Portsmouth
From CruisersWiki
Portsmouth (Port of entry)
Background
Portsmouth Harbour is the historic home of the Royal Navy, and remains its principal port to this day. The naval dockyards lie to the eastern side of the harbour.
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of local radio Nets.
Local Weather
Local weather conditions?
Sources for weather reports: The UK Shipping Forecast, broadcast on BBC Radio 4, gives a general overview of the conditions in the 'Wight' region. Details of frequencies can be found on the wikipedia page. As of 7/2012 the frequencies are 198 LW and 92-95 and 103-105 FM, and the broadcast times are 0048, 0520, 1201 and 1754. The 0048 and 0520 broadcasts are followed by a detailed Inshore Waters Forecast, where the forecast for the 'Solent' is applicable to Portsmouth. The 0048 broadcast concludes with the National Anthem. The Inshore Waters Forecast is available from the UK Coastguard. The frequency for the relevant region - Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis - is announced on VHF Ch.16 at intervals throughout the day. Details of all Maritime Safety Information broadcasta are available here.
Portsmouth Harbour is extremely busy, with small and large ferries, cruise ships and Royal Navy vessels. The Small Craft channel is on the western side of the entrance, and remaining on it will ensure the safety of a small sailing vessel. To cross to Gunwharf Quays on the eastern side, calling Portsmouth QHM on VHF Ch.11 is mandatory. Due to the large area of the harbour, currents in the entrance can be strong, often 4 knots or more. An useful tactic when attempting to leave the harbour by the small craft channel against a strong current is to stay close to the western bank where the current curls back on itself. The channel is sufficiently deep to get within a few yards of the bank, and a half-hour motor can be reduced to a few minutes. As per the Admiralty chart, the approaces to the harbour are either in the small craft channel to the west of the bouyed main channel which extends some distance to the south, or to the WSW of the entrace, as per the sign on the channel marker. The Admiralty chart shows 'numerous small obstructions' to the SSW of the entrance.
Check-in facilities
Submit details about facilities for checking in - where to dock, etc.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
There are several marinas and hundreds of swinging moorings within the harbour. Haslar and Gosport marinas are the two largest, near the entrance on the western side. Port Solent - a modern development of apartments and a marina - lies at the extreme north. There are several smaller marinas, and hundreds of swinging moorings.
Anchorages
List details of all safe anchorages in the area.
Offshore Islands
The Isle of Wight lies to the south of the Solent, and the international yachting destination of Cowes is 2-3 hours sail from Portsmouth.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
The historic dockyard in Portsmouth is an exceptional visit, and entrance is free. The oldest commissioned vessel in the Royal Navy, HMS Victory, is in dry dock, and the wreck of the Mary Rose is on display indoors. Current Royal Navy vessels can be viewed from the quay.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel is available in Gosport Marina.
Laundry
Grocery & Supply Stores
There are supermarkets in Portsmouth and Gosport in easy reach of the moorings.
Eateries
Gunwharf Quays is a new development centered on the iconic Spinnaker Tower. There are many restaurants and pubs on the area.
Internet/WiFi
Available?
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Marine Stores & Facilities
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs
Transportation
Local transport or to other countries, etc.
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
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| HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | United Kingdom | England | Portsmouth | |