Christchurch

[Little Dorrit]

Having read the current Channel Pilot I am advised that with a draught of more than 1.35 m not to proceed up the harbour. Does anyone have any local knowledge of what depths I can expect on a Spring tide. I have a fin keel which is 1.4 m below the waterline and am researching the possibility of visiting this Thursday or Friday at HW.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

The general rule of thumb is that if you can make it through the entrance you get up to the quay OK. I'll stick my neck out and say you'll be OK on a spring but do make sure you know the channel in. If you can get up to Mudeford Quay on one of the spring lows to have a look it would be a good idea. The main worry I'd have is that you'll be right at the top of the tide so nothing to float you off if you get it wrong. After the entrance there's a dodgy section a bit just before the Avon and Stour split; opposite the Bird Sanctuary. That is the shallowest part once you're through the Run. The challenge with that stretch is working out where the deepest bits are as it's not buoyed. Make sure you park in the right place too with that draft! Might be worth a call to Christchurch Sailing Club to get their opinion.

 

[Little Dorrit]

... Might be worth a call to Christchurch Sailing Club to get their opinion.

Many thanks for your advice. BTW tried calling The Sailing Club a few times but no reply...

 

[colhel]

Christchurch is on my wishlist fore this season too. If you do go this weekend, let us know how you get on.

I started a thread a couple of weeks and got some good advice. I'll try and link the thread.....

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307213

 

[Boathook]

Having read the current Channel Pilot I am advised that with a draught of more than 1.35 m not to proceed up the harbour. Does anyone have any local knowledge of what depths I can expect on a Spring tide. I have a fin keel which is 1.4 m below the waterline and am researching the possibility of visiting this Thursday or Friday at HW.

First HW at 0835 on Thursday is the higher one and Friday at 0915 is better still. The big problem is whether the channel buoys are out and if they are possibly not many. Your best bet is to visit by car at LW 1600 approx on Thursday and have a look.

Highcliffe Sailing Club have web cams but at night no good !
http://www.highcliffesailing.co.uk/...html?camnum=camera3&picnum=303211505.jpeg#pic

I'm based in Christchurch and the webcam picture (link above) at roughly LW means I will visit by car first. There also does not appear to be any red or green things out either.
Good luck in your quest!

 

[philwebb]

I went in with Rampino a couple of years ago on a high spring. My boat draws 1.5m.
I got up past the pub on the right hand side, but where it became wider I touched the bottom (soft mud). I guess you need local knowledge from here on.

 

[Bilgediver]

I went in with Rampino a couple of years ago on a high spring. My boat draws 1.5m.
I got up past the pub on the right hand side, but where it became wider I touched the bottom (soft mud). I guess you need local knowledge from here on.

It only seems a few years ago I would see Jason pop out for his annual spin around the Isle of Wight!!!!!! Jason was an MTB and must have drawn over a metre and still had a turn of speed thanks to what was below decks....The reason why only one trip a year! Jason was moored just down from Tuckton Bridge.

Definitely need local knowledge.