Chichester Harbour is a large area of winding channels and drying mud flats with access to the sea through a fairly narrow entrance with a shifting shingle bar.  The area within has over 15 miles of navigable deepwater channels, with various towns and villages spread amongst the channels.  Being fairly sheltered it is very popular with dinghy sailors and it is estimated over 12,000 small boats are based in the area. There are numerous mooring opportunities within, including upwards of six marinas/boatyards providing berths for well over 2000 seagoing yachts/motorboats.

The whole harbour is under the control of the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Board, and wherever you go in the harbour and whatever you do harbour dues are payable either by the day, the weekend, or the year. These are over and above any mooring fees you may pay in the Marina or anywhere else.

The Harbour Authority patrols the waters and they are particularly hot on the speed limit of 8 kn, and it has been mentioned that they insist on daysignals, in particular displaying a cone while motorsailing and a black ball when anchored. They also enforce harbour dues whilst also being there to give advice about anchorages and moorings. ... read more

For the yachtsman or motorboater, the first thing that needs to be noted about entry to Chichester Harbour is that this cannot be considered a harbour of refuge, and the same applies to Langstone next door.  It is not a good idea to try and enter with strong onshore winds especially from the South and South-East when the tide is ebbing.  The Spring Ebb can reach up to 6 kn and combine that with the shoal waters and a strong onshore wind.... conditions could be dangerous.  In onshore weather it is best to enter with the flooding tide.

In an onshore gale the entrance must not be attempted, or even considered. Pushing into the shelter of the Solent would be wise. Occasionally boats come to grief in the close approaches by chancing their luck, and it is essential not to underestimate how far offshore the sands protrude.

Having given all these gloomy warnings however if the small craft skipper makes his first approach to this harbour during settled summer weather, with due care and attention there should be no problems.

The ideal first-time approach would be during neap tides with light offshore winds.

If approaching from the East or the West the mistake to avoid is aiming for the entrance too soon. The ideal approach involves putting the West Pole Beacon on a heading just east of North, say about 005°, and approaching it from at least a mile offshore. Cross tidal sets will be an issue until closer in, at which point the tide tends to run in and out, rather than across.

The beacons have recently been upgraded and moved signifantly, check our chart and the insert provided for details. The light characteristics have also been changed, with the West Pole Beacon now showing Fl.R.5s14m.7M. The West Pole Beacon is mounted on a tripod structure, and the Bar Beacon on a single pile. Further pilotage details: ... read more

Sparkes Marina is located just within Chichester Harbour on the Western side. As it is so close to the entrance it's details are included in this particular article, including visitors mooring prices.

The Marina is approached by a dredged channel with 1.5 m minimum below chart datum, and the entrance to this channel lies just to the south of the unlit easterly cardinal beacon mentioned in the approach and entry section. ... read more