NAVIGATION
Charts AC 2021, 2040, 2045; Imray C3, C15; Stanfords 11, 18
Co-ordinates 50º45´.51N 01º32'.1W (Town Quay)
Tidal Range Sp 2.5m; Np 1.5m. Standard Port Portsmouth Waypoint 50º44´.22N 01º30´.30W On approach the first thing you see is the yacht racing starting platform with a distant backdrop of masts in Yacht Haven Marina. Leave the platform well to starboard. |
| 'Jack in the Basket' is a single red pile with a basket topmark to the SW of the entrance. Access is available at all states of tide. |
There is a minimum depth of 2.0m in the main channel.
WARNING SOME OF THE MARKS ARE ON DRYING MUD.
| Always give way to the ferries which in the summer run at twenty minute intervals, day and night. Where possible keep at a distance. |
At night the main channel piles are lit, green to starboard and red to port (all flashing every two seconds). Leading lights for entering the river are fixed red on 319°T. In Short Reach (as the river bends to the right) there are two red and white transit posts lit by fixed white directional lights to the west of the river at the south end and two black and white posts similarly lit on the east side of the Reach at the north end. These are to assist the ferries to line up and pass in the river. Ferries may wait here for one coming from the opposite direction. |
The wave screens mark the beginning of the inner harbour.
| Beyond these you pass to port in quick succession the entrance to the Yacht Haven Marina, the Harbour Master's Pontoon (and the Harbour Office) the two yacht clubs and finally the Lymington Marina which faces the ferry terminal on the opposite bank. |
| Above the ferry terminal the channel narrows and turns to port between two lines of piles forming moorings. This part of the channel has a minimum depth of 1.5m up to the Town Quay where there are visitors mooring buoys and a pontoon for visitors. |
All Pictures on this page were taken by J.G.Coombes.