Killing time in Portishead Pool

[Reptile Smile]

Hi all,

Normally to get from Chepstow to Bristol, I tootle on down towards the Holms until the tide turns, and then tootle on back up again.

My boat, however, has the mast un-stepped in preparation for selling her, and so really there's little point. I figure I might as well 'over-tide' in Portishead but, being a world-class tight-arse, I'm trying to avoid the 20 quid marina fee.

So I'm trying to work out whether there are usable buoys in the drying area outside of the marina (bilge-keeled boat), or whether (if I'm right about this) I'm more supposed to be anchoring in the area that doesn't dry - something like 51 29.746'N 2 44.911'W ish?

Is there anything else I should know about this? Haven't done it before and I want to make sure I've done my research first...

 

[RobF]

You should be able to get from Chepstow to the Holms in one tide (so long as you leave just before high tide. Portishead to the Holms is only about 17 miles so can be done in 3 hours with a good ebb tide.

The pool just outside Portishead marina is suitable for drying out fin keel boats - the mud really is that soft and deep. I'm not sure I would want to risk it if there were any angle in the bilge keels - just in case they got stuck. If they're vertical bilge keels (e.g. Hunter Pilot) you should be ok. I've dried out a few times here (or just outside) but my boat is flat bottomed so not really comparable.

If you want to anchor in water - I presume you know to keep well clear of the channel used by the commercial vessels? (apologies if I'm teaching you to suck eggs).

 

[Allan]

Hi all,

Normally to get from Chepstow to Bristol, I tootle on down towards the Holms until the tide turns, and then tootle on back up again.

My boat, however, has the mast un-stepped in preparation for selling her, and so really there's little point. I figure I might as well 'over-tide' in Portishead but, being a world-class tight-arse, I'm trying to avoid the 20 quid marina fee.

So I'm trying to work out whether there are usable buoys in the drying area outside of the marina (bilge-keeled boat), or whether (if I'm right about this) I'm more supposed to be anchoring in the area that doesn't dry - something like 51 29.746'N 2 44.911'W ish?

Is there anything else I should know about this? Haven't done it before and I want to make sure I've done my research first...

On Saturday a few of us anchored somewhere near the spot you mention while waiting to start the Holms Race. If I were to stay there over low tide I would be careful to ensure to stay out of the tide. Obviously the holding is good.
I don't see too much problem in going into the Hole, just outside the marina. There was a white buoy free closer to the lock than the moored boats. I don't think there is much water in that area.
It depends when you are going, I believe, at neeps, there is still water in parts of the hole.
At springs I would anchor until the mud is showing then pick a bit that looks quite level and gently drift the boat in. That is the time to put the kettle on and wait for time to leave for Bristol. Whatever you do, a few tidal calculations will be necessary. I sail a Westerly 33 bilge keeler and dry out in Bristol channel mud quite often without problem. WSM and St Pierre can be a bit uncomfortable but Thornbury, where you go bows to is fine.
Allan

 

[graham]

Have anchored outside portishead Marina and dried out in the mud several times. Obviously you should keep clear of the entrance channel. The mud isnt flat though so you may dry out on a bit of an angle with a bilge keeler.

 

[trapezeartist]

The coordinates you mention look like an eminently suitable place to anchor. Bigger ships than yours have been using Portishead Pool for hundreds of years.

I wouldn't advise going right into the Hole. There are five moorings there (or maybe four, or six) so you would need to keep clear of them which would leave you in danger of settling on either a very steep bit of mud or a stony bottom.