Saturday 7th August 2010
Getting to Stompin' by Boat
Christchurch and its Harbour is a highly tempting cruising destination, the unfounded fear of ‘The Run’ helping to maintain an unspoilt tranquillity for marine visitors. 'The Entrance' to Christchurch Harbour is well buoyed and yachtsmen who plan their tides can expect a beautiful unspoilt harbour with a picturesque river leading to an ancient town that boasts an abundance of culinary delight just yards from Christchurch Quay.
Boats drawing 1m, on Saturday 7th August 2010, are predicted to have safe passage through ‘The Run’ from 05:00 through to 13:00 and then again from 16:30 through to 00:00, subject to the normal climatic variations.
Boats drawing 1.5m can access Christchurch Harbour, but are strongly recommended to invest £5.50 +P&P in the Christchurch Entrance Tidal Planner from Christchurch Boat Shop. The tidal curves are specific to the nuances of Christchurch's double tide, and can extend the time window to enter or leave the harbour by many hours.
For boats drawing in excess of 2m there is an anchorage sheltered from South Westerlies in the immediate lee of Hengistbury Head. Regular ferries from the sandspit go to and from Christchurch Quay, but check for return times.
Further pilotage information available at www.christchurchsailingclub.co.uk and www.christchurchharbour.info
Visiting yachtsmen and RYA members are given a warm welcome at Christchurch Sailing Club, adjacent to the bandstand. Pontoon moorings are available for visitors - booking in advance is highly recommended.
A limited number of alongside moorings are also available at Elkins Boat Yard (01202 483 141) or Rossiters Quay.
The Captains Club Hotel has a limited number of alongside moorings, only available if booked in advance.
There are a number of visitor mooring buoys available in the upper reaches of the harbour, or there are extensive areas for safe (drying) anchorage.
Christchurch Quay is used by ferries and is not therefore suitable for alongside mooring.
Full facilities are available at Christchurch Sailing Club for temporary members.
In bygone years Thames Barges were frequent visitors to Christchurch.
In September 2009 ALICE' spent "a very pleasant night" alongside Christchurch Quay.
Christchurch Harbour - a view from the Priory Church.
A view of the upper reaches of Christchurch Harbour from Hengistbury Head.
(The bandstand, out of shot, is to the left of the Priory Church)
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Christchurch Entrance, as seen from Hengistbury Head.
To the left is Mudeford Quay and Mudeford RNLI station.
To the right is The Black House.
[Christchurch Entrance is clearly buoyed throughout the Summer Months]
IMPORTANT NOTE
Christchurch Rowing Club have a regatta on the River Stour on 7th August.
Boats accessing Christchurch Quay, Christchurch Sailing Club and the River Avon will be marshaled through Clay Pool, the confluence of the Rivers Avon and Stour, and the turning point for the rowers. This should only cause a few minutes delay.
Silver sponsors of Stompin on the Quomps
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Sponsor of Stompin on the Quomps
