Chichester Harbour

…creeks and marinas..a lovely sailing trip for the family

Sailing Trips to Chichester Harbour

Comprising an area of some twenty-seven square miles of navigable water set against the backdrop of the Sussex Downs. It provides some of the most rewarding scenery in the south of England.

There are plenty of places to visit within the harbour comprising of a mixture of marina’s, buoys and anchorages.

This vast natural harbour is an ornithologist’s delight, popular with bird watchers and walkers alike.

The beautiful waterside village of Bosham is a magnet for artists. It is steeped in history, most famously as the place from which King Harold II set out on his ill-fated expedition to Normandy. This scene is depicted on the Bayeaux Tapestry. Legend has it that it was here that King Canute attempted to stop the tide approaching.

Sparkes Marina

Located just within the entrance of the Harbour on the Hayling Island side.

Chichester

The largest marina situated beyond Birdham Pool. Access is restricted to around an hour and a half either side of LW Springs vis a channel which dries to 0.5m.

Northney Marina

On the northern shore of Hayling Island at the top of the Harbour, Northney is accessible at all states of the tide.

Thornham Marina

On the east side of Thorney Island at the head of Prinstead Bay the marina is only really accessible to 1.5m draught yachts about one hour either side of HW Springs.

Birdham Pool

Accessible 3 hrs either side of HW via a lock. Birdham Pool is one of the most beautiful and picturesque marina along the South Coast.

Itchenor Moorings

The village of West Itchenor overlooks the Chichester Channel and the views across the harbour to Chidham, Bosham and Chichester with the Downs behind are excellent. Visitors can pick up swinging moorings and access the hard via dinghy at all states of the tide.

Bosham Quay

Bosham Quay dries out and access is restricted to 2 hrs either side of HW. There are a few visitors buoys available with permission of the quay master.

Emsworth

Emsworth lies at the top of Chichester Harbour, there is a visitors pontoon and a marina (Access to the marina is restricted to one and a half to two hours either side of HW). Emsworth town boasts a good range of shops, pubs and restaurants.

To the south east of the harbour are to be found the seaside towns of East and West Wittering and Bracklesham Bay, always popular with visitors. The Witterings enjoy wonderful sand and dunes, and are ideal for families.