General Info - Arrival - Plan - Tides - Travel - Safety - Costs - Disclaimer - Attendance

Dear Interested Wanderer sailor

Many thanks for registering your interest in the Chichester Harbour Day Cruise planned for Sunday August 22nd 2004.

I have included here the following information concerning the cruise and related topics which I hope you will find useful. If you should need any further information or clarification on any item included here then please give me a ring on 01403 250891 after 20:00 hrs, preferably on Tuesday/Friday or at weekends.  Alternatively you can email me at tpullen152@aol.com.

General Information:

The cruise is based on the village of West Itchenor on Chichester Harbour [OS Grid SU:79872 01482, Lat 50^o 48.40`N Long 0<sup>o</sup> 51.97`W] situated on the southern side of Itchenor Reach - one of the 17 buoyed channels within the Harbour’s 11 square miles of water. Itchenor is about 6 miles south of the City of Chichester. See directions within following pages [hard copy instructions only]. The Harbour is administered by the Harbour Master and his Conservancy Staff from their office located adjacent to the hard [tel. 01243 – 512301], email harbourmaster@conservancy.co.uk, or on the web at http: www.conservancy.co.uk}.

The hard at Itchenor, from where we will launch, is one of the more popular public launching sites for visiting day sailors to the harbour. It comprises a large expanse of firm gravel, at most tide states, however it can get ‘tight’ for room at HW springs on a busy day! Launching and recovery are possible at all tide states. It is possible to drive onto the hard and drop off boat and equipment on arrival [see section on charges], also to recover boat, crew and kit at the end of the cruise. Caution – drive slowly onto the hard as the gradient from tarmac road to gravel hard could cause your mast to touch the vehicle roof!

The Harbour Conservancy provide, for public use, fresh water wash down facilities, public toilets [only one per gender with some queuing when busy!], weather information, large pay and display car park, seating for the weary and usually an ice cream van in attendance on your return! The ‘Ship Inn’, [food and accommodation], not to mention beer, is the local hostelry at about 75 mtrs from the hard in the main street.

It is from Itchenor that the famous Harbour Water Tours leave - very popular with the tourists. The ferry to the Bosham side of the channel also plies its trade from here - this makes for a pleasant detour for non-sailing family members who can take the short ferry trip and stroll round the edge of the Bosham Channel to the lovely village of Bosham [see the ‘Local Attractions’ section later].

Note [added July 15th:] I have just learned that Bosham SC are holding their Regatta on the day of this cruise - this shouldn't be a problem but might make the channel nr our launch site a little busy at times.
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Arrival:

I suggest you drive directly onto the hard on arrival and drop off boat, passengers and equipment, please anticipate having to remove the car to the car park as soon as possible, this is located about 100 mtrs back up the main street - see info elsewhere. Space will be fine on the hard at your arrival as low water [neaps] is at 09:27 hrs BST on the Sun.  It may be necessary to clear the hard of vehicles asap after unloading and parking it in the Pay and display up the main street, however the Harbour Master’s office staff seem quite relaxed on this. This venue is a popular public hard so please park both boats and vehicles to either side of the hard having due regard for others and access to the water. Trailers and trolleys can be left on the hard and should be stacked at the top of the hard.  See charges details elsewhere.
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Plan:

Depending on weather, tides and conditions: It is intended to launch promptly at 10:30 hrs  so please arrive in plenty of time, about 09:00 would be good, as I always find that unpacking, rigging, changing {possible in public toilets with a squeeze, otherwise in car park}, parking, walk back from car park, briefings etc. always take longer than anticipated. I can be contacted on my mobile [07836 698954] on the mornings in case anyone has difficulties with directions, travel, traffic etc.. It would be helpful if helms could make themselves known soon after arrival. A short briefing will be held at about 10:00 hrs to discuss weather, destinations and lunch stop etc. Return to Itchenor is likely to be around 16:30 – 17:00 hrs.

This is intended to be a leisurely cruise with no pressure to cover great distances. All plans will need to be ‘flexible’ to allow for weather conditions, numbers attending and their consensus view etc.. The neapish tides and times of high and low water would seem to allow access to most parts of the harbour.  It is very likely that we will proceed toward East Head, given sufficient wind, perhaps exploring some channels on the way. The lunch stop will probably be in the dunes at East Head [no facilities so please ensure you have adequate picnic lunch with you!].  Whatever we end up doing I am sure will be enjoyable and exhilarating.

With HW about 16:30 we should be able to call in to Bosham on our return and sail right up to the ever present ice cream van which stands right at the waters edge at this lovely spot. No tying up to his rear bumper though J.

In the event of bad weather coinciding with the cruise dates it would be prudent, especially if planning to travel some distance, to contact me during the Friday [day or evening mobile 07863 698954] to check whether the cruise is still to go ahead or for any late changes.
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Tides: the tides for this day are neaps. The early low water will give plenty of room to rig on the hard but it will be a little more congested on our return!

Tidal Information:-

Sunday   Aug 22^nd 2004

LW @ 09:27 BST

HW @ 16:27 BST

Range 3.3 Mtr
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Safety:

The ultimate responsibility for the safety of each boat and crew rests entirely with the helm of each participating boat. As is normal with most WCOA cruises there will be no safety or escort boat cover, however the harbour is a popular, sheltered cruising area patrolled by Conservancy staff and there are always other vessels close by. We shall of course, in true WCOA tradition, improve our group’s overall safety situation, while on the water, by keeping a watchful eye on all other boats in our group. We therefore need to sail as a reasonably tight ‘group’ with our progress matched to that of the slowest member. Please therefore try and stay reasonably close together when on the water in order to improve our own safety and reduce the likelihood of separation and loosing someone.

Your attention is drawn to the following safety recommendations:-

The Helmsman/Crew are responsible for the seaworthiness of their boat and must ensure that it is suitably equipped for the expected weather and sea conditions – a weather report is usually displayed on notice board adjacent to Harbour Master’s Office at top of hard - but weather will be included in the Briefing;

Personal buoyancy {life jackets or buoyancy aids} must be worn by all those sailing;

Use of mast head buoyancy/floatation aid is recommended to aid with righting;

Adequate Marine insurance must be in force for the boat and crew. Third party cover to the minimum value of £500,000.00 for any single incident is recommended;

Helm and Crew should attend any briefing given by the cruise organiser and note the information provided, especially where it pertains to safety;

The following equipment is the suggested minimum:-

Suitable water or spray proof clothing {sea temperatures will still be low!} in removable layers including hat, gloves and spares;

Sufficient food, snacks and drinks {hot & cold} for the day {for energy and blood sugar levels} including lunch ashore {there is no food or drinks available at the likely lunch stop location without a long walk! {what no pub!};

Anchor and warp, hand bailer(s) and bucket for bailing;

Alternate means of propulsion in case of lack of wind {oars and/or outboard are ideal - don’t forget rowlocks and / or fuel!} paddles have limited long term use;

Chart/OS Map/Pilot or suitable equivalent ‘plan’ covering the harbour area;

Assortment of spares for emergency repairs, simple tools and warp for towing;

Compass - {steering or hand held, even Silva type} not essential but could prove useful during any onset of sea mist/fog especially if unfamiliar with this cruising area!

First-aid kit and sun lotion / block, Whistle to attract attention, Sun Glasses.
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Travel Directions:

Chichester Harbour is situated on the south coast on the eastern approach to the Solent and is east of Portsmouth Harbour {about 8 miles separates the two harbour entrances}. Chichester Harbour lies a few miles south of the City of Chichester and access to the area is well served by the A27, A3, A23, A24, A29, A3M, M27 and M3 roads and motorways. Itchenor is accessed from the A27 outer ring road and lies approximately 6.4 miles directly south of Chichester via the A286.
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From West: If approaching from the west along the A27 {signed Chichester, Brighton} then it is approx. 10 miles from the A3M / A27 junction to the ‘Tesco’ roundabout just west of Chichester. From here proceed due east, for 0.8 miles, along the A27 lower ring road {signed Worthing, Brighton} to the next roundabout {‘Stockbridge’ - footbridge spans road here}. Turn right here onto the A286 signed ‘Bracklesham’, ‘Witterings’ and ‘Chichester Harbour Water Tours’ {the latter is a brown ‘Tourist’ type sign}. Continue south on A286 and in 1.3m pass road on right to Dell Quay and Apuldram, continue on and pass entrance to Chichester Marina on right at about 2.3m. Continue on and at 4m cross straight over {2nd exit} ‘new’ roundabout at Birdham - bearing slightly right. At about 4.5 miles from A27 take right fork signed ‘Itchenor and Chichester Harbour Water Tours’. Continue on this road for 1.8 miles {6.3m from A27} to arrive at the village of Itchenor and the ‘hard’ {the road terminates directly on the hard}. Entrance road and signs to large public car park are passed on left about 145 mtrs before reaching the hard.

From East: If approaching from east along A27 you need to skirt south of Chichester on the A27 ring road and locate the A286. From, say the Fontwell roundabout, {race course on left} approx. 7 miles east of Chichester and 4 miles west of Arundel, proceed due west keeping on A27. In about 2.8 miles continue on over Tangmere roundabout to arrive, in a further 2.1 miles, and after passing reservoir on right, at the ‘Sainsbury’s’ roundabout. Turn left here on to Chichester outer ring road signed ‘Portsmouth’, and ‘Bognor’. Continue on and in approx. 0.25 miles go over ‘Oving Crossroads’ {traffic lights}. Continue for approx. 0.5 miles to ‘Bognor Road’ roundabout with footbridge over the A27, go straight over here, taking 3rd exit, following signs for ‘Portsmouth’ to reach ‘Whyke’ roundabout in approx. 0.7 miles.

Continue on A27 for about 0.7 miles due west to the next roundabout - ‘Stockbridge’, with a further foot bridge spanning the A27. Turn left here onto the A286 signed ‘Bracklesham’, ‘Witterings’ and ‘Chichester Harbour Water Tours’ {the latter is a brown ‘Tourist’ type sign}. Continue south on A286 and in 1.3m pass road on right to Dell Quay and Apuldram continue on and pass entrance to Chichester Marina on right at about 2.3m. Continue on and at 4m cross straight over {2nd exit} ‘new’ roundabout at Birdham - bearing slightly right. At about 4.5 miles from A27 take right fork signed ‘Itchenor and Chichester Harbour Water Tours’. Continue on this narrowing road for 1.8 miles {6.3m from A27} to arrive at the village of Itchenor and the ‘hard’ {the road terminates directly on the hard}. Entrance road and signs to large public car park are passed on left about 100 mtrs before reaching the hard.
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Tourist Information Offices:

Chichester Tourist Information Office - 29A South St Chichester, PO19 1AH, Tel: 01243 775888.

Bognor Tourist Information Office - Belmont Street Bognor Regis PO21 1 BJ, Tel: 01243 784068.

Charts and Maps:  Admiralty No.3418, Stanford’s No. 10, Imray Y33 or OS Sheet SU 197.

Costs:

There are costs for using the Harbour. These are reasonable and identified below. Assuming you don't have a current Harbour license then the total cost, excluding eve meal, will be about £8.00 per boat and of course your Harbour license is valid for the whole week if you wish to stay.
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Harbour Dues Unless you already have a current 2004 license, dues will be  payable to the Harbour Conservancy Staff for use of the Harbour facilities. These are normally collected by the harbour staff while you rig, but if not then they should be paid at the harbour Master’s office. The 2004 charges are £3.50 for a single day, weekend or whole week’s access to the harbour for a dinghy the size of a Wanderer. The ‘Sticker’ issued by Conservancy staff on payment of the Harbour Dues has to be displayed at all times and is to be stuck to the hull at the stern port quarter.

Launching Fees and Other Charges - launching fees, trailer parking on the hard and temporary vehicular access to the hard attract further daily charges of £2.50 per day. Vehicles must be removed from the hard to the car park as soon as possible after dropping off the boat and equipment.

Car Parking - All vehicles are advised to park in the Conservancy administered public ‘Pay and Display’ car park the entrance of which is situated approx. 100 mtrs back from the hard. Watch out for the sign on your left as you arrive in Itchenor. After leaving trailer and boat on the hard and off loading sailing kit, cars should be removed to the car park as soon as possible, extended parking not being permitted on the hard. Trailers can be left on the hard subject to a small charge -see above.

I believe car park charges for 2004 remain at £3.00 - I will check nearer the time.  This charge permits parking for up to 24 hours. The lesser charges do not permit sufficient time for a day cruise. Take £1 coins for machine!. Officially any boat trailer left in this car park is supposed to have it’s own parking ticket, this only becomes applicable if you plan to stay on for drink or meal in the village after the cruise and move your boat and trailer to the car park. Experience to date has indicated that this ‘extra ticket’ has not been ‘found necessary’ when moving trailers to the car park late in the day, however this can not be guaranteed!

Accommodation: For those perhaps planning to stay in the vicinity over the weekend the local accommodation options include - B&B, Guest Houses, Public Houses, Travel Inns/Lodges and Camp Sites {Wicks Farm Camp Site @ 2.2m 01243 513116, Nunnington Farm @ 4.2m 01243 514013 and Scotts Farm @ 6.5m 01243 671720}. Further info can be obtained by contacting the Tourist Information Offices - details elsewhere in this document.

Group Evening Meal: Unfortunately I will not be able to stay on for an ‘after cruise meal’ although other cruise attendees are welcome to organise such a meal if they wish.  The Ship Inn at Itchenor is an excellent pub with restaurant and is conveniently placed between the hard and public car park - a phone booking may be advisable.

WCOA Disclaimer: The usual disclaimer applies in that all boats taking part do so entirely at their own risk. The WCOA [UK] and cruise organiser do not accept any responsibility or liability arising from any incident or accident however caused. Participation in the cruise is at the absolute and sole discretion of each helm and crew. It is their responsibility to ensure that their boat is both seaworthy and suitably equipped for the intended cruise event and prevailing and forecast conditions. It is also the responsibility of the boat’s owner and helm, if different, to ensure that adequate marine insurance is in operation for the dinghy which shall include third party cover as recommended above. All fees, dues and applicable charges for use of and/or access to the sailing venue shall be paid to the appropriate authority by each helm/crew prior to partaking.

Further Safety Note: For the safety of those attending this cruise and to assist the organiser in his endeavours to keep reasonable track of all boats it is intended to sail as a reasonably 'close' fleet.  At any time during the cruise any boat wishing to leave the fleet, either to turn back or to continue sailing independently or otherwise depart prematurely then that boat shall make every reasonable effort to advise the cruise organiser, {W 863}, or another member of the remaining ‘group’, prior to his departure. Please assist the cruise organiser by observing these simple procedures.
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Attendance: If you wish to join us on the this cruise please email me your details which should inc 1) name and contact details, 2) sail No, 3) number in party, 4) Any sailing experience at this venue and other pertinent info. Alternatively please confirm your attendance by phoning me in advance on 01403 250891.
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Terry Pullen W863 "Nebula".