Brighton Marina is an entirely artificial edifice that juts out from the coast about 1 mile east of Brighton itself. It consists of two completely separate arms, the larger Eastern Breakwater which curves around and encloses the pontoons within and the shorter Western Breakwater. The Western Breakwater curves around in such a way as to protect the entrance. Sailing into the Marina involves doing a virtual U-turn upon entry, and this arrangement provides perfect shelter within.

The breakwaters are made of huge concrete cassions linked together. The Marina  opened in 1979, received a severe testing during the hurricane force winds that battered England in October 1987. Having spoken to people who were on their boats in the Marina at the time it is clear the structure was well up to it.

The Marina has to be one of the biggest in Europe with over 1200 berths, quite a few which are available for visitors. Although it does have a large resident population it has never filled right up. Perhaps this is because Brighton is not really that close to anywhere you want to go for a weekend, unlike the Solent where sheltered waters and numerous nearby harbours await.

For anyone making passage up or down the Channel, Brighton Marina really is one of the most useful stops you could make. Entry is possible in most weather, depths are no problem, finding a spot inside is virtually assured even for large vessels. If in a hurry Brighton is attractive as it does not involve intricate pilotage up creeks or rivers and nerve wracking encounters with shipping and ferries. You can sail in, do the necessary, and depart. ... read more

For the yachtsman or motorboater the only situation in which a entry to Brighton Marina will be ill-advised is in gale force south easterly conditions, but in any kind in strong onshore conditions, the waves bouncing off the cassions make the entrance rough.

In normal conditions from East or West there are no real problems in the approach providing a good offing is maintained. Close inshore between Newhaven and Brighton Marina are lobster fishing grounds, giving rise to plenty of pot markers. The area is best avoided particularly at night under engine.

The Marina is reasonably easy to identify with a batch of tall buildings on the cliffs more or less behind the entrance. ... read more

After entering the harbour normal sized visitors berths are immediately on the port side, and larger craft berth slightly deeper into the harbour. Prices and other details are now covered: ... read more