Ventnor is a small seaside town lying a few miles eastwards of St Catherine's Point on the Isle of Wight. The town achieved popularity in the Victorian era as it very sheltered from cold harsh northerly winds. St Boniface Downs the highest point on the Island shields it completely, consequently it developed its own very mild microclimate. The tiny drying harbour is only really suitable for a summer stop in settled conditions,  and some mooring buoys are provided just outside for boats unable to take the ground. ... read more

The best approach to Ventnor is made from well offshore, approaching the Haven when it bears North. Aim for a point slightly west of the Haven itself, with the road cascading down to the beach from the town making a useful landmark.

A cautious approach in this way will lead to the visitors mooring buoys which are laid in the summer. Aim for the most westerly of these and then turn to starboard and make your final approach to the harbour by running between the two rows of buoys.

Keelboats can pick up any of these, and lay afloat with a minimum of 3 m at low water springs on the outer buoys. ... read more

Visiting yachts or motorboats either tie up to one of the mooring buoys in the approach, or where directed within the harbour.

There is a floating reception pontoon, but any stay in the harbour itself may involve dinghy work, or using the water taxi which is free within the harbour. For boats on the moorings outside the taxi charges £1.00 per person. ... read more