An absolutely massive harbour built for the Royal Navy, and now turned over to commercial and leisure use. It's very size, being suitable for fleets of warships, made it unsuitable for leisure craft, it's not far short of being 2 miles wide by 2 miles long. But now things have changed.

Anchorage can be had inside fairly snuggly providing the wind is in the westerly quadrant. Its usefulness as a stopping place to wait out foul wind or tide is limited by the proximity of the Portland Race and the Shambles Bank. If berthed within one would have to make a substantial detour in the wrong direction to clear the above-mentioned dangers while heading West, and if coming from the West (intending to head East) again standing off and backtracking would be involved.

Portland, like Weymouth has unusual tides... a small range combined with a stand of approx. 2 Hrs at LW.

Shipping and ferries use the docks in the southern corner, and  pleasure craft are obliged to use the North Ship Channel only.

Up until recently there have been virtually no facilities within, but all this is now changing.... A huge new marina, capable of handling superyachts has recently opened, and with the build up to the Olympics (sailing events based here), you can be sure of more changes to come.
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For yachtsmen and mororboaters approach from the West involves rounding the Portland Race and the Shambles at a safe distance before heading NNW, and making for the North Ship Channel. From the East a good three-mile offing from St Alban's Head will keep you out of potential overfalls, after which you can make for Portland.

Approach and enter the North Ship Channel and make for the anchorage or marina. A channel for small craft has been established leading from the North entrance to the marina and watersports centre, it's shown clearly on the chart provided and marked with lit buoyage.  For a night entry, C Head is lit Oc.G.10s.15m.5M and B Head  Oc.R.15s.11m.5M. Bear in mind speed limits and areas set aside for PWC's, which are shown on the harbour authority leaflet. The East Ship Channel is reserved for commercial craft and the South Ship Channel is closed by virtue of HMS Hood being scuttled across the entrance. ... read more

The impressive Portland Marina is now open, you can't miss it, and we've got the latest chart. Visitors rates are £2.85 per metre per day (summer rate) and £1.80 p/m winter rates.This could be a very useful port of call, especially for super yachts and large vessels that can't be coped with in many places, as it can handle vessels up to 70m. Phone them on 08454 30 2012, link to the website below:

 www.portlandmarina.co.uk 

See the facilities section for what's available here.
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