Trickiest harbours in the UK to sail to...

[AngusMcDoon]

By sail to, I mean by wind alone, not chugging along with the main up. For Scotland I propose Berneray harbour, Sound of Harris. For Wales I reckon Menai Bridge from the south west, for Northern Ireland Portaferry. For England, I'll leave it open.

 

[Kukri]

Faversham, two miles up a narrow, twisting, drying creek, might be one English contender.

 

[lw395]

Bristol would be hard work.

 

[Habebty]

Closely followed by Wells Next The Sea.

I would have said there are lots of small drying harbours/river estuaries that qualify as tricky though.

 

[capnsensible]

There must be loads where this dying art is seldom practised.

Used to enjoy the following all under sail only.

Out of Rothesay and up round the Kyles of Bute going through caladah on the way. Had access to a Sigma 33 and no fear!

On my friends Spring 25 up the Hamble to the pub at the end opposite Moodys Yard. Beer and sail back, no engine used. (wouldnt do the beer now!)

Had use of a Sadler 34 out of Gosport and used to make ourselves really popular sailing into Bembridge, up the river to Bucklers Hard, up the river at Lymington to the town quay....often bottled and used engine last 20 metres but great for sailing back out again and marinas like Ocean village in Southampton and right up to the lock gates at Port Solent.

Wouldnt be allowed now

 

[Poignard]

Faversham, two miles up a narrow, twisting, drying creek, might be one English contender.

Needing drudging, hufflers and setting poles?

 

[Champagne Murphy]

I’ve never dared, but Tollesbury must be a bit of a so-and-so

 

[Biggles Wader]

Sandwich would be interesting but it depends on the boat. Even I could get a Mirror up there on a flood tide.:encouragement:

 

[Praxinoscope]

Porthmadoc can be ‘fun’ how they managed to get 4 masted cargo ships in there shows how good their seamanship was.

 

[lw395]

I think a lot less was done purely by sail power than people imagine.
Horses, capstans, manual force were all used frequently.

 

[NickRobinson]

I had to make Derby Haven (first/only time visit) under sail one dusk to beach my bilge keeler to free a fouled prop. Nearly took the North end of the breakwater...

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Here's the approach to Berneray harbour, which is at the top left.

 

[rotrax]

I think a lot less was done purely by sail power than people imagine.
Horses, capstans, manual force were all used frequently.

Most Harbours had conveniently placed warping points and posts where a long line could be taken and the vessel warped closer.

I saw a Thames Barge as a kid doing just that in Ramsgate once.

 

[steve yates]

Arisaig could be interesting

 

[Wansworth]

May harbours had tugs come out and tow in sailing coasters and barges

 

[Poignard]

I think a lot less was done purely by sail power than people imagine.
Horses, capstans, manual force were all used frequently.

Some information here:

https://www.bargetrust.org/our-barges/centaur

 

[burgundyben]

I reckon Keyhaven would be a challenge.

 

[NormanS]

Here's the approach to Berneray harbour, which is at the top left.

Pah! That's a buoyed passage. Try SAILING from the Basin of Vaccasay, through Opsay Basin, then by The Grey Horse, to Loch nam Ban.

 

[DJE]

I reckon Keyhaven would be a challenge.

Done it in a Wayfarer.

 

[jac]

Closely followed by Wells Next The Sea.

I would have said there are lots of small drying harbours/river estuaries that qualify as tricky though.

I see your Wells and raise you - Burnham Overy Staithe