsworth Channel, or pick up one of the vacant 'A' moorings on the way up?
Not too far to tender into the Town quay, or EYH, if you need vittles or a bit of human company and more sheltered than the run in from Sweare Deep- Coop at top of street, butchers, excellent Chinese & indian takeaways. Pubs. What more could a Matelot Anglais desire :cool:

The CHC Boatman; Sid Kennet can help with a vacant mooring, and maybe a run in around a choppy HW, call " Emsworth Mobile" on Ch14
 
Tidewaiter2 said:
How about the west (leeward)side of the "waiting pontoon" at the top of the big boat moorings in Emsworth Channel, or pick up one of the vacant 'A' moorings on the way up?
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I'd be concerned that with the scope needed on the big tides that at low water you could finish up on the mud. Your right about a buoy up there though, stick to one near the centre of the channel.
 
Thanks all. I think Tidewaiter2 was suggesting mooring on the leeward side of the pontoon rather than anchoring (could be wrong) which might be an option. I don't see the "A" moorings mentioned in any of my pilot material. Do they..errr..have an "A" on them? Boat is about 11 tonnes.
 
laika said:
Thanks all. I think Tidewaiter2 was suggesting mooring on the leeward side of the pontoon rather than anchoring (could be wrong) which might be an option. I don't see the "A" moorings mentioned in any of my pilot material. Do they..errr..have an "A" on them? Boat is about 11 tonnes.
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Any of the green moorings on the attached are 'A' moorings and will provide sufficient depth for you at all states of tide. The waiting pontoon is also marked. http://www.conservancy.co.uk/assets/assets/moorings_emsworthdeep.pdf
moorings_emsworthdeep_01.jpg
 
Pretty sure the deep water moorings will have an ' A ' marked on them ( though it will be obvious if they are suitable ) - my half tide mooring is a ' C ', and judging by the conservancy's attitude the world would stop turning if one letter ' C ' is missing anywhere in the harbour ! :)
 
I forgot one place to go; Bosham Channel.

It's a little narrow but should be loads of moorings free, judge by the types of boats as you go down, can go quite far but be a tad wary if you have a big or awkward turning circle.

Not very good for getting ashore even if you want to; muddy except HW and can't leave the boat unattended - but sheltered in an Easterly and probably plenty to look at.

Do be very careful with moorings, some seem unused; I naturally go for ones with no tender on, once picked one up, had a look and it was so corroded I wouldn't trust it to hold a wristwatch !

Bosham SC workboat should be able to advise, he is often about.

Nice spot though.
 
mainsail1 said:
Is the pontoon new? I don't remember it from my last visit a year ago.
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Its mentioned in the 'pilot books' so presumably not, certainly didn't look very new when we were alongside the other week.

WP_20150918_007.jpg
 
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mainsail1 said:
Correct me if things have changed but I think anchoring in the Bosham Channel is prohibited.
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I wasn't suggesting anchoring, there's no room even if it was allowed !

This was continuing after I and others suggested picking up moorings or the Emsworth pontoon - and beware there are 2 pontoons in the Emsworth Channel - unless it's changed - Tidewaiter & co ? - last I knew there was a pontoon quite far out in the line of fore & aft moorings - the one to go for - and another further down which connects to the Western shore by the mill pond and dries...
 
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