Winter w/ends in Chichester Harbour - would you bother?

[Ru88ell]

I keep my trailer sailer in the W Mids, but I've a few weekends over the winter when I fancy going for a splash. I'm toying with the idea of a weekend or two in Chichester harbour - launching at Northney. Would it be worth the effort?

 

[Ru88ell]

Damn - have I put this in the wrong place? Sorry.

 

[VicS]

It could be nice but I'd not like to comment on whether or not it would be worth the effort...

I'm not sure Northney would be my fist choice but I dont know that part of the harbour well.

I guess it is the nearest point to the motorway system if trailing down from the Midlands. Greatly improved now that the Hindhead tunnel is open on the A3.

Wrong place ? It's where I would have put it!

 

[Ru88ell]

I'm attracted to Northney as their ramp looks pretty good - with pontoon alongside. That really does make launch and retrieval much easier as the boat can be walked on and off the trailer. The pricing isn't too bad either, and it includes parking.

I wanted to know what the sailing would be like really - worthwhile or not? What could I reasonably expect to get done from there in a weekend with restricted daylight hours?

 

[aquaplane]

I think you need to be keen to trail sail for the W/E. It depends on how far you are going and how long it takes to rig the boat.

I have trailed to the lakes (2 hours) on a Friday night and slept on the boat/trailer. Rigged the boat and launched, sailing away by 09:30 Saturday. Then the good bit with an evening somewhere nice, I don't know where that would be in Chi Harbour but suspect somewhere near a pub for tea would work OK.

Sunday, sail back to the trailer for tea time, pack up and drive home in the dark.

It's doable but better for an extra day or two, or a week in the summer

A longer drive or a boat that takes ½ a day to rig/derig makes it less attractive.

 

[Fantasie 19]

I keep my trailer sailer in the W Mids, but I've a few weekends over the winter when I fancy going for a splash. I'm toying with the idea of a weekend or two in Chichester harbour - launching at Northney. Would it be worth the effort?

Yes.... but that's purely my view, it's my regular cruising ground, and my boat is already there....

Plenty of water for a weekend cruising - pick the weekend with the best tides though as there's plenty of mud too....

Big selection of places to eat/see - most peeps head towards Itchenor/Chichester, but I like Emsworth too (tidal constrained access) - plenty of pubs/food places....

 

[Stemar]

Chichester is a well sheltered place, so a good choice IMHO when the weather's a bit unsettled. OTOH, Strong tides can make getting up the creeks against ebb hard work.

If you can take the bottom, Bosham's worth an overnight visit. Not sure if you'd get electrickery, so a warm duvet in winter is de rigeur. The Anchor Bleu had decent food at sensible prices year or two ago.

 

[Seajet]

I think Northney a good place to launch from, good slip and relatively secure to leave the car at.

As Fantasie 19 says, Emsworth has a great deal to offer; be wary of Chi harbour near the entrance in heavy weather, but that's just common sense at any time of year.

Good anchorage to the W side of Emsworth Channel, but there will be loads of empty moorings - just don't leave the boat on one unattended or the owner's bound to turn up as the only winter sailor for miles around ! Also against harbour byelaws to leave boat unattended on someone elses' mooring, otherwise if staying aboard is OK.

It should be lovely and quiet, and great for anyone interested in wildlife such as birds & seals etc.

Go on, give it a whirl !

 

[minnitt]

but I've a few weekends over the winter when I fancy going for a splash. I'm toying with the idea of a weekend or two in Chichester harbour - launching at Northney. Would it be worth the effort?

Definitely in my opinion but I am prejudiced as being in the Harbour already!

If you like beaches there are two in the Harbour where you can anchor - East Head and Pilsey. If you like pubs there are several to choose from in the Harbour including the Royal Oak on the mainland shore opposite Northney.

You can get up to the Quay at Bosham but you will need to be able to sit in the mud or on the concrete hard at low water. The sailing club is close by as is the Anchor Bleu pub but note you will not be able to get any meal at the pub on Sunday night. There is electricity and water on the Quay but you will need to phone Mr. McGrail, the Quaymaster, in advance because he turns both off in winter time.

Out of the Harbour the Solent beckons as does Bembridge harbour and Whitecliff and Priory bays if you can't get into Bembridge.

All in all quite the best place to be - but as I said I am biassed!

By the way, if the attractions of Northney pale you can also launch your boat at Bosham or Itchenor, both of which sites are close to car parks where you can keep your boat when not in use.

Michael Minnitt