Chichester Marina
Its setting in the beauty of a natural harbour and picturesque countryside makes Chichester Marina a wonderful destination.
Chichester Marina was one of the first marinas to be constructed in Britain, opening in the mid-1960s. It is the UK’s second largest marina, but its peaceful backdrop of stunning countryside and low key architecture gives it a marked air of tranquillity.
Family friendly and ideal for boaters of all abilities, the marina combines state-of-the-art facilities with serene surroundings, making it a worthy recipient of the Yacht Harbour Association’s Five Gold Anchors Award.
The marina sits at the head of Chichester Harbour giving easy access to the pretty villages and hamlets that dot the shoreline; by water East Head, with its sandy beaches, is close by and a short trip up the harbour is rewarded with all the delights of the Solent.
Chichester Marina also makes a perfect base for nature and bird watching, walking in the countryside or just soaking up the ambiance whilst relaxing aboard a boat.
Safe and secure, the marina itself is home to 1,100 berths, a modern boatyard with two boat hoists, a slipway and a spacious boatshed.
In 2014 the main boatyard was completely rebuilt providing state-of-the-art yard facilities and dedicated marine tenant and retail accommodation.
There is also a thriving yacht club that opens its doors to visiting yachtsmen and berth holders alike. Plus, The Boat House Cafe offers an excellent bistro menu served with amazing views across the harbour.
For family and friends, or for owners not wanting to stay overnight aboard their boat, there are nine luxury apartments offering the opportunity to relax with your boat just steps away.
The Salterns apartments offer private patios/balconies that overlook the marina and there are private landscaped gardens running down to the water’s edge – all of which make this complex a perfect destination for families, groups of friends and couples who want to enjoy a couple of days ashore after a day on the water.
FACILITIES
Chichester’s award-winning facilities include luxury toilets and showers, a super store and chandlery, a Coastal and Outdoor Living clothing store, a variety of boat sales and two on-site restaurants including The Boat House.
Chichester Yacht Club offers membership to Premier berth holders and welcomes visiting yachtsmen providing bar and restaurant dining and an extensive cruising programme and year-round social events.
Premier’s boatyard at Chichester Marina offers a mix of on-site marine tenants. These companies offer everything from rigging services to marine electronics, cosmetic work, valeting and engineering.
There are also new and used boat sales and a well-stocked chandlery. Marine Super Store offers everything from waterproofs, flares, rope, anchors to specialist items such as fittings and charts.
The marina also benefits from extensive storage ashore.
BERTHING & STORAGE
Chichester Marina offers in-water berthing for 1,100 boats up to 22m (max beam 7m, 2.3 draft) and also Versadock and trailer sailer options for smaller craft including RIBs, small powerboats and motorboats up to 8m.
Chichester’s experienced boatyard team provide year-round lift, high-pressure wash and block-off and re-launch services that includes the use of two hoists: a 65 tonne hoist located on the south side of the marina, next to the boatyard complex, and a 35 tonne hoist on the north side – a short distance from the marina’s slipway.
Berth holder benefits are a great draw, with Premier offering 42 free visitor nights to other Premier marinas, boatyard discounts and unique marine insurance benefits through Premier Marine Insurance (in association with GJW Direct).
ACCESS
Approach by sea via west pole beacon – cross Chichester Bar located at the entrance to the harbour. Once inside the harbour you need to head north-east past East Head and towards Itchenor to arrive at the marina.
The marina approach channel is dredged to approx. 0.5m below CD – vessels entering the marina should keep to the starboard side of the channel.
Chichester Bar is located at the entrance to the harbour and is dredged to approximately 1.5m below chart datum giving a depth of 2m at Mean Low Water Springs, however the bottom can vary up to 0.75m. With an ebb tide and strong southerly winds, it is advisable to exercise caution and cross the Bar between three hours before and one hour after high water springs.
To find out more about crossing the bar and for details of how to approach Chichester Marina visit www.premiermarinas.com/UK-Marina-locations/Chichester-Marina/Getting-to-Chichester-Marina.
As you approach Longmore Point ensure that your VHF is on Ch80. On passing Birdham Spit pile call the marina using your boat’s call sign, advise your position and request lock entry.
The Lock Keeper will acknowledge your call and either instruct you to “proceed to the lock on a green light” or in busy times “join the back of the queue for the lock and enter in turn upon a green signal light”.
To Chichester by road: From the Chichester bypass (A27), take the A286 following signs for the Witterings. At the Stockbridge Roundabout take the second exit – A286 signposted Bracklesham, Witterings. After two miles turn right into Chichester Marina.
Buses operate every 20 minutes between Chichester Bus station (South Street) and the Witterings. Also, fast trains run between London Victoria and Chichester. Gatwick airport is one hour fifteen minutes from Chichester Marina by road. Private aircraft may land at Goodwood Aerodrome. This airfield is just five miles from the marina.
CRUISING
In the harbour alone there are seventeen miles of amazing channels to explore by boat.
The Solent is just on your doorstep offering easy access east or west to some of the UK’s best cruising grounds. Within a day’s sail of Chichester Marina visit the Isle of Wight for the day or discover the calm waters of Beaulieu River and tranquillity of Lymington Harbour.
Chichester is an excellent start point for cross channel cruises and trips to Premier’s Gosport, Port Solent, Swanwick, Brighton and Eastbourne marinas – where berth holders can take advantage of their 42 free visitor night credits.
A little further afield the Channel Islands, Cherbourg and the Brittany coastline can all be easily explored.
LOCAL EATERIES
Visitors and berth holders do not have to go far for great food and a lively atmosphere. On site, The Boat House Cafe is a relaxed eatery with plenty of seating inside and outside on a balcony overlooking the harbour. Serving an ever-changing seasonal menu, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner here.
Also on site the Yacht Club sits in a prime location overlooking the harbour and within walking distance of the marina. The large, modern clubhouse has a relaxing spacious bar and a comfortable restaurant serving snacks and full meals. The club also runs regular social events to suit members of all ages and tastes.
If you want to go further afield, the traditional Crown & Anchor pub, located in Dell Quay is a popular destination for walkers and can be easily accessed by the shore.
THINGS TO DO
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, Chichester is surrounded by beautiful countryside, sandy beaches, fishing villages and historical and family attractions including Goodwood House and Racecourse.
Chichester Marina is located at the eastern end of Chichester Harbour, just four miles from the historic city of Chichester.
For lovers of culture The Pallant House Gallery is a must see along with a visit to the Minerva Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre.
Chichester Cathedral, which has stood at the heart of the city for 900 years and is famous for its art, both ancient and modern, is an iconic landmark and continues to attract thousands of visitors for its stunning architecture.
A short drive (just outside Chichester) will take you to the village of Fishbourne, where the remains of Fishbourne Roman Palace and gardens lie; one of the outstanding Roman sites in the UK.
Further round the harbour lies Bosham, a quintessentially English village with thatched-roofed cottages around a village green and on the coast itself, pastel-painted fishermen’s homes overlooking the water.
Some great beaches are close by too, including the sandy beaches of East Head and The Witterings. The region enjoys the beauty of the extensive, natural sheltered area of Chichester Harbour, together with long, sandy, unspoilt coastline stretching from West Wittering Beach to Bracklesham Bay.
West Witterings is tucked away at the entrance to Chichester Harbour and is routinely voted one of the best beaches in Britain. There are no shops or cafes, just miles of wide sandy beach to explore; perfect for dog walkers and resembles a secret paradise.
FURTHER INFO
www.idealcollection.co.uk/theboathousecafe-chichester
www.crownandanchorchichester.com
www.goodwood.com/horse-racing/goodwood-racecourse.aspx#scvlMcVZmEGmM6r8.97
John Hall has been a berth holder at Chichester Marina since 2005, following years of using the marina’s services since the 1960s. John’s favourite thing about Chichester Marina is that “it is a sociable place in a nice location, it is well run and the friendly staff really do make a big difference. I always pop into the reception to say hi. The on-site Yacht Club, of which I am a member, is another reason I enjoy visiting and berthing at Chichester Marina.”
David Batten arrived at Chichester Marina with his boat, Corlandus, in December 2015. He chose Chichester Marina to berth Corlandus because “it is a stunningly beautiful marina – complemented by the fabulous Chichester Harbour. There is no marina that comes close for me.” David’s favourite thing about being a berth holder at Chichester Marina is “the beauty of the surroundings and the pure tranquillity of being on board Corlandus at D pontoon. It is bliss.”
MORE INFORMATION
Chichester Marina
Birdham, Chichester,
West Sussex PO20 7EJ
VHF Ch. 80
Tel: 01243 512731
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