The entrance to Poole harbour has already been described in a previous article, this article deals with the Northern section of Poole harbour including the marinas and facilities. Virtually anything for the boat can be achieved in this area, with a wide variety of marine businesses, including Sunseeker whos' Poole Factory must be one of the U.K.'s largest manufacturers.

It must be mentioned that any kind of alongside berthing in this area carries a fairly hefty pricetag. ... read more

This section deals with the channels leading to the town of Poole, the various marinas and mooring options are explored in the next section, although it has to be said that most visitors make straight for the Town Quay, and it's associated Yacht Haven as it offers the most centralised berthing facilities. Most of the other marinas are fully utilised by residents, although visitors can sometimes be accommodated.

The Harbour Authority works on VHF Channel 14, "Poole Harbour Control" and a listening watch is wise.

Once past the chain ferry as described in "Poole approach and entry" section the decision needs to be made about which channel to use.  If proceeding directly to the Town Quay, the main channel as used by shipping is the most direct option. Close attention especially astern will be needed to keep out of the way of ships and ferries in the first part of this channel.... once past the fuel barge there is a boat channel running alongside and parallel to the Main Ship Channel on the port side.

Further pilotage directions.. ... read more

Untold mooring options await the yachtsman or motorboater in this part of Poole Harbour. Most normally make for the Poole Quay Boat Haven, which is specifically for visitors, but can get crowded.

Poole Quay Boat Haven (previously known as Dolphin or Town Quay)

This was built a good few years back to cope with the number of yachts that used to berth rafted out in a cat's cradle of warps alongside the Town Quay. There are plenty of other mooring options around Poole covered later, but most of the facilities are fully subscribed, and space will only be available if a berth holder is away.

The Boat Haven is reserved for visitors only during the summer months, and is probably where most visitors make straight for. Boats of up to 35 m can actually be handled within the Marina. If the Boat Haven is full, not an uncommon occurrence, they may put you on the Town Quay.  Berths on the Town Quay are uncomfortable with all the comings and goings, and you will need good fenders if it pipes up from the South East. The Town Quay is owned by the Port of Poole, but berthing fees are collected by the Boat Haven.

If planning to enter this Haven, having reached it following the directions above, the next stage is to call on VHF channel 80,(callsign "Poole Quay Boat Haven") or telephone 01202 649488. They will allocate a berth.

The 125 visitors berths often fill up during the summer, and advance booking and reservation is recommended, telephone the Marina for details. Berths are hired on a midday to midday basis, so if looking for a berth arrival at lunchtime is the best bet. If you wish to stay later than midday this can be arranged with the staff and should not be a problem unless rallies are pre booked for the following day.

Water and electricity are available on the pontoons but not on the Town Quay. Showers and toilets available nearby, staff issue you with access instructions after booking in, together with access to the secure gate leading to the Marina.

Washing and drying facilities are available near the Marina office and worked with tokens available from the reception.

Ice is available during the summer months again via reception.

A free pumpout facility for holding tanks is available here, and as it is on a working Quay timing needs to be arranged with the Marina staff.

The cost here works out at £2.53 per metre per night, with short stays charged at £5 for boats up to 10 m, £10 for boats up to 20 m, and £15 for boats over 20 m. Separately from the Marina charges harbour dues of 78p per metre are payable to the Harbour Authority. This fee can be paid at the Marina.

A link to their website is below:

www.poolequayboathaven.com

The big advantage of berthing here is proximity to the town's facilities, with shopping, transport etc right on the doorstep.

Other berthing opportunities in Poole harbour are now covered starting nearest the entrance and working round in an anticlockwise direction.

These options include Saltern's Marina, Parkstone Yacht Club Marina, Cobbs Quay Marina, Poole Yacht Club Marina, and in the River Frome the Ridge Wharf Yacht Centre. These are all covered now with visitors prices.

There are several boatyards with moorings or pontoons, these too are mentioned... ... read more