Emsworth Yacht Harbour is located on the south coast of England and in the northwest corner of Chichester Harbour. It is a marina, entered over a sill, located close to the historic village.

Set deep within the recesses of the large natural harbour the marina offers complete protection from all conditions. Although the harbour is entered over a moderately deep sand bar, and between sand banks, it is very well marked and straightforward. The marina has a sill and can only be entered with a sufficient rise. Good visibility is required to avoid moorings laying in its approaches.

Keyfacts for Emsworth Yacht Harbour

Position and approaches

Haven position

50° 50.572' N, 000° 55.977' W

This is located on the head of the Emsworth Yacht Harbour's sea wall alongside the marina's westernmost entrance sill.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Emsworth Yacht Harbour lies at the head of the Emsworth Channel close southeast of the charming historic village of Emsworth. It consists of a tidal basin that impounds water at low tide to provide minimum depths of between 0.5 to 2.0 metres.

The basin accommodates up to 222 yachts with its sweet spot being vessels of 10 metres (34 ft.) in length that draw 1.5 metres (5 ft.). However it can accommodate vessels of up to 15 metres carrying a draft of 1.8 metres.

The marina can be accessed by most vessels one and a half to two hours either side of high water. A vessel drawing 1.8 metres will require a tide of at least 4.3 metres to clear the sill, and a tide of at least 4.6 metres to provide 90 minutes of free access. For more detailed planning consult the marina’s tide gauge for guidance.

The marina has eight visitor berths but also places visitors in free berths if the resident berth-holders are away. In all cases it is best for newcomers to make contact with the marina office on P: +44 1243 377 727 as the office staff could not be more helpful.

How to get in?

Use the Itchenor entry for approaches to Chichester Harbour, the Northney Marina entry for directions from the entrance to Emsworth south cardinal beacon and the Emsworth for the run up to the entrance to the marina.

Continue past the Emsworth jetty and 'Echo' starboard pile, following the closely spaced port and starboard perches to a south cardinal perch. Here the channel divides with its northwest branch leading to the town quay and the eastward branch leading to the entrance's to Emsworth Yacht Harbour. Take the eastern branch and follow the marks to the entrance.





Emsworth Yacht Harbour is entered over a choice of two entrances with depths ranging from about 1.4 metres over the sills at MHWN to 2.5 metres MHWS. Both sills dry at 2.44 metres, but the first, or western-most, sill is the preferred option, being the more level of the two.




A pair of scrubbing piles can be seen to starboard, just outside the preferred outer entrance sill. Since the entrance opens to the north-northwest, it is not visible until the vessel is positioned directly over it. Once it becomes visible, it will initially appear quite narrow due to the oblique angle of approach. However, during the final approach, it will be clearly evident and measures 11 meters wide.




The sill is identified by two white posts topped with upturned buckets painted in port and starboard colors. The eastern post on the port side features a tide gauge marked with Roman numerals that indicate depth in feet and inches. Additionally, there is another alignment post to the port side that displays a tide gauge for vessels departing.




Berth as directed by the marina office. The town is a short stroll from the marina.

Why visit here?

Emsworth Yacht Harbour has been a leisure boating centre for half a century. The site was originally a logging pond and was changed into a yacht harbour in 1965.




Situated at the head of the Emsworth Channel, to the east of the historic town, the marina is nestled into an enclosed, protected and picturesque setting. These attributes are all emphasised by its surrounding trees and central peninsula that divides its twin basins. Vessels berthed in the marina’s adjoining pockets will be visited by an array of wildlife such as swans, moorhens, ducks, herons, cormorants and terns. All combine to make it an enclave of peace and tranquillity.




The more energetic can further explore the area’s abundance of water fowl, birds and wildlife via striding out on Thorney Island’s unspoilt eight mile’ circular walk. The walk circles the perimeter of the unspoiled island taking in Emsworth Yacht Harbour and Thornham Marina whilst providing splendid views over the harbour.




Alternatively, the separately detailed and delightful historic village of Emsworth is just a ten minute’ walk around the town’s eastern mill pond. Emsworth has long been popular with sailors, artists, naturalists and walkers. Its attractive streets retain a genuine sense of the past whilst being a vibrant, dynamic town that is a delight to visit.




The marina continues to this day to be a family owned business with a personal touch. It is an ideal safe haven for vessels choosing to avoid inclement weather, or to have the yard’s craftsmen attend to some maintenance or repairs, or to enjoy beautiful weather in an attractive setting.

What facilities are available?

The pontoons provide power and water. It has private shower and toilet cubicles in two sets of facilities. Diesel is available from the fuel pontoon outside the Harbour Office. There is a Laundrette on the ground floor of the Harbour Office building with a washing machine and a dryer that are operated by tokens. Calor Gas cylinders are available from the office, and facilities are also available for general waste disposal. Wi-Fi is available free of charge across the marina for berth holders and visitors.

Emsworth Yacht Harbour have a Groves crane, a WISE boat parker and a 50 tonne travel hoist to allow them to move your boat whatever the size. They can also pressure wash your boat in the crane or hoist, on request. Winter storage is also available. They offer hardstanding for 200 boats, some of which is now gravelled. Fin keeled boats are primarily stored using cradles that may be hired from the Harbour Office. Use of the slipway and drying grid is via arrangement with the Harbour Office. The surrounding shipyard has a host of small workshops that provide a wide range of onshore facilities. This includes a sizeable and well stocked chandlery.

Emsworth railway station is on the West Coastway Line. It has services that run to Portsmouth, Southampton, Brighton and London Victoria. Stagecoach operate the number 700 bus which runs between Brighton and Southsea. Local bus services are provided by Emsworth & District, which operate services to Havant and Chichester.

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred in Emsworth Yacht Haven.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur