Christchurch

colhel

colhel

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I could have a few hours to kill in Christchurch on Sunday as my Fiance is running in some road race thing.
I've never sailed into the harbour before and thought It might be an opportunity to get a few bearings of where the channel is. Are there any useful viewing areas that would be worth me finding? Would any of the pleasure boats be running? Any sailing clubs welcome strangers?
 
Get round to mudeford quay to view The Run/Entrance. Been in and out of Christchurch quite a few times. Its not as hard as people make out. You've got to choose the right time is probably the most important bit.
The channel is marked in the summer months. Its moves around a bit. Never really bothered with the sailing clubs, didn't have a sailing boat then.
Its a nice place to get "stuck" in.
 
l'escargot said:
If it's a clear day, drive round and walk up Hengistbury head. It gives you a good view over the harbour and Christchurch bay
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I was going to suggest catching the ferry if you had time but I don't think it's running yet - all starts at Easter. Definitely take a walk up to Hengistbury Head, either from Tuckton if you're feeling keen, or from the Hengistbury Head car park. If you can get to Mudeford Quay after 5pm-ish you should get a good idea of the channel but remember that the reason it's slightly tricky is because it does shift around a hell of a lot, especially after a storm. Christchurch Sailing Club is friendly but may not be that many around. Captain's Club if you fancy a cup of tea or a beer watching the river (slightly pricy - normal hotel rates). The Jetty in Christchurch Harbour Hotel - great views over the harbour but upmarket and more pricy with good food, inc. snacks, or Tuckton Tea Gardens for an honest cup of tea and a butty.
 
I suspect the main buoys are not yet in place in the 'run' / harbour entrance. There are I believe a few buoys put down by the fishermen to indicate the channel but they are only on one side - which side I don't know. Best time to look is at LW but this Sunday it is 0550 and 1815 hours. Closer to Easter the channel should have a full set of buoys marking the channel.
 
colhel said:
Thanks All. I've got charts and it all seems easy enough, but for some reason when I read Pilot Books it all seems scary. I think because of this I want to make it a Must Do this season.
Click to expand...

I have only sailed out of there once, in January several years ago. Forget plotting bearings it changes to much!

I waited 2 weeks for a weather window to sail what was then my new to me boat home... In that time the angle of the channel shifted about 15 degrees and the position about 100m.

Wait till its buoyed and it is fine by all account, although I got out no bother but never went back...

Agree about Hengisbury head and ice cream at Mudeford quay whilst you look at channel ;)
 
Not been for a long long time.I do remember going out in the dark ,had diricullty finding a couple of white pellet bouys there were so many swans floating around sleeping with their heads under there wings .
 
Boathook said:
Now that I am at my home pc the link is for a camera overlooking the entrance. No good at night as it is dark ! - but during daylight ...

http://www.highcliffesailing.co.uk/cgi-bin/hsc.cgi/webcam.html?camnum=camera3#pic
Click to expand...

I clicked on a picture taken at 15.05 . Think I'll get some wheels fitted to the keels.
Thanks to all for all advice.
I'm based in Poole so it would be nice to get this one under my belt as it's a nice distance for an easy sail and overnighter.
 
Rather than worrying too much about the approach/entrance, you might want to consider where you will moor/anchor. (I can't find any indication of what boat/keel/draft you have?).

A great place though in a suitable boat.

Vic
 
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