For many of us older sailors from pre GPS days Shoreham is more likely to be remembered not for the delights within, but for the very conspicuous powerstation with its massive chimneys. This always used to serve as a useful landmark to aid in fixing your position while coasting. ... read more

Shoreham Harbour lies about 4 miles westwards of Brighton, and can be identified by the large silver chimney half a mile eastwards of the entrance.

Offshore a southerly cardinal buoy (Q(6)LFl.15s) marks the edge of a sewer outfall and is fairly close to the leading line into the harbour. The waypoint given on our chart (50°47'.894N, 00°14'.656W) is close to this buoy.

From this safe distance off, the approach can be made inwards. The transit marks consist of a low light on the end of the middle pier (Oc.5s.10M), and a taller lighthouse further back (Fl.10s.13m.15M). The transit marks lineup on 355°, and this is the best approach.

In strong onshore winds particularly on the ebb it can get very rough in the approach as the waters shallow. In these circumstances the approach could be dangerous for small craft and entry should be reconsidered. Carefully.

The entrance is liable to silting up and is constantly being dredged, however other than at dead low water springs there should be sufficient depths for yachts. The prudent skipper would probably leave it a couple of hours after low water, particularly if there's any kind of swell running.

Full pilotage information.. ... read more

Yachtsmen and motorboaters will find a berth at the Lady Bee Marina, just inside the locks on the port hand side. This is owned by the harbour authorities themselves. ... read more