This article deals with the Western side of Chichester harbour. It includes Emsworth, Langstone Village and Northney. The general facilities for visiting boats in this area consist of one drying boatyard, one harbour authority pontoon, Northney Marina with all tide access, and Emsworth Yacht Harbour with restricted access.

Deep water access is available along the whole of the Emsworth Channel and as far as Northney, via Sweare Deep. Emsworth and Langstone Villages dry out at Low Water.  The area is home to over four sailing clubs, whilst there are several opportunities for launching and recovery of trailer vessels. Anchorage on the edges of the Emsworth Channel is possible, but only as far north as the Emsworth Beacon. ... read more

The approach from the sea, and entry through Chichester Harbour Mouth has already been covered. This article deals with the Emsworth Channel and it's branches. 

If planning to explore this channel after entering the harbour leave the NW Winner green conical buoy  (Fl.G.10s) to starboard and the same with the southerly Cardinal buoy Fishery (Q(6)+LFl.15s), which should be given a wide berth. A general northerly course with a touch of West (say 330° to 340°) from the NW Winner will achieve this. The same course will leave the NW Pilsey green conical buoy (Fl.G.5s) on your starboard side, and you will be in the Emsworth Channel.

There is now a straight run in a roughly northerly direction for a couple of miles. The channel is well marked firstly by small craft moorings to port and a further green conical buoy, N. Pilsey to starboard. Next up comes a red can buoy on your port hand side, Mill Rythe. This marks the point at which a small drying channel branches off towards the Hayling Yacht Co, who can offer half tide moorings and full boatyard services. ... read more

The visiting yachtsman or motorboater has plenty of  mooring opportunities around the Emsworth Channel.  Anchorage can be had on the edges of this channel (see further instructions).  Northney Marina,  the Emsworth Yacht Harbour,  and the Conservancy's visitors pontoon can all provide floating berths,  while the Hayling Yacht Company can offer half tide moorings.  Pilotage directions for approaching these  mooring places  have been given above,  below is more information and a rundown of current prices for the visitor.

Once within the Emsworth Channel and away from the entrance it is possible to find an anchorage at the edge of the channel. Anchorage North of the Emsworth Beacon (South Cardinal) is not allowed, nor is it allowed to anchor anywhere near established moorings. The reason for this being the dangers of getting caught in other peoples ground tackle.

The main Emsworth channel is quite wide (wide enough to anchor the dredging ship when required) so if you need to anchor it should be no real problem to keep right out of the way to one side or the other. The authorities here are very hot day shapes, so display an anchor ball during the day and an anchor light at night. Boats at anchor mustn't be left unattended for more than a short while. You will no doubt receive a visit you to collect harbour dues, and they may be able to suggest more sheltered places to anchor. The harbour authorities can be contacted on VHF channel 14, or telephone 01243 512301. A link to their website is provided below: ... read more