This article deals with the central section of Chichester Harbour, including Thornham, Itchenor and Bosham. It also deals with the three recognised anchoring spots at East Head, Pilsey Island, and near Itchenor...

After entering the harbour this whole area is reached by turning to starboard following a well marked channel. Off this channel there are two further branches to the North, the Thorney Channel and the Bosham Channel. The main Chichester Channel itself leads past Itchenor and onwards towards Chichester.

The facilities at the end of this channel are covered in the final article on Chichester, Chichester East.

In general provisioning is not easy in this area of isolated and historic villages, and even the most basic items require a bit of a hike. There are however various pubs and eating places within and around the village of Bosham, with perhaps less choice at Itchenor.

The recognised anchoring places have no facilities nearby, and boats must not be left unattended for more than a short while. Anchor shapes and lights must be used, and harbour dues paid. ... read more

Entry to Chichester from the sea has already been covered in a separate article, and this takes up where that left off. As the harbour is entered the three green conical Winner Buoys are right on the edge of the Winner shingle bank. They need to be left well to starboard and the corner never cut....

Following the three green conical Winner Buoys at a safe distance off to starboard will bring you from a northerly course to an easterly course. You should be able to pick up the red can buoy Stocker (Fl(3)R.10s) and aim to leave this well on your port side.  In 2010 this has been moved approximately 20m in the direction 120° T, to the new position:     50° 47'.454 N, 00° 55'.522 W, new chart has been posted in July 2010.

Proceeding eastwards you will come to the green conical buoy E.Head Spit (Fl(4)G.10s). This should be left to starboard and marks the area of the East Head Anchorage. Boats anchor to the East of this buoy, out of the main channel and off the sandy beach at West Wittering. ... read more

There are three recognised anchorages within the area covered,  East Head, Pilsey Island, and Chaldock Point.   Anchor shapes and lights need to be displayed. Thornham Marina, Bosham Quay  and some harbour authority moorings at Itchenor are other places where the yachtsman or motorboater can get moored up in this central part of Chichester Harbour.  All these places are now described: ... read more