Christchurch

[jhr]

The one in Dorset, not New Zealand........

Some friends of ours have a beach hut at Mudeford (they are considerably wealthier than us /forums/images/icons/frown.gif) and have suggested that we all meet up there one day. It occurred to me that it could be a good wheeze to take the boat over, and to stay on a mooring, or at anchor, in Christchurch Harbour overnight.

However. All that I know about Christchurch is (a) that it's full of constantly shifting sandbanks and (b) that the entrance can be a bit of a challenge at times. I've tried googling, but mostly get info about Mudeford or Hengistbury Head. Mac/Reeds is also a bit coy on the subject. Is anybody (Wiggo?) able to point me in the direction of any more info about the place and, in particular, (a) whether or not the channel markings can be trusted, (b) are there visitors moorings or an anchorage anywhere in the harbour and (c) whether there are any hazards in approaching Mudeford beach (from either side), if we were to anchor close in during the day. Lack of depth per se not a huge problem as we draw 50cm with the leg up and I am used to moving to and from my mooring which is 1 m at LAT.

Boat is a Sea Ray 215 - 6.5 m. I'd only be doing it if the weather was reasonable (SWMBO and young kids to keep happy) and am therefore assuming that the North Channel would be the logical route out of the Solent.

Any comments?

<hr width=100% size=1>Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho

 

[[2068]]

The outer channel markers are relaid by fishermen each year. They get blown off in storms, but are normally reliable. Stick to the right hand side of the narrow channel (close to the harbour wall) as you go through, then the channel goes sharp left to trundle up behind the beach huts. This might be the easiest place to disembark, as the seaward side can get wavey/crashy/exciting.

When leaving, still stick as close as poss to the harbour wall (big sandbank opposite), and don't cut any corners ! I normally don't start planing until well clear of the final channel marker.

Not sure about anchorages - most (even the buoys) will plonk you into the mud at low tide.

Ahhh, the mud.

Lots and lots of mud.

Brown sticky, gloopy mud.

Visitors berths might be available at the marina up the Avon (right turn futher up the channel). This would be the more civilised option. Don't try and go further up the channel at any time other than around the two high tides, or again, you will have intimate contact with the mud (see above).

dv.

 

[Wiggo]

Not as bad as it's made out to be. There are two bars forming in the outer channel, one just before Nos/3/4 buoys, and one just before Nos 5/6. From Nos 7/8, head straight for the fish dock (where the quay kicks out), rather than going in towards the wall. At least 4ft of water over the bars 1.5 hours either side of HW at present.

Once in, you can anchor among the swinging moorings by the ferry landing stage towards Hengistbury (by the beach huts), or pick up a vacant buoy. Expect to be moved on if the owner returns, though. There are 4 white visitors buoys further up on your port side, past the sailing club. If you want to go into town, then try calling Rossiters (01202 483250) who may well be able to fit you in.

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[jhr]

Thanks, guys.

Just an idea at the concept stage at the moment, but sounds as if it may be a runner.

<hr width=100% size=1>Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho

 

[jon_bailey]

If you approach the beach huts/Mudeford Beach from the seaward side then watch out for the rocks that lead out to a mark about 200 yds off the beach. I assume this is a sewage pipe but the rocks are hard and become exposed at low water.

We have friends with a beach hut at Mudeford and have visited them on a couple of occassions. It is a lovely spot particularly in the evening when the crowds have gone. Alum Bay / IOW is not too far away and could be worth a visit.

In the harbour, take the advice of the locals as provided in this thread and take it steadily, preferably with an old prop, it is easy to be caught out /forums/images/icons/wink.gif.

Best advice is to follow Wiggo in and out because he acts as the local dredger.




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[Wiggo]

Best advice is to follow Wiggo in and out because he acts as the local dredger.

Too true! We've crept in with less than 4" under the props.

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[jon_bailey]

When we followed you out last year you left a nice trail of muddy water for us to follow, so I hope the new boat does not have a greater draft.

No news on the channel actually being dredged then?



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[Wiggo]

Oh, we draw more now, and we can't trim anything up. Allegedly, it may be dredged this autumn. Then again, it may not. Apparently, the problem last time was that some jobsworth managed to paralyse the council by asking if they needed planning permission from themselves to dump the spoil back on the marsh that it came from in the first place...

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/graham.wignall/boats/eulimene600x800.jpg>The old and the new</A>