Day boating out of Chichester Marina?

Nick_H

Nick_H

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www.ybw-boatsforsale.com
If I was to keep a dayboat in Chichester Marina, large RIB or similar, where could I get to for lunch in less than an hours cruising? What stages of the tide can such places be accessed? Is the whole of Chichester Harbour speed restricted? Any other pros and cons of having a day boat in Chichester?
 
Getting out of the harbour will be longest chunk of your 1hr; it's all 8 knots max everywhere. Yesterday we got back from Cowes to Northney in about 1hr 15 minutes, and over half that was through the harbour which was all but deserted late afternoon. Takes longer when lots of dinghy's & yachts about or a spring tide against you.
 
I was out of Northney for some years, and that doesnt have the lock!
Its a long slow route out to the harbour mouth, and then often somewhat shite at the harbour mouth, probably for another 500 yards.
The dinghy racing is a right pain the butt; maybe its got a bit better, but they seem just to cut front and back and even into, you, the whole way. I m sure the harbour patrol has its work cut out, but they seemed particulary officious towards small boats.
The main issue though, is you spend so much time getting in and out of the harbour, 30-45 minutes each way, I would guess.
Still, we went back there the other weekend, arriving one sunny evening, and I had forgotten how beautiful it is. Even if its grim in the Solent, you can still get out on the water in the harbour.
 
Have you thought about dry sailing it from Sparkes? That would minimise the distance to the open sea ( no speed limit ).
 
It's a little under an hour from leaving the lock to leaving the harbour.

A friend has an 8.5 metre rib with a Verado 300 on it, and pretty much anywhere in the solent is do-able in under an hour. Cowes is about 25 mins from West Pole, Yarmouth 40 mins.

You should be able to access the lock at pretty much anytime in a rib, with exception of LWS.

Also launching is easy from the trailer park.

The one aspect though of Chi Harbour I'm beginning to detest, are the arrogant dinghy sailors. They seem to get worse year on year.
 
When it is rough Without going out to sea

Easthead is a great swimming / BBQ beach

Pub Anchor Blur at Bosham good for 2 hours either side HW

Emsworth has loads of Pubs and a visitor pontoon for short stay, avoid last 2 hours LW

Pub at Bridge (the ship ?) opposite Northney good an hour either side HW

Under the Bridge to Southsea all states pontoon for The Indian

Hour either side of HW gets you into Portsmouth Harbour (via the inland route) for Port Solent, GunWharf.

Outside the Harbour in a RIB in an Hour gets you to anywhere in the Solent

On a rough day head for Portsmouth wind with tide and return at HW via the Harbour, might want to follow someone who has done it the first time (under M27, I ve not done that bit).
 
Hi

I did not know you could go to Portsmouth Harbour (via the inland route)!

How much water is there and is the channel marked?

Thanks

William
 
Its well marked apart from a cable between concrete walls under the A3/M27 round about, need some input on that from someone who has done it recently.

(I have done it from both ends apart from this small bit.)
 
I would suggest a close inspection of the channel at both low water and high water. On the Portsmouth Harbour side looks to be quiet tortuose and air draught under a couple of bridges
is very limited.

j
 
If you want to save money you could try Hayling Yacht Co Ltd 02392463592 as they have pontoons and only 20 minutes to harbour entrance. Only down side is you only get 2.5hrs either side of HW. Chichester is a beautiful harbour and you don't need to leave it to have fun. Bembridge/Priory Bay is also close and always good for a day out. Good Luck
 
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