KING'S HARBOUR MASTER


All vessels entering Portsmouth Harbour must pass through the Portsmouth Precautionary Area, which lies north of a line between Gilkicker Point and Horse Sand Fort Light. Within these specified limits, there are specific navigation regulations and all vessels are required to exercise particular care in navigation and operate under the control and coordination of the King's Harbour Master, Portsmouth, +44 (0)23 9272 3124, Ch. 11 [Portsmouth VTS].




Portsmouth Harbour is a busy naval, commercial, and leisure port. Leisure vessels should expect to encounter commercial ships, ro-ro ferries, cross-river services, cross-Channel ferries, warships, high-speed ferries, and various pleasure craft operating within this confined area.




For the safety of all, it is essential to adhere to and follow the four key port-specific regulations. The Precautionary Area is designed to ensure safe, organised navigation for all craft, protecting smaller vessels from hazards posed by traffic and tides at the Portsmouth Harbour approaches and entrance.




⦿ Vessels operating with Portsmouth Harbour limits should monitor the King's Harbour Master's traffic and navigational information channel on Ch. 11 [Portsmouth VTS], or Ch. 13 if instructed.

⦿ Vessels over 20 metres must contact the King's Harbour Master on Ch. 11 before entering or leaving the harbour.

⦿ The Main Approach Channel and Harbour Entrance are considered a Narrow Channel in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions and Sea (COLREGS) and as such, all mariners must act in accordance with Rule 9(b) "a vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway". Leisure craft must keep clear of ships and avoid close-quarters situations with commercial traffic within the harbour limits. Be aware that many of the ships within the harbour area will be restricted in their movements and unable to manoeuvre to keep clear of leisure craft.




⦿ Keep clear of Ministry of Defence (MoD) vessels where a special mandatory exclusion zone applies. Crafts must not navigate within 50 metres of any MoD vessel, foreign warship, establishment, or within 100 metres of any submarine alongside or at anchor. Yellow buoys may be deployed to mark the 50 metre exclusion zone, but not always. Exclusion zones for warships underway extend for 500 metres around the vessel or to the limits of navigable water if less. During an active exclusion zone, all vessels underway, except those involved in the escort or authorised explicitly by the escort commander, must stay clear of the zone. Vessels that breach an exclusion zone, after being warned by at least two methods such as radio, flashing light, or voice, will be regarded as intending to commit a hostile act against the warship being escorted. King's Harbour Master provides details of all such ship movements on 11 or 13.

⦿ In such encounters and whenever practicable, leisure craft should leave the approach channels for the navigable water outside it well before the arrival of any commercial vessel.

⦿ Vessels less than 20 metres in length entering or departing the harbour must use. Vessels over 20 metres in length are not permitted to enter the Small Boat Channel except in an emergency.


APPROACHES FROM THE SOUTH


Eastern Approaches to The Solent and the run-up to Southampton ' provides tidal guidance and pilotage around the Isle of Wight to Spithead. From here, it is simply a matter of joining the main entrance channel that leads north and northwest, between the dangers, from the north side of Spithead to the harbour. The entrance fairway has a maintained depth of 9.5 metres up to the northern end of the main naval base.




The channel is a mandatory Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) area managed by the King's Harbour Master, and all vessels navigating within it must operate under their control and coordination. You must maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 11 for vessel traffic information. The main channel is a "narrow channel" under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). This means that, as a small vessel, you must not hinder larger vessels, such as warships, ferries, or cargo ships, which are restricted in their ability to manoeuvre.




Leisure craft under 20 metres LOA are only permitted to enter the harbour on the east side of the main fairway via the Small Boat Channel, as detailed later. This channel is located on the western perimeter of the entrance and must not be entered from the east side. Therefore, it is vital to establish the approach from the west side of the channel from the outset by crossing near the Outer Spit South Cardinal buoy on first approach and then proceeding in. At night, stay to the port side of the buoys and lights, following the designated directions.

Vessels under 20 metres may cross the main channel further in, but only south of the No. 4 Bar buoy. Crossings north of this, beyond the No. 4 Bar buoy, are not allowed. However, all vessels, regardless of size, must contact the King's Harbour Master to request permission to cross. Only cross when it is safe and at a right angle to minimise your time in the main shipping lane, and do not loiter.





The Southsea Castle light, in continuous use since 1828, was decommissioned as an operational lighthouse in 2017 but remains a notable landmark in the Solent. It has been replaced by the Castle Pile on Portsea Island's eastern shore, between Southsea Castle and the Portsmouth War Memorial. The structure features two lower green flashing lights, both with a 5-second flash duration (Fl G 5s). These lights are synchronised to flash together, ensuring a clear port-entry alignment into the harbour approach.




The Castle Pile is positioned on a transit aligned at 048° T, with the Naval War Memorial, which is unlit, 33 metres high, and approximately 600 metres to the rear. At night, Castle Pile displays a directional light over the southern part of the channel: Green sector: 043° T to 047° T, White sector: 047° T to 051° T, Red sector: 051° T to 055° T.




These then lead into the Fort Blockhouse directional light on the Gosport side of the harbour: Red Sector 314° to 320°T, White Sector 320° to 325°T, Green Sector: 325° to 332°T.




For the entire length, the main shipping channel is clearly marked and easy to follow, with plenty of water outside the marks for leisure craft.


APPROACHES FROM THE WEST


Portsmouth Harbour is approached from the eastern part of The Solent from an area known as Spithead. Spithead is bounded by Spit Sand, on the north side, Horse and Dean Sand, on the northeast side, and Ryde Sand and No Man's Land, on the south side. The historical anchorage of Spithead stretches across the sheltered waters between Gilkicker Point on the mainland, Horse Sand Fort, and the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight. This broad expanse of open sea is naturally protected from prevailing south-westerly winds by the Isle of Wight, making it an ideal haven for naval vessels through the centuries. Within Glicker Point, the western side of the approaches to Portsmouth Harbour is Spit Sand. It defines the west edge of the channel leading into Portsmouth Harbour and shapes both navigation and the coastal landscape.




Spit Sand is an extensive accumulation of coarse sand and gravel heavily mixed with broken shell. It has no natural rock formations near its surface. The shape of this sand spit roughly resembles a triangle, with its base resting on Haslar Beach, spanning from Fort Glicker to Blockhouse. The triangle's or spit's apex extends nearly 1.7 miles outward in a line perpendicular from its base.




Spit Sand Fort, often known as Spitbank Fort, Spitsand Fort, or simply Spit Fort, stands a ¼ of a mile within the 4.5 metres CD outer edge of the sandbank. The 1859 fort is one of four situated in the eastern Solent and is now a luxury hotel. About 60 metres in diameter, it features a light Fl.R.5s on a small turret 18 metres above high water, visible for 7 miles, serving as a prominent marker for the outer end of Spit Sand. The fort is located a ½ mile north of the actual apex of Spit Sand, with water depths ranging from 3.5 to 5 metres south of it. The outer 5-metre contour of the bank is marked by the three Spit Bank Beacons South, Qy, large yellow piles south of Spit Bank Fort, and the 10-metre contour by the Outer Spit South Cardinal. A second set of three large yellow piles, Spit Bank Beacons North, flank the approach channel northwest of Spit Bank Fort.





The general depth around Spit Sand ranges from 2.1 to 3 metres, posing little issue for leisure craft. Some shoal areas have depths as shallow as 1.2 metres, and several small obstructions make it hazardous for unwary leisure vessels at low tide. The main danger for leisure craft within Spit Sand is the Hamilton Bank, which must be avoided. The Hamilton Bank runs along the western side of the channel near the harbour entrance, extending nearly ¾ of a mile from Haslar Beach. It becomes exposed at low tides in spots and has only 1.2 metres of water over its outer end.




Vessels approaching along the coast from the eastern Solent can utilise the Southampton Water to Chichester Harbour , which offers guidance on the coast and tides for the passage to Fort Glicker. After this point, it is set up to proceed to Langstone and Chichester Harbours via the middle passage. As such, it cuts across Spit Sand south of Spit Bank Fort and then crosses the approach channel between the Spit Refuge port buoy and the Boyne starboard buoy. This provides a viable method for reaching the west side of the approach channel, but efficiencies can be gained by cutting across Spit Sand.


PASSING SPIT SAND


The three primary options to navigate through Spit Sand and approach the entrance channel from the west are:

• 1. The open water approach outside of Spit Sand fort


• 2. Use the Swashway to cut through Spit Sand, between Hamilton and Spit banks


• 3. Use the Inner Swashway at high water cut in along the shoreline

1. OPEN WATER


The open water approach involves passing Glicker Point, with Fort Glickicker 400 metres to port, and steering approximately 108°T towards Outer Spit South Cardinal, Q(6)+L Fl.15s. Then, turn sharply to port to rejoin the main channel as previously described in the southern approach. This route is preferable if there is a strong onshore seaway, especially at night. Then follow the ample marks into the Small Boat Channel.


2. SWASHWAY


The Swashway is the preferred daylight leisure craft approach. It crosses Spit Sand between the Spit and Hamilton banks about ½ a mile to the northwest of Spit Sand Fort. It is the well-travelled route, so expect to encounter a high level of traffic when navigating in the vicinity of the Swashway. Hovercraft and high-speed catamaran ferries often transit the area en route to and from Ryde at speeds in excess of 24 knots. Likewise, the Isle of Wight ferries also tend to use this channel at high tide.




The Swashway has a minimum clearance of 2.6 metres CD in the transit of 049.4° T. The bearing is indicated by the 33-metre-high, prominent Naval War Memorial, situated on Southsea Common overlooking the promenade. Aligning the memorial with the southeast edge of a conspicuous yellow apartment building, 400 metres to the northeast, establishes the transit. Although there are no lit navigation markers for the Swashway, the memorial is clearly floodlit at night, and it is possible to find the channel by a line of bearing. Likewise, the Swashway intersects the channel close northwest of the port 2 Bar Buoy, Fl(2)R 5s, which provides a useful lit mark for the intersection. Those approaching at night should maintain a careful watch for unlit buoys on Spit Sand.

Leisure craft need not follow this transit exactly, except at LWS, as the Swashway channel has between 2.2 metres and 3.2 metres over an area that is 350 metres wide. It is important not to drift north of the transit whilst approaching its outer, or southwestern end, as the charted 'numerous small obstructions' are solid blocks that stand up 0.9 metres from the seabed. A ¼ of a mile to the northwest of these obstructions, ½ a mile east of Fort Monekton, are the Monekton Blocks that stand up a metre from the seabed and are exposed on a low spring tide.

Once through Swashway, and 2 Bar Buoy is to starboard, the end of Spit Sand and the inner edge of Portsmouth's main approach channel will also become apparent as the echo-sounder drops to 5 metres. Turn to port and follow the contour northward, setting a course directly onto the 4 Bar Buoy, QR. Located approximately half a mile southwest of the entrance, the 4 Bar Buoy marks the entrance to the Small Boat Channel.


3. INNER SWASHWAY


The Inner Swashway option is best at high water and is more the domain of local boatmen or vessels that have the benefit of local knowledge on board. Smaller leisure craft have the Inner Swashway option to themselves, as vessels over 20 metres long are not allowed to use it.




The Inner Swashway is located between Fort Blockhouse and the northern tip of a drying patch of the Hamilton Bank, approximately 260 metres to the south. It has a minimum depth of 0.3 metres and tends to silt up. The BC Outer Swashway Red Beacon, Oc, marks the north, or inner end, of the Swashway. R.15s, situated outside the harbour mouth and about 90 metres south of Fort Blockhouse. Pass close to its southern side, or to port, of this beacon when entering the harbour.




Those approaching the Inner Swashway should be careful to avoid all charted obstructions approaching the spherical seasonal buoy close east of the drying sections of the Hamilton Bank and pass it close west. Steer northward until 100 metres off the wall and follow it north-westward for 400 metres, steering to pass close south of the BC Outer Swashway Red Beacon. This length should have the Round Tower, marked by a light on the east side of the harbour entrance about a mile northwest of Southsea Castle, on a bearing of about 035° T.




Once past the Swashway Beacon, swing hard to port to join the Small Boat Channel waypoint and continue along the channel into the harbour entrance. Vessels approaching from the west may freely enter or leave Portsmouth Harbour's Boat Channel where practical.



APPROACHES FROM THE EAST


To the east of Portsmouth Harbour, the land is low and broken by deep inlets containing the islands of Thorney, Hayling, and Portsea. Between these islands are the harbours of Chichester, Langstone, and Portsmouth. Langstone and Chichester Harbours have off-lying sand flats that become a mass of breakers in strong southerly winds. An offing of two miles, or keeping Horse Sand Fort, the middle of the three substantial round tower forts visible in the distance, on the needle 'east' will clear all these dangers.




On the eastern side of Portsmouth's approach channel is the Horse and Dean Sand shoal. The shoal commences from Southsea Castle, marking the east side of the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, and continues southwest for nearly two miles. The conspicuous Horse Sand Fort is sited near the southern edge of the bank. Standing opposite a similar No Man's Land Fort, it offers excellent sea bearings for this shoal and The Solent's main fairway that passes between the two corresponding forts.




A submerged barrier links the Horse Sand Fort with the site of the former Lumps Fort, which was situated on the shoreline above the beach. The defensive barrier, built in 1905, comprises concrete pedestals of different heights, some of which are partially exposed at LW. The submerged barrier is marked by yellow beacons with yellow top marks along its length. There are two passages through the barrier, the inner passage and the outer or Middle Passage.




Vessels approaching along the coast from Chichester or Langstone Harbours can use the Southampton Water to Chichester Harbour which provides waypoints as well as coastal and tidal guidance. The route crosses the submerged barrier's 'Main Passage', located roughly midway along the two-mile-long barrier between Horse Sand Fort and the shore. This frequently used Main Passage is 55 metres wide with a depth of 1.2 metres at chart datum. It is clearly marked by a lit dolphin, Q.R. 6m2M, on its southern side, and a lit green top-marked pile, Q.G.2M, on the northern side. The dolphin is easily visible in daylight from a considerable distance.




The inner Small Boat Passage may also be available to many at high water. Located a ¼ of a mile eastward of South Parade Pier, approximately 200 metres offshore and marked by red and green piles, it is also detailed in this route.


PORTSMOUTH'S SMALL BOAT CHANNEL


The Small Boat Channel extends for just under ¾ of a mile and runs along the west side of the main fairway. It is designated solely for small boats of less than 20 metres LOA. It commences 25 metres east of the outer 4 Bar Buoy, QR, located about ½ a mile southwest of the entrance, and runs to the Ballast Pile, Fl.R.2.5s, located approximately a ¼ mile inside the entrance.




The channel is about 50 metres wide throughout its length and is subject to the following regulations:

• • All vessels using the Small Boat Channel must leave 4 Bar Buoy and the Ballast Pile to port, inbound or outbound, keeping other passing small craft on the port side.


• • All sailing vessels fitted with engines must lower sails and proceed under power when in this channel when in the Small Boat Channel (between No. 4 Bar Buoy and Ballast Pile).


• • The speed limit is 10 kn, through the water, within the harbour.


• • Do not loiter in the channel; avoid unnecessary crossings and congestion.


• •Expect strong tides and cross currents, especially at springs when flow exceeds 4 knots near the entrance, so that extra caution is advised not to be swept into the main channel. Adjust speed to remain in the channel and avoid overtaking if it would force entry into the main channel.


• • Follow the line of the port lateral marks, particularly at low water, to avoid grounding on the Hamilton Bank.


• • Small boats may only cross the Main Approach Channel, for/ from Gunwharf Quays/Town Camber, north of Ballast Pile or south of No. 4 Bar Buoy, with permission from KHM.


• • During major vessel movements (e.g. Queen Elizabeth Class carriers), the Small Boat Channel may be temporarily closed to all but assisting vessels.

Although the Small Boat Channel is clear, direct and easy to follow, the helm needs to be vigilant. The entrance can become extremely busy, particularly during the summer months, and the helm should be wary of vessels converging from the Inner Swashway in such a fashion as to force others out into the middle of the harbour entrance. Navigational piles should not be approached too closely, as many are on mud banks, which are steep in most parts, but which are beginning to edge into the channel in some places.




Tides in the harbour entrance can run up to 5 knots from HW-1 to HW+3. There may be standing waves at the entrance, and conditions can become confused, particularly during southerly winds, which can eddy around Fort Blockhouse and frequently turn through 180°.



PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR


The 214-metre-wide entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, situated between Blockhouse Fort on the west and the Round Tower on the east, will be clearly visible. Once through the entrance, the harbour widens. The channel inside the harbour is about a ¼ of a mile wide with a maintained depth of 9.5 metres.




Immediately upon entry, Haslar Lake will open on the west side of the harbour to the north of Fort Blockhouse, which is situated at the eastern end of a small peninsula. Opposite the jetties in front of the fort is the extensive Haslar Marina that encompasses the west side of the lake. Uniquely, this marina can be approached directly from the Small Boat Channel.




There is no need to proceed to the Ballast Pile, as the Small Boat Channel can be freely entered and exited from its western side. Haslar Marina is protected by a northern wave screen that turns southward towards its prominent, permanently berthed and unmistakable lightship near the entrance, the Mary Mouse II, positioned at its north-eastern corner.




On the opposite eastern side of the entrance are the Cambers, a tidal basin accessed just north of Round Tower. It features a 45-metre-wide entrance and offers berths for small ferries and fishing vessels. The Gunwharf Quays Marina will be visible throughout the Small Boat Channel, located beneath the city's landmark Spinnaker Tower. It is not allowed for those planning to berth there to steer directly towards the marina at this point.




All vessels must remain in the Boat Channel until they have passed the port-handled Ballast beacon. Proceed to the Ballast Beacon, which should be left on the port side; vessels heading north will leave it on the west side, while those heading south will leave it on the east.




Only after passing the Ballast Pile, to the north of it, can the main fairway be crossed and only then with permission from King's Harbour Master's port control on Ch. 11. Likewise, after passing north of the Ballast Pile, vessels may safely proceed under sail.




Stay on the west side, avoiding the main hazards to the east, including the Isle of Wight ferry berths, Naval Base, and Portsmouth International Port. Keep a sharp eye out for the Gosport ferry, which crosses the harbour frequently close north of the Ballast Pile.




Above Gunwharf Quays is Portsmouth Historic Dockyards, a visitor attraction and then the naval base occupies a large part of the harbour's eastern frontage. Opposite, on the western side and a ¼ of a mile above the Balast Pile and set within Cold Harbour is the equally significant Gosport Marina .




The marina is protected on its southern side by a breakwater that extends 100 metres from the south entrance point and a 600-metre-long Oil Fuel Jetty pile pier sweeping around from the north shore.




Continuing past the entrance to Gosport Marina and the outer line of the large Gosport Oil Fuel Jetty, often called the MOD fuelling jetty, leads into Royal Clarence Marina , the third large-scale marina on the west side of the harbour.






The harbour north of Burrow Island widens significantly, but most of this area is mud that dries at low water. Two channels define this area: Fareham Lake to the northwest, leading to Fareham, and Portchester Lake to the northeast, leading to Port Solent. When navigating either of these channels, the helm is advised to keep clear of the navigational piles, as some are on mud banks that extend into the channel.



PILOTAGE TO FAREHAM


Fareham Lake has depths of 10 metres at its entrance, decreasing to 5 metres just off the entrance to Bedenham Pier, about 3 miles inside the harbour entrance. Beyond this, the channel maintains a depth of 3 metres to Wicor Hard, where it then turns westward into Heavy Reach, shoaling considerably to less than 0.3 metres CD at low water approximately a ½ mile below Fareham. Yachts with a draft of 1.5 metres should not proceed beyond Foxbury Pier, ¼ of a mile west of Wicor Hard and about a mile below Fareham, about 2½ to 3 hours either side of High Water.

Tidal planning and the ability to take to the bottom is essential for any vessel wishing to visit Fareham. With all its berths and approaches drying out, arrivals and departures should be timed to coincide with high water, using the tide tables for Portsmouth.

Stay on the west or port side of the channel heading towards Fareham, passing the entrance to Portchester Lake on your starboard side and the jetties in front of Hardway, including that of Hardway Sailing Club , on your port side, then continue northwest along the main channel into Fareham Lake.




Fareham Lake is approximately 350 metres wide at its entrance during low water, and it gradually narrows. Pass within the trots of mooring buoys along this ¾ of a mile stretch to where Bombketch and Spider lakes open from the east side of Fareham Lake. There is plenty of depth here, with between 9 and 5 metres of water available in this section.




At the start of this stretch, the Fareham Lake channel bends north-westward for a ¼ of a mile and is entered by passing between a port-hand mark Fl(2) R.10s and a South Cardinal Mark, VQ (6) + LFl. 10s, which is passed to starboard, separating Fareham and Spider lakes. Although the channel narrows, it has a maintained depth of 5 metres as far as Bedenham Pier and a well-marked fairway with illuminated piles.




A trot of large ship moorings, passed to port, will be visible on the west side of the channel opposite green fairway piles 47 and 48. WicorMarine Yacht Haven's downstream swinging moorings line both sides of the main channel between green fairway piles 47 and 48, on the starboard side opposite the trot mentioned above, and slightly further upstream on the port side between red fairway piles 25 and 26.




The small Pewit Island with its tripod beacon will be seen to starboard as you pass these moorings. The island covers about 1.25 hectares at high tide and is composed of intertidal mudflats, shingle shores, salt marsh, and dry coastal grassland. The island is currently protected as a nature reserve and no landings are permitted.




Bedenham Pier, on the western shore, port side, is made readily identifiable by its cranes. At night, it exhibits a light 2F.R (Vert).


Above Bedenham Pier, the fairway, although still well marked, is only partially lit for the remaining half of the distance to Fareham. The channel initially runs northwest for a ⅓ of a mile with good depths of about 3 metres. This part is flanked on either side by the mid-channel pontoons of WicorMarine Yacht Haven .




At the head of this, off Wicor Hard, the channel turns westward into Heavy Reach, where depths drop to between 1.6 and 1.9 metres around Foxbury Point, where another pier will be seen exhibiting a light at night 2F.R (Vert).

Thereafter, the depths at low water fall to less than 0.3 metres CD where the channel bends northward after passing between the unlit beacons of port 34A and starboard 38. An overhead power cable, with a safe vertical clearance of 12 metres, crosses Heavy Reach on the bend about 600 metres below Fareham.



A jetty with a pontoon extends from the shore immediately north of the cable crossing. This is the private Hoeford Lake Sailing Club jetty set on the west of the main Fareham Lake channel, after it bends northward near port pile 35. It is set at the northern end of Hoeford Lake, a small inlet that joins Fareham Lake here.




Portsmouth Marine Engineering's pontoon, charted Fareham Yacht Harbour, will be passed on the west side of the lake a ⅓ of a mile northward. It runs parallel to the channel on the old Lower Quay adjacent to the southern end of the town of Fareham.




The pontoons of Fareham Sailing & Motor Boat Club, Trafalgar Yacht Services and Fareham Marine are located about 300 metres upstream.


PILOTAGE to PORT SOLENT


From the Ballast Bank Beacon, continue northward along the western side of the harbour past Royal Clarence Marina , the final large-scale marina on the west side of the harbour protected by Burrow Island. After this, the harbour widens and merges into the Fareham and Porchester lakes.




The entrance to Portchester Lake, approximately 1 mile north of the harbour entrance, is marked to the west by red pile No. 57, Fl (3) R 5s, which should be kept to port, and to the east by green pile No. 95, Q.G., which should be kept to starboard. Both piles are substantial and visible from a distance of 3.2 miles. The entrance is also made unmistakable by the triple yellow transit light structures of Goddards Beacons South. Mounted on steel towers up to 30 metres above the seabed just northwest of Red Pile No. 57, they are visible from afar. Similar to the external triple yellow transit light structures, these were introduced specifically to ensure the safe passage of the Royal Navy's new Queen Elizabeth-class carriers.




From the entrance, Portchester Lake extends northeast for 1 mile before bending northwest for a ⅓ of a mile, then continuing north into Paulsgrove Lake. The whole channel to the north end of the harbour is marked by red piles to the west, numbered 57 to 74 (leave to port) and by green piles to the east running from 95 to 75, some of which are lit by navigational lights.




Portchester Lake has ample water throughout for leisure craft, but shoals towards its head where it connects to Paulsgrove Lake, which is then dredged to a depth of 1.5 metres CD up to the Port Solent lock. The channel through Portchester and Paulsgrove Lakes, about 2¼ miles to Port Solent Marina at its northern end, is marked from seaward by red piles numbered 57 to 74 on the west, passed on the port side, and green piles numbered 75 to 95 on the east, passed on the starboard side. At night, twenty of the piles are lit, though they may be difficult to identify due to high background lighting. None should be approached too closely, as many piles are on the edge of the mud banks.

At the entrance to Portchester Lake, there are two unlit spherical yellow buoys on the starboard side lying to the north of a second starboard pile within No. 94. These mark foul ground and should be kept to starboard. The southern part of the channel is deep and 250 metres wide, with the safest water indicated by avoiding the large, unlit craft mooring buoys, which are best left to port. At night, this section of the channel is clearly marked by southern-lit starboard-hand piles Nos. 93, 92, 90, 88, and 86.




At pile No. 86 Fl (3) G. 10s, and immediately below the by Brick Kiln Lake west cardinal, the channel narrows and bends northward. The easiest route during daylight is to follow the port marks starting at red port pile No. 63. At night, steer to pass south of red port pile No. 63, Fl.R.5s, and then to starboard of pile No. 86, Fl (3) G.10s, to avoid the arch of the mud bank. Proceed to follow the three lit port-hand piles, No. 66, No. 67, and No. 68. This also helps to stay clear of the entrance to Tipner Lake, an opening on Portchester Lake's eastern side, marked by two piles — yellow/black No. 82 and green No. 85 — which can be confusing.

Firing from the Tipner Range crosses the channel between port piles 63 through 67, and starboard piles 70 through 80, the limits of which are marked by notice boards. Red flags fly when in use, but no restrictions are placed on the right to transit, as firing practice only takes place when the area is clear of all vessels. When operational, vessels should transit quickly and not stop or linger in this firing area.




Beyond red port pile No. 68 Fl (4) R.10s, and the green starboard pile No. 80, Fl (4) G.10s, the channel narrows, turns north and is made further evident by small craft moorings on either side.





The final section of the channel passes by the prominent Portchester Castle to access the harbour's upper reaches. Continuing northward, when Portchester Castle is abeam and close to port pile No. 72A, the 1.5-metre CD deep dredged channel commences.




The dredged channel then continues between lit piles, port pile No.72, Fl (3) R.10s, and starboard pile No.76, Fl G.5s, with the best water immediately adjacent to starboard pile No.76.




Those proceeding to Trafalgar Wharf shipyard should look for two yellow diamond transit posts located to the left of the port side pontoon at the corner of the ship lift after passing Port Beacon 73. Keep the diamonds in line, as they lead into the wharf over a channel that is dredged to 0.0 metres CD.




At starboard pile No.75, Fl (2) G.5s, the channel runs between rows of moored yachts. Above this, on the port side, pile A Fl (4) R.10s, and on the starboard side, pile B Fl (3) G.10s mark the end of the outer waiting pontoon, starboard side.




The long, deep outer waiting pontoon can be fully occupied by Sunsail charter yachts, which are happy to accommodate a waiting vessel by moving forward, creating space, or allowing a temporary raft-up.





Enter the lock following the instructions of the Lock Master, via VHF or loudspeaker. Red, stop, and green signals are used to proceed; traffic lights on the signal poles control access through the lock. The lock has some free flow around high water, indicated by a flashing orange light, when vessels can pass through freely if no other vessel is transiting.




Vessels will be asked to enter the lock when the green light is on or, during peak periods, when a 'queue' number system is in operation, when their assigned 'queue' number is called.




All vessels should enter the lock with fenders on both sides and go as far forward as possible or as directed by staff.



LISTED WAYPOINTS
The complete course is 1.02 miles from the waypoint 'Swashway ' to 'Ballas (Pile)' tending in a north north westerly direction (reciprocal south south easterly).

What is the best sailing time?

May to September is the traditional UK Sailing season, with June to July offering the best weather. The amount of bad weather varies quite widely from year to year. The British Isles' weather is highly variable because they are islands between the Atlantic Ocean and an extensive continental European land mass. As a result, the entire area lays under an area where five main air masses meet and alternate:

• • Tropical Maritime Air Mass - from the Atlantic


• • Polar Maritime Air Mass - from Greenland


• • Arctic Maritime Air Mass


• • Polar Continental Air Mass - from central Europe


• • Tropical Continental Air Mass - from North Africa

The air masses can come in from any direction, bringing with them all types of weather and creating weather fronts where they meet. Fine summer weather is typically punctuated by the passage of Atlantic depressions, bringing periods of strong wind and rain and sometimes poor visibility.

Gales, however, rarely cause surprises as they are usually forecasted well in advance. Good weather windows of 48 hours are easy to predict, but any longer than that, there's an increasing chance of change. Winters see a predominance of wind and rain. Still, the protected waters of The Solent are enjoyed by many weekenders who like the offseason reduction of boating activity and berthing fees.

Across the British Isles, the prevailing winds are from the southwest. The Solent, however, is subject to a high degree of local heating. In the western Solent, the sea breeze effect can be strong enough to reverse a northeast Beauford Force 3 morning wind and turn it into a south-westerly Force 4 by early afternoon. The results of the heating of the Isle of Wight are much less than those of the mainland, but it leads to more variable and lighter winds than on its northern side.

With thanks to:

eOceanic