A Sailor’s Guide to Chichester Harbour – Best Anchorages & Sailing Routes

Sailing in Chichester Harbour offers some of the most stunning, sheltered, and rewarding cruising on the South Coast.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful anchorage, a scenic day sail, or a tide-friendly route, knowing the best spots makes all the difference.

At Peerless Marine, we work with local sailors and know this area inside out. Here’s your ultimate guide to Chichester Harbour’s best anchorages and sailing routes, plus tips for safe navigation.

Getting to Know Chichester Harbour

• Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) 

• Tidal harbour – careful passage planning is key!

• Home to over 10,000 boats and multiple sailing clubs

• Strong tidal streams near the entrance – plan your arrival carefully

Best Anchorages in Chichester Harbour

There are plenty of great spots to drop anchor, but these are the most popular (and most sheltered!):

1. East Head (Best for Scenic Views & Beach Walks)

📍 Lat/Lon: 50.7844° N, 0.9295° W 

⚓ Holding: Good in sand 

💨 Shelter: Best in NW-SW winds 

🚤 Why Go? A stunning sandy spit near West Wittering, East Head is one of the most popular anchorages in the harbour. Ideal for beach picnics, swimming, and paddleboarding.

🛑 Local Tip: It gets busy in summer—arrive early to secure a spot!

2. Itchenor Reach (Best for Classic Yachting Atmosphere)

📍 Lat/Lon: 50.8063° N, 0.8667° W 

⚓ Holding: Good in mud/sand 

💨 Shelter: Good in most wind directions 

🚤 Why Go? A favourite among sailors, Itchenor offers beautiful scenery, easy access to local pubs, and a quaint village atmosphere.

🛑 Local Tip: You can pick up a visitors' mooring if you prefer not to anchor.

3. Emsworth Channel (Best for a Quiet Night at Anchor)

📍 Lat/Lon: 50.8462° N, 0.9381° W 

⚓ Holding: Mud – make sure you set your anchor well 

💨 Shelter: Good in SW-W winds 

🚤 Why Go? A peaceful escape with access to Emsworth town, home to great pubs and local charm.

🛑 Local Tip: The channel is shallow at low tide—check your keel clearance!

4. Pilsey Island (Best for Birdwatching & Nature Lovers)

📍 Lat/Lon: 50.8030° N, 0.9056° W 

⚓ Holding: Mud/sand – good in settled weather 

💨 Shelter: Best in NW-S winds 

🚤 Why Go? This quiet nature reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a secluded spot away from the crowds.

🛑 Local Tip: This is an environmentally protected area - please respect wildlife and avoid disturbing the shoreline.

Best Sailing Routes in Chichester Harbour

Looking for a great day sail? Here are some of the best local sailing routes depending on time and tide.

1. Short Day Sail: Itchenor → East Head → Back

Duration: 2–3 hours

Tide Tip: Best on a rising tide for easy anchoring at East Head.

Why? A perfect short trip that combines scenic sailing with a stop at the beach.

2. Half-Day Sail: Chichester Marina → Emsworth → Back

Duration: 4–5 hours

Tide Tip: Plan to arrive in Emsworth before low tide to avoid grounding.

Why? A great route for exploring Emsworth’s charming waterfront and enjoying a pub lunch.

3. Full-Day Sail: Chichester Marina → Hayling Bay → Back

Duration: 6–8 hours

Tide Tip: Exit Chichester Bar on an outgoing tide, return on the flood.

Why? Enjoy open water sailing beyond the harbour before returning to sheltered waters.

Tide & Navigation Tips for Chichester Harbour

✔ Check tide times before you sail – Chichester Harbour has a strong tidal flow, especially at the entrance.

 ✔ Use leading marks when exiting the harbour – The sandbanks shift, and cutting corners can lead to grounding.

 ✔ Avoid Chichester Bar in strong southerly winds – The waves can build up quickly.

 ✔ Monitor VHF Channel 14 for harbour updates.

Final Thoughts – Explore Chichester Harbour with Confidence

Whether you’re enjoying a lazy day at anchor or navigating the shifting tides, Chichester Harbour offers fantastic sailing experiences. But to sail safely and efficiently, your rigging and yacht setup must be in top condition.

Need a rigging check before your next trip? Contact Peerless Marine at Chichester Marina for professional rigging inspections, tuning, and maintenance.

Sail smarter. Sail safer. Let’s get your rig ready for adventure!