Fleetwood lies just within the entrance to Morecambe Bay, a large area of drying mud and sand banks, punctuated by deeper channels. The tides run hard and fast in this area, and the dangers of the banks were proved recently when, tragically, many Chinese migrant workers were cut off and drowned whilst harvesting cockles.

The approach to Fleetwood via the Lune Deep is shared with that of Heysham (a commercial port), and Glasson Dock, covered separately.

Fleetwood has an interesting history in as much as it was built and named by a rich man who had big plans for the area. Sadly, history had other plans for him... the venture bankrupted him. ... read more

Any passage up the Lune Deep starts with locating and identifying the Lune Deep southerly Cardinal buoy (Q(6)+LFl.15s). It's coordinates are given in the data. It shouldn't be too hard to locate lying to the south-east of the conspicuous Barrow Wind Farm with its 30 gigantic turbines.

The Lune Deep is well marked by substantial lit buoyage, trending in a generally north easterly direction. Small craft need to keep within this channel and not stray because it is very steep sided, rising from depths of over 40 m to less than 1m in short order. Various charted drying dangers extend close along the Lune Deep's southern edges... Pilotage details, including entry to the marina and other drying berth possibilities: ... read more

Once into the docks, you will see the Marina pontoons on either side of you. If you haven't already received instructions, there is normally plenty of room to get tied up. You can phone the Marina in advance on 01253 872323, and a link to their website is provided, although it doesn't give much information. ... read more