Portsmouth

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===Anchorages===
===Anchorages===
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List details of all safe anchorages in the area.
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Due to the busy and highly tidal nature of the harbour and the many marinas and moorings, anchoring is not advisable.
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===Offshore Islands===
===Offshore Islands===

Revision as of 18:55, 5 July 2012

Portsmouth is a large harbour on the Solent near the English Channel. There are many marinas and the historic naval town of Portsmouth is of interest to any sailor.

Portsmouth Harbour entrance, viewed from the west.

Contents

Background

Portsmouth Harbour is the historic home of the Royal Navy, and remains its principal port to this day. The naval dockyards lie to the eastern side of the harbour, and there are numerous places for small craft to dock.

Charts

Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

Submit details of local radio Nets.

Local Weather

The weather is typical of Britain. The prevailing wind is south-westerly, cold and often wet in winter, and temperate in summer with a mixture of sun and showers.

Sources for weather reports:

  • The UK Shipping Forecast, broadcast on BBC Radio 4, gives a general overview of the conditions in the 'Wight' region. As of 7/2012 the frequencies are 198 kHz LW and 92-95 MHz and 103-105 MHz FM, and the broadcast times are 0048, 0520, 1201 and 1754. The 0048 and 0520 broadcasts are followed by a detailed Inshore Waters Forecast, where the forecast for the 'Solent' region is applicable to Portsmouth. The 0048 broadcast famously concludes with the National Anthem!
  • The Inshore Waters Forecast is available from the UK Coastguard. The forecast is given at intervals throughout the day, following a brief announcement on VHF Ch.16 of the working frequency for the relevant region (Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis).
  • Details of all UK Maritime Safety Information broadcasts are available here.

Approaches and Navigation

Portsmouth Harbour is extremely busy, with small and large ferries, cruise ships and Royal Navy vessels.

The Small Craft channel is on the western side of the entrance, and remaining on it will ensure the safety of a small sailing vessel. To cross to Gunwharf Quays on the eastern side, calling Portsmouth QHM on VHF Ch.11 is mandatory.

Due to the large area of the harbour, currents in the entrance can be strong, often 4 knots or more. An useful tactic when attempting to leave the harbour by the small craft channel against a strong current is to stay close to the western bank where the current curls back on itself. The channel is sufficiently deep to get within a few yards of the bank, and a half-hour motor can be reduced to a few minutes.

As per the Admiralty chart, the approaces to the harbour are either in the small craft channel to the west of the bouyed main channel which extends some distance to the south, or to the WSW of the entrace, as per the sign on the channel marker. The Admiralty chart shows 'numerous small obstructions' to the SSW of the entrance.

When the wind is W or WSW Force 7 or above, the fetch along the Solent results in moderate waves being produced by shallower water outside the harbour entrance. In these conditions, small craft would be well advised to raise sails under the protection of the buildings in the entrance, so they are able to sail away from the shipping channel and shore to leeward when exposed to rougher conditions outside the harbour.

Check-in facilities

Submit details about facilities for checking in - where to dock, etc.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

There are several marinas and hundreds of swinging moorings within the harbour.

  • Haslar and Gosport marinas are the two largest, near the entrance on the western side. Haslar Marina (southern) is easily recognisable by the green lightship, which is disused but has been turned in to a bar and restaurant and provides washing facilities for the marina. Gosport Marina (northern) provides fuel facilities.
  • Port Solent - a modern development of apartments, a marina, bars, restaurants and a chandlery - lies at the extreme north, approximately a half-hour motor from the entrance.
  • There are several smaller marinas, and hundreds of swinging moorings.

Anchorages

Due to the busy and highly tidal nature of the harbour and the many marinas and moorings, anchoring is not advisable.

Offshore Islands

The Isle of Wight lies to the south of the Solent, and the international yachting destination of Cowes is 2-3 hours sail from Portsmouth.

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Tourism & things to do ashore

The historic dockyard in Portsmouth is an exceptional visit, and entrance is free. The oldest commissioned vessel in the Royal Navy, HMS Victory, is in dry dock, and the wreck of the Mary Rose is on display indoors. Current Royal Navy vessels can be viewed from the quay.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel is available in Gosport Marina.

Laundry

Grocery & Supply Stores

There are supermarkets in Portsmouth and Gosport in easy reach of the moorings.

Eateries

Gunwharf Quays is a new development centered on the iconic Spinnaker Tower. There are many restaurants and pubs on the area. There is a restaurant and bar in the lightship of Haslar Marina.

Internet/WiFi

  • WiFi is available in Haslar Marina.

(Details of other marinas welcomed.)

Motorbike & Car Rentals

  • Available in Portsmouth.

Marine Stores & Facilities

There is a large chandlery in Port Solent, at the northern end of Portsmouth Harbour.

Repairs

  • Repairs are available at various locations.

Transportation

Ferries to the Isle of Wight and France and trains throughout the UK are available from Portsmouth. A regular ferry connects Portsmouth (east) and Gosport (west).

References & Publications

Reed's Nautical Almanac is an invaluable resource for cruising in the UK, with tide tables, tidal streams and local information.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

Personal Notes

  • The bar in the Haslar Marina lightship - Mary Mouse II - is a valuable source of information from local salts, and gives a friendly welcome.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

  • June 2012


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