Leaving Chichester Harbour against the flood

[DJE]

Hi all,

My first post here, so a quick introduction, I am Solent based, have some local experience and planning to grow it Sail 30ft Hunter. Next weekend (26.06), weather permitting, will probably end up in Sparkes Marina, with a plan of heading to Southampton on Sunday. Never been to Chichester Harbour before so looking for some guidance. Original plan was to leave on Sunday just before HW so about 2pm. But I started thinking maybe we could leave earlier (say 3-4 hours before HW) and anchor somewhere on the way to Southampton for lunch. That would mean going through the entrance against a considerable spring flood. Not sure what to expect though, how difficult/rough can it get there? The engine would manage I guess but it is more about the family comfort. We will only do it if it is not blowing too much otherwise will probably stop for the night in Portsmouth instead.

How does it compare to Portsmouth entrance or the Needles channel against the tide ? Could anyone comment please?

Thx,

B.

Chichester entrance deserves a bit of respect but if the weather is suitable the foul tide is only strong for a mile or so. Your timings could have you pushing against a spring ebb all the way up Southampton Water and that can get a bit tedious.

 

[FinesseChris]

The reason for staying at Sparkes is that we want to see Hayling Island as we have never been there before. From what you are saying I will have to wait and see what the wind is doing on the day. Not desperate to leave earlier, just checking the options. if too rough I will wait till HW/stay somewhere else.

" we want to see Hayling Island as we have never been there before"
don't raise your hopes.
Unless you collect bungalows.

 

[baart]

Your timings could have you pushing against a spring ebb

The plan would be to anchor somewhere and wait till the tide turns

don't raise your hopes.
Unless you collect bungalows.

That bad?

 

[PhillM]

What do you recon for leaving this Saturday, afloat at Itchenor from 9 ish, push off about 10. Aim to be at the enterance about 11. Go wide via horsesands fort rather than trying to tack through the short cut, aim for Hamble for around 6 to catch the flood. Single handed in an XOD.

 

[Mark-1]

What do you recon for leaving this Saturday, afloat at Itchenor from 9 ish, push off about 10. Aim to be at the enterance about 11. Go wide via horsesands fort rather than trying to tack through the short cut, aim for Hamble for around 6 to catch the flood. Single handed in an XOD.

FWIW, for me in a Corribee Itchenor is pretty much a tidal gate and you can't get out of the stream because of the Jetties. Then you've still got to fight tide all the way out.

Having said that, if you don't get out of the harbour as you plan you're missing out on precious west going tide once you're out. Plus, what else yer gonna do all morning if you don't go? Plus plus on a rising tide you can cut all the corners on the way out without worrying about getting stuck on the putty.

So my vote is with your plan. Will it really take you until 6pm?

 

[PhillM]

FWIW, for me in a Corribee Itchenor is pretty much a tidal gate and you can't get out of the stream because of the Jetties. Then you've still got to fight tide all the way out.

Having said that, if you don't get out of the harbour as you plan you're missing out on precious west going tide once you're out. Plus, what else yer gonna do all morning if you don't go? Plus plus on a rising tide you can cut all the corners on the way out without worrying about getting stuck on the putty.

So my vote is with your plan. Will it really take you until 6pm?

I doubt it will take until 6 but I don’t think I’ll get up up the Hamble on the ebb. 1845 is low so I expect to have to wait around until the tide relents.

 

[PhillM]

Thought I would come back and update. 27/06/21 HW Chichester 13:36 Wind forecast SE going E F2 to 3.

Got to Itchenor around 9 a.m. Ferry to the boat and slipped the mooring about 10.30 after a double checking everything. Had light SE wind down the channel and got to the bar around 12. Sailed on the spot for about 20 mins but eventually started to make progress due to a little more wind (rising to about F3) and I guess the tide slackening. Those with engines smiled and waved as they passed.

Nice reach to Horsesand Fort and as the wind moved E broad reach then a little gull-winging over to Hamble. Got there at around 4 p.m. and just in time for the ebb, but surprisingly was able to sail upriver against it . Unsurprisingly, getting onto the pontoon was trickily but I got her on with a little help.

I really enjoyed the maiden voyage in my new to me XOD. There is still lots to do to get her race prepared, but in the meantime I think I shall enjoy a little single handed cruising.