Chichester Harbour Sailing

Chichester Harbour Sailing

Chichester Harbour is one of the finest small-boat sailing grounds in southern England, with sheltered waters, reliable thermal breezes, and a network of creeks and channels that provide variety for beginners and experienced sailors alike. The harbour is home to some of the oldest and most active sailing clubs on the south coast.

Itchenor Sailing Club, on the main harbour channel, is one of the premier dinghy racing clubs in the country and hosts major national and international events. Bosham Sailing Club, Dell Quay Sailing Club, Emsworth Sailing Club, and Hayling Island Sailing Club each run their own racing programmes through the summer season. The harbour caters to a wide range of craft, from Optimists and Mirrors for juniors to Lasers, RS200s, and keelboats for adults.

The harbour entrance at Chichester Bar gives access to the Solent and the open waters beyond, but the bar requires careful navigation due to shifting sands and strong tidal streams. Inside the harbour, the 8-knot speed limit keeps conditions calm and suitable for paddle sports. Kayaking and paddleboarding have grown rapidly in popularity, with the sheltered creeks around Dell Quay, Bosham, and Emsworth particularly well suited.

Chichester Marina near Birdham provides full marina facilities including a boatyard, chandlery, and fuel. For cruising sailors, the harbour offers sheltered moorings and the Solent's chain of harbours and anchorages is accessible through the harbour entrance.

Sailing schools operate from several points around the harbour, offering Royal Yachting Association courses for all levels. The combination of sheltered water, good wind, and beautiful surroundings makes Chichester Harbour one of the best places to learn to sail in England.