Marina Information (use the

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Charts & Images

Preston, Docks, Marina, River Ribble and River Asland (or Douglas)

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Courtesy Flag

Flag, Red Ensign

Waypoint

Safewater Buoy

Charts

Admiralty 1981

Rules & Regulations

Unknown

Hazards

Approach Dries, Much is unmarked, Dangerous in Strong Onshore Conditions

Tidal Data Times & Range

HW = Dover +0025 MHWS 5.3m, MHWN 3.3m, MLWN 0.1m, MLWS 0.1m

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General Description

Preston's industrial past was heavily based on textiles, a trade that fell into terminal decline from the mid 20th century. It has faced the same challenges as many other post industrial northern towns.

The port, once important and prosperous, declined and was finally closed to commercial traffic in 1981. The channel leading out to sea which runs between training banks has also suffered. The most seaward part (although still marked), has silted up badly, part of the wall has collapsed, yachtsmen and motorboaters until recently made their way in and out through this " hole in the wall" and unmarked channels through the sands. ... read more

Approach

The original channel led out to sea, confined by training walls that caused the tides to scour it. A quick glance at the chart will show that the red-and-white Gut buoy (LFl.10s) was placed to aid entry into this Channel. This buoy is still the starting point to negotiate the Ribble Estuary. The outer part of the original channel had completely silted up, and also had a charted wreck within that dried to over 6 m. It could not be used.

As of Spring 2010 by some fluke of nature, the sea has re-opened this long defunct channel and it can now be used with caution, see below.

Pilotage Directions to Preston Marina and Douglas Boatyard..

The best way into the Ribble is now between the training walls, see quote below from Preston Marina:

"Mother nature has seen fit to effectively re-open the old, marked channel into the river. This means that the approach now is far simpler. Still leaving Gut Buoy at 2 hours before High Water a vessel should head in an Eastlerly direction to leave the 3 starboard hand perches approx 3 or 4 boat-lengths to starboard and then continue upstream between the perches. The unmarked South Gut channel, which has been the recommended approach until now is still there of course, and may still be advantageous to those with local knowledge approaching from the South.

Update Spring 2010: No alterations have been made to Chart 1981 yet, nor changes noted in Notices to Mariners, so this information should be used with caution, with the best plan being to consult the Marina before approach. Telephone them on 01772 733595. The wreck shown drying to 6.6m alongside the training wall is reported to be of no significance, and not visible at all. The approach method outlined above has been tried and tested, but mariners are advised to use caution in the vicinity pending full surveys. The UKHO have been recently notified (April 2010) and N.M. notices should be forthcoming.

Important Update Spring 2011: Chart 1981 has now been updated and is on display here. The wreck shown drying at 6.6m on the old chart is no longer there (as reported above). Straight in is now the way to go, between the perches.

South Gut:

The way in for many years was through South Gut, which is not officially buoyed (if at all), and then through a large gap that has developed in the south training wall in the region of the 11.5 mile southerly Cardinal beacon.

There are reports that this route is now silting, as the river is now favouring the original path between the training banks.

Locals only should use this route:

Vessels up to 1.5 m draft can make their entry a couple of hours before high water, but deeper draught vessels need to be far more cautious especially at neaps. ... read more

Berthing, Mooring & Anchoring

Preston Marina works on VHF channel 37 (M), call them for berthing instructions. Alternatively telephone them on 01772 733595. Opening Hours: Mondays 10.00am - 5.00pm Tuesday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm Sunday 10am - 5pm.

Once through the locks and swing Bridge the Marina lies immediately on your port side. A link to their website is provided below: ... read more

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