Poole itself is a huge natural harbour, much of it shallow with several deepwater channel leading to the town and the numerous marinas and small boat facilities. It supports a veritable armada of small craft and virtually every support service for the boat owner will be found within.

It has very unusual tides, in that it has a very small range with a stand of a couple of hours at high water. During this stand a secondary movement can take place with a dip and a rise, more pronounced at Springs and almost unnoticeable at neaps.

In spite of the small range, the vast volume of water flowing in and out of the narrow entrance can produce tidal streams of approaching 5 kn on the ebb, and the Mariner needs to consult the tide tables and time his entry accordingly. ... read more

From the South identify Handfast Point, and it's attached Old Harry Rocks (see photo gallery). Give this a good offing as there is a tidal race on the ebb that extends outwards for a good distance.  From the East the high cliffs of Anvil Point will be seen from a distance, and closer in the rocks of Old Harry. Still closer in the buoyage will be seen of the Swash Channel. Aiming for Handfast Point and the Old Harry Rocks will keep you away from the Hook Sands.

The main Swash Channel into Poole is well marked and is usable day and night in all conditions. It is worth noting however that in very strong winds from the South or Southeast it can become dangerous on the ebb in the vicinity of Poole Bar. The channel itself runs between a training bank on the Western side and Hook Sands on the eastern side.

Further Pilotage Directions... ... read more

Studland Bay provides good shelter in westerly winds and has good holding ground. The whole area is heaving with anchored boats during the season, the beach is pretty and has an area set aside for nudists. The area is under the control of the National Trust and ashore there is a cafe and toilets. There is a 6 kn speed limit within 200 m of the beach. There is talk of "voluntary" anchoring restrictions coming into force in this area. Now there's a quandary, voluntary means doing something of your own free will, and "force" means something else altogether !

Now...

Poole Harbour Commissioners has issued a local Notice to Mariners dated 21 August titled: Voluntary "No Anchor" Zone - Studland Bay. ... read more