eOceanic

Christchurch Harbour

Tides and tools

Tidal data as of Tuesday, October 8th at 19:28 local time. Refresh to current time

High Water	Low Water
01:15 (1.4m)	08:45 (1m)
13:33 (1.5m)	21:24 (0.9m)

We are now on Neaps

Tidal conditions now

Now Falling
Time to low	1:55
Total fall	0.6m

Tidal curve estimates

Remaining fall
Tide height over CD

Mean Spring Curve

Mean Neap Curve

Intervening Period

Please use tidal harmonic predictions with a sensible margin of safety. The effect of air pressure on tidal height can be substantial. Tide tables assume a standard pressure of 1013 hectoPascal (hPa). One hPa, or millibar, variation from that will change the sea level by one centimetre. Mean sea levels may also be raised or lowered by strong winds depending upon the topographical features of the area.

Tidal Hour:

(Manual calculation)
(Dover)

Small tidal stream inaccuracies can develop when advancing beyond HW Dover +6. Because of this we only enable today's tidal stream chartlets to advance 24 hours. Future tidal planning is best accomplished by using Christchurch Harbour's future tides predictor below.

The above image represents the current tidal streams offshore of this haven. Streams attaining three knots and above are highlighted by red arrows

. All times are in local time with red text indicating springs, blue indicating neaps and gray between tidal events. Click [+] to advance the estimate by an hour and click [-] to step back. Future tidal planning is best accomplished by using Christchurch Harbour's future tides predictor below.

Do you need more information on the tidal graphics?

Arrows represent the direction of tidal streams with lighter or shorter arrows indicating weaker streams. Stronger streams are indicated by heavier or longer arrows, and as mentioned above, red arrows flagging rates of 3 knots and above. Numerals represent [mean neap, mean spring] rates in tenths of a knot. For example the numbers 12,23 would indicate a mean neap of 1.2 knots and a mean spring of 2.3 knots.

More local tidal details

Today's Christchurch (Quay) tides — High waters: 01:15, 13:33, Low waters: 08:45, 21:24
Today's Dover tides — High waters: 02:09, 14:27, Low waters: 09:40, 21:58
We are now on Neaps.
MHWS 1.8m MHWN 1.4m MLWN 0.7m MLWS 0.6m
Mean Level 1.2 metres
High Water Springs -0210, Neaps -0140 of Dover.

The tidal range of Christchurch Bay is the lowest along the south-central Channel coast. At the entrance to Christchurch Harbour, the mean spring range is 1.4 m, reducing to 0.8m during neap cycles. The duration of the flood tide is 6.4 hours, whilst the ebb phase occupies 6.01 hours. Mean tidal range within the harbour is lower than on the adjacent open coast because of attenuation effects set up by The Run. In both Christchurch Bay and Harbour, a "double high water" effect is discernible. This contributes to the ebb-dominant asymmetry of the tidal regime of Christchurch Harbour.

Streams are weak inside the line Handfast Point to Hengistbury Head and in Christchurch Bay running generally in the direction of the land. Rapid tidal currents are restricted to the eastern extremity of the bay, except for Christchurch Harbour entrance, where ebb flow coupled with fluvial discharge can create maximum velocity currents approaching 7 kn. The east stream sets towards Christchurch Ledge and the Shingles. It is very strong and overfalls can be expected during Springs. Christchurch Harbour has a double high water. At Springs, the first high water tends to be higher than the second, whereas at neap tides the second high water is higher than the first.

There is approximately a ½ hour difference between high water at the entrance or outside and at the town quay. During periods of high pressure the depth of water could be reduced by more than 30 cm. With a normal range of only 1.2 metres, this can dramatically reduce the available depth.

Calculate future tides

This tool can be used to estimate future costal tidal streams for this area. All that is required are two simple steps:

Step 1: What is the Dover High Water for the target date?

Use a current Dover Tide Table to find Dover High Water for the target date. The National Oceanography Centre offers online tidal predictions for up to 28 days from today. Click here to open their tide table for Dover

Step 2: Input the target date's Dover High Water

Hour: Minute:

Taking a mean tidal offset from Dover's tide, we expect your targetted date's associated local tide at to be:

High waters: Low waters:

Data based on an average tide is only accurate to within one hour, if you more precise times are required use the ISA tidal predictions, with Christchurch (Quay) offset -01:00.

Tidal Hour:

()

For planning purposes only, not for navigation. Please see our terms and conditions.

Christchurch Harbour's Future Tides

For planning purposes only, not for navigation. Please see our terms and conditions.

Weather for Christchurch Harbour

Current wind over the protected quadrants

Today's overview


°C °C	°C °C	°C °C	°C °C	°C °C

The above wind speeds are expressed in the Beaufort scale. Red indicates strong winds of 6 or higher.

Headline: Showers continuing into Wednesday, but easing.

This Evening and Tonight: Heavy, possibly thundery, showers during Tuesday evening mixed with some clear spells. Showers generally easing overnight. Breezy along coasts to begin but winds falling light later with mist and fog patches possible by dawn. Rather mild. Minimum Temperature 10C.

Wednesday: Any low cloud and fog soon lifting to leave a day of sunshine and showers, though these generally fewer and lighter than on Tuesday. Turning breezier, particularly in the west. Maximum Temperature 17C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Showers in the west on Thursday plus along southern coasts on Friday and Saturday. Otherwise, drier with sunny spells. Feeling colder with rural frost and fog patches possible at night.

Click [+] to advance by twelve hours and click [-] to step back. The forecasted time is presented in the top left hand corner of the pressure chart. Click the image to display it in a full window.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence

Get today's Shipping Forecast for this Sea Area

Get today's Met Office Video Forecast

Advanced Haven Search

You are three steps from finding what you're looking for



Set your current location	Set the maximum distance you are prepared to travel	Check off what you want

Where are you?

We've assumed your desired starting location is "Christchurch Harbour, Dorset". Change location.

There are three ways to locate the start point of your search more information.

If it is a listed location, or there is a listed location nearby, simply select the county and haven to determine the search origin. Alternatively if you have a chart, plotter or GPS input the position in decimal degrees. Finally if you are there right now your computer may be able to automatically locate its current position via auto-locate.

There are three ways to get started; base your search from one of our listed locations, input a position, or let us try to automatically detect your current location.

Select a haven

Input a position

Auto-locate

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° ' Lat
° ' Long

County:
Harbour:

or

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How far are you prepared to travel?

Set the range for your search more information.

The described position in step one will centre a search and the range sets the radius of a circular search area. All suitable targets, in all directions, within the direct point-to-point or aerial transit path of the range will be presented. Because the search is based on this charted distance in most cases the actual sailing passages will require extra mileage to circumvent navigational obstacles.

Find havens within of my location.

What do you need?

Refine your search to target specific shelter, location type or facilities. Alternatively you can press 'Go' now to find all the locations within the selected range.

Check the required
resource type(s)

Specific shelter

Describe the sectors you want sheltered, where you expect the wind to blow from. You may manually input each by checking the compass points or auto-fill by checking the required days on this location's five day weather forecast, more information.

You may also use a combination of both manual and forecast auto-fill to add additional sectors. Please note that the forecast auto-fill adds one compass point on either side of the forecast to allow for variability. The grey segments in the compass rose provide a visual summary of the shelter construct.

Check the compass points

Or check the days you require

Or select all compass points

Or select all five days

Please note that forecast auto-fill adds one compass point on either side of the forecast to allow for variability.

Level of protection

You may refine your search to specify a minimum level of protection, more information.

Quality of shelter is characterised from one to five stars and are described below. All levels are selected by default and you can set what is appropriate by checking the minimum star rating level. If you do not set a minimum level all havens that cover the requested quadrants will be presented irrespective of the quality of the shelter provided.

Specifying the minimum level of protection is important as this may vary significantly depending upon what it is needed for and the prevailing conditions. For instance, if conditions are moderate and it is simply needed for a lunch stop, most all locations from one star will be suitable. When looking for a location to stay overnight in comfort it would be more appropriate to select a three star minimum. Or when seeking shelter in rough conditions a minimum of four stars would be best. All of these depend upon what you are personally comfortable with, plus the capabilities of the vessel and crew.

Check the minimum
level of protection

		Complete protection; all-round shelter in all reasonable conditions.
		Good; assured night's sleep except from specific quarters.
		Tolerable; in suitable conditions a vessel may be left unwatched and an overnight stay.
		Exposed; unattended vessels should be watched from the shore and a comfortable overnight stay is unlikely.
		Stay-aboard; lunch stop or tide-wait exposed or tenacious holding location where a vessel should not be left unattended.

Ease of access

You may refine your search to the set how easy seaward access is to the resources, more information.

Approaches to the shelter are also characterised from one to five stars. All access levels are selected by default and the minimum level of access complexity may be chosen by clicking the appropriate minimum star rating.

This minimum level of access complexity may vary significantly depending upon the time available, the vessel and skill levels of the crew plus the prevailing conditions. For instance, if conditions are moderate, plus time and experience are plentiful, the one star minimum could be the most suitable option for the adventurous sailor. If conditions are more developed, but the visibility is good, a three star minimum could be the best fit. Or when seeking shelter in heavy weather conditions a four stars access minimum may be best. All of these depend upon what you are personally comfortable with, plus the capabilities of the vessel and crew.

Check the minimum
ease of access

		Safe access; all reasonable conditions.
		Straightforward; when unaffected by weather from difficult quadrants or tidal consideration, no overly complex dangers.
		Attentive navigation; daylight access with dangers that need attention.
		Careful navigation; good visibility and conditions with dangers that require careful navigation.
		Highly involved navigation; complex dangers that require arduous navigation, good visibility and settled conditions.

Specific type of location

If you wish to refine your selection to only represent locations that can support a minimum LWS draught input the minimum here, more information.

We tend to highlight the medium draught of a Haven and the search will focus on this. Deeper and shallower water may be available on closer inspection of the text.

Minimum draught required:

Nature of location

If you wish to restrict your results to a specific type of location, or several alternative types of location, check them here. Otherwise all location types will be presented in your results.

Check the icons
you require

Anchorage

Beach or shoreline landing from a tender

Landing by tender

Berth alongside a deep water pier or raft up to other vessels

Alongside pier

Historic, geographic or culturally significant location; or in the immediate vicinity

Interesting

Jetty

Marina

Navigation lights to support a night approach

Night lights

Secluded

Sailing club

Scenic

Moorings

Urban

Village

Quick access

Secure location

No fees for anchoring or berthing in this location

No berthing charge

Approved port for vessels requiring clearance to lawfully enter the country

Port of entry

Flag physical restrictions

If you wish to flag locations that have the following specific physical restrictions click on the listed icon or icons below.

Check all

Check the icons
to be avoided

Restriction: landing not recommended, possible or permitted here

No landing

Drying

Restriction: access via a channel with a lock or enclosed by a lock

Lock-in

Restriction: height or air draft restrictions may apply

Height restriction

Restriction: access requires lifting or swing bridge to open

Opening bridge

Overwhelming tides

Restriction: may only reasonably accommodate vessels less than a specific length

Length restriction

Restriction: rising tide required for access

Tidal

Sand bar

DANGER: Subject to conditions that could trap and destroy a vessel

DANGER: potential trap

Sill

Flag challenges

If you wish to flag locations that have the following listed complications click on their icon or icons below.

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Check the icons
to be avoided

Fish farming area

Charges levied

Swimming area

Strong tides

Overfalls

Strong eddies

It is a long way in

Subject to congestion

Separation Scheme

Subject to wash

Little air protection

For draughts of 1m or less

Naval or military restrictions

Specific facilities

If you wish to restrict your results to locations with a specific type of facility, or several alternative types of facility, click the icons below.

Check the required
facilities

Cycle hire

Hard-standing

Bus

Car hire

Cashpoint

Chandlery

Diesel alongside

Shore power

Electronic repair

Extensive shopping

Fuel by jerry can

Fuel by tanker

Waste disposal

Gas

Handicapped access

Haul-out

Hot food

Internet café

Laundry

Marine engineering

Walks

Supermarket

Petrol alongside

Post Office

Public houses

Sanitation pump-out

Airport within 25 km

Rigging services

Sail repair

Scuba refill

Basic shopping

Family recreation

Toilets

Showers

Slipway

Rail connections

Tourist information

Marina cart

Tap

Wireless access

Water hose

Doctor

Pharmacy

Dry out and scrub

Nice beach

When you're ready press or press to clear and start anew

Contacts and Emergency for Christchurch Harbour

Contacting Coastguard and Emergency Services

Coastguard should only be used for distress and urgency calls as follows:

• VHF Channel 16 call sign [Solent Coastguard]
• Alternatively, where a good phone signal exists, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
• If at sea, use the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) systems to make a distress or urgency alert.

The National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) based at Fareham handles all operations in the area from Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset and Devon. They also assist other authorities such as the Police, Fire and Ambulance with their specialist expertise. The centre is manned 24x7 and have helicopters based at rescue bases at Portland or Lee-On-Solent at their disposal. Ch.67 can be used for routine communications and the National Maritime Operations Centre can be contacted directly on +44 23 8032 9486 for administrative enquiries only.

Phone 999 when it is a Police emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened. Phone 101, the police non-emergency number, when it's less urgent than a 999 call.

Useful Local Contacts

Christchurch Sailing Club,
The Quay,
Christchurch,
Dorset,
BH23 1BY

P: +44 1202 483150
E: office@christchurchsailingclub.co.uk
W: http://www.christchurchsailingclub.co.uk

Rossiter Yachts Ltd,
Rossiter's Quay,
Bridge Street,
Christchurch,
Dorset.
BH23 1DZ

P: +44 1202 483250 or 01202 473937
W: http://www.rossiteryachts.co.uk/

Tides Reach,
18 Convent Meadows,
The Quay,
Christchurch,
Dorset.
BH23 1BD

P: +44 01202 483141
E: elkins.boatyard@btconnect.com

Local Navigation Resources

Admiralty Leisure Folio SC5601 ‘East Devon & Dorset Coast, Exmouth to Christchurch’ covers this area. Admiralty Chart 2172 ‘Harbours On South Coast England’ and 2035 ‘West Approaches To The Solent’. Imray "C" Chart C4 ‘Needles Channel to Bill of Portland’ has a plan for Christchurch. NV Chart Atlas Pack UK2 ‘Start Point to the Needles’ and a plan of Christchurch.

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Please note eOceanic makes no guarantee of the validity of this information. Whilst every effort has been made to use valid source data and ensure calculations are correct, no warranty is made. All tidal predictions are approximations and differences used to calculate times and heights at secondary ports are based on stated averages that reduce precision. This information is provided as a guide only and is not to be used for navigation. For navigation please refer to published tidal tables. Actual height and time of tides are affected by barometric pressure and other weather effects. Any data provided on this page is entirely used at your own risk and you must read our legal page if you view data on this site.