dell quay yacht marina

Practical Boat Owner

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Chichester Marina and Harbour: a guide

• Alison Wood
• March 10, 2023

Tranquil Chichester Marina and the surrounding harbour is the perfect destination for sailors with time to explore this area of natural beauty, as Alison Wood reports

Chichester Marina is situated adjacent to the rolling West Sussex countryside. Credit: Premier Credit: Premier Marinas

Surrounded by countryside, Chichester Harbour in Sussex is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), covering almost 7,400 hectares.

Distinctive tidal channels lead to a maze of inlets that criss-cross expanses of saltmarsh and mudflats.

Aerial view out to seaward taken from Bosham. Credit: David A Easterly/Alamy

The shoreline is fringed by oak trees and vegetation, and there are centuries-old villages to explore, with mills, fishermens’ cottages and maritime traditions.

With 56 miles of shoreline walks, you can discover Chichester Harbour by foot as well as by boat, especially at low tide when much of the harbour is drying.

Chichester Marina

Chichester Marina was one of the first marinas to be built in the UK, opening in the mid-1960s, with a state-of-the-art boatyard being rebuilt in 2014.

Despite being the UK’s second largest marina its rural setting and low-key architecture add to the tranquil vibe, with nature walks right on the doorstep.

Holder of a Five Gold Anchors award, Premier Chichester marina is home to 1,100 berths, a boatyard with two boat hoists, slipway and boatshed.

Chichester Marina sits comfortably in its natural surroundings. Credit: Charlie Ross

On-site services include a chandlery, brokerage, rigging , cosmetic work, valeting and engineering.

The Boat House offers indoor and outdoor eating with harbour views and has a pizza oven which sells out on summer days.

Nearby Chichester Yacht Club is open day and night for food and coffee, and marina berth-holders and visitors have guest access.

A nice walk from the marina along the wooded, harbourside path takes you to Dell Quay, where you’ll find the traditional Crown & Anchor pub.

Facilities at Chichester Marina

Boats can be accommodated up to 22m length, 7m beam and 2.3m draught. Versadock (drive-on floating dock) is available as well as trailer sailer options for smaller craft.

Credit: Maggie Nelson

The marina offers secure berth holder parking, luxury toilets and showers and free wifi. For family and friends, or owners not wanting to stay overnight aboard, Premier has nine New England-style apartments ‘The Salterns’ situated within the marina.

Approach to Chichester Marina

Approach by sea is via the west pole beacon – cross Chichester Bar located at the entrance to the harbour. Once inside the harbour, head north-east past East Head and towards Itchenor.

The marina approach channel is dredged to approx. 0.5m below CD – vessels entering the marina should keep to the starboard side of the channel.

Chichester Bar is located at the entrance to the harbour and is dredged to approximately 1.5m below chart datum giving a depth of 2m at mean low water Springs; however, the bottom can vary up to 0.75m.

One to keep an eye on – tidal gauge indicates sill depth at the entrance to Emsworth harbour. Credit: Tony Cortazzi/Alamy

With an ebb tide and strong southerly winds, exercise caution and cross the Bar between three hours before and one hour after high water Springs.

As you approach Longmore Point ensure your VHF is on Ch80; on passing Birdham Spit pile call the marina using your boat’s call sign, advise your position and request lock entry.

View of Bosham from across the creek which mostly dries. Credit: Paul Weston/Alamy

The lock keeper will acknowledge your call and either instruct you to proceed to the lock on a green light or, in busy times, join the back of the queue for the lock and enter in turn upon a green signal light.

Day cruises

The Solent is just on your doorstep offering easy access east or west to some of the UK’s most popular cruising grounds.

Within a day’s sail of Chichester Marina you can visit the Isle of Wight or take a long leisurely cruise to picturesque Beaulieu River (with Buckler’s Hard and Beaulieu Motor Museum) and Lymington Harbour.

Weekend cruises

Chichester is an excellent start point for cross-Channel cruises and trips to Premier’s Gosport, Port Solent, Swanwick, Brighton and Eastbourne marinas – where berth holders can use their 42 free visitor night credits.

Longer distance

A little further afield you’ve got the West Country, Channel Islands, Cherbourg and the Brittany coastline.

Local attractions

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, Chichester has many sandy beaches, fishing villages and family attractions including Goodwood House and Racecourse.

Chichester Marina is just four miles from the historic city of Chichester, with its theatres, galleries, 900-year-old cathedral, and the Novium Museum, charting 500,000 years of life in the city.

A Southerly 49 takes the ground on the beach at East Head. Credit: Michael Austen/Alamy

A short drive away is the village of Fishbourne, with the remains of a Roman Palace and gardens.

Further around the harbour takes you to the quaint village of Bosham with its village green and arts and crafts centre.

In addition to the small beach by the marina – where you can swim at high tide – there are the sandy beaches of East Head and The Witterings, with long unspoilt coastline stretching from West Wittering Beach to Bracklesham Bay.

• Chichester Marina, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7EJ. VHF Ch80. Tel: 01243 512731, premiermarinas.com
• Chichester Harbour Conservancy, conservancy.co.uk

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Local Knowledge about Chichester Marina and harbour

Peter Draper has a Dunkirk Little Ship

If you’ve a high-speed powerboat, Chichester Harbour isn’t for you. If you have a yacht or like to potter it’s ideal.

It’s a beautiful place: safe, secure inland cruising with many little creeks, and places to visit such as Emsworth and Bosham.

There’s a plethora of wildlife, and it’s also great for dinghy sailors.

I own a 1927 pilchard fishing boat, Caronia – which helped in the World War II evacuation of Dunkirk.

I’ve spent over a decade restoring her with my son and love to sail out of Chichester.

The harbour is a wonderful place to be. It’s what I consider the garden gate to the West Country.

Once through the gate you’ve got the safety and security of the Solent.

There’s Cowes, Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, and Lymington on the other side. Gosport is good for a night out, and then if you want to go further, have a stopover over in Yarmouth and you can do Poole or even Weymouth in a day’s sail (say 6 or 7 knots).

From there, you’re a day away from Dartmouth. Of course in a motorboat you’re in the West Country in a day.

• Peter runs Navigator’s Marine, based in Chichester Marina, navigatorsmarine.co.uk . His book Restoring a Dunkirk Little Ship: Caronia SS70 is available on Amazon

Gilbert Park has a Trusty T23 motorboat

If you can get to Emsworth Town Quay and be prepared to leave on the tide, it’s a marvellous place to visit.

There are lots of shops and lovely pubs and eateries, including a Michelin restaurant.

There’s a visitor mooring 1km away at all states of the tide, where you can dinghy in. West Head is extremely popular because of the sandy beach.

If I want to take my grandchildren there I’ll go in a boat that dries out in the morning and leave in the afternoon. It’s wonderful.

You’ve got all the facilities on the beach, and there’s an anchorage too.

For peace and quiet and a wonderful sunset, I go to Itchenor – there’s a lovely anchorage there.

If you prefer marinas, then Chichester Marina has all the facilities you need.

Traditional boats like to go to Birdham, and my grandchildren particularly like Northney Marina because it has a play area and barbecue spot.

Bosham is very pretty and dates back to the time of the Bayeux tapestry. Chichester is also a great place for birdwatchers.

We get all sorts of migratory birds stopping here, as well as lots of seals.

Adam McMenemy sails a Sabre 27

I have a fin keel boat so I have to be a bit careful about where I go. I like to explore the stretch of water from Chichester marina to Itchenor.

Bosham creek is beautiful too. There are visitor moorings there and you can stay overnight.

My favourite spot is Hayling Island Sailing Club. It’s a beautiful little club, and has sandy beaches, fantastic views, good food and the bar’s always open.

Visiting yachtsmen are welcome at the club.

From Hayling Island it’s not too far to Birdham Pool, which is a great place to have lunch. I work as a marine electrician out of Emsworth Yacht Harbour in Emsworth Marina.

It’s a really nice village.

The marina is tidal, but it has a sill, so once you’re in you’ve got water.

East Head beach is half an hour’s walk from West Wittering so it’s mostly only sailors who go there.

There’s a sandy beach with dunes around it, and you can anchor overnight.

• Adam runs ACM Marine, facebook.com/AcmMarine

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Welcome to the Crown and Anchor, Chichester

Built at the end of the 16th Century, the Crown & Anchor is situated in the heart of the pretty hamlet of Dell Quay, and has one of the most unrivalled positions on Chichester Harbour.  The Crown and Anchor is the perfect spot to explore Chichester harbour and breathe in gallons of glorious fresh air.  Then after a little exploration, return back to the pub to take in the stunning views from Dell Quay Marina, from both our indoor restaurant and waterside terrace.

Our menu boasts the best of local seasonal seafood dishes alongside British classics with a twist. Head Chef Phyl is proud to deliver an enticing menu that offers options for appetites both big and small. In summer spend the evening wining and dining on our stunning sea view terrace, and in winter cuddle up next to our roaring fire with a hearty British meal. Plus, why not bring your four-legged friend?  We’re dog friendly too.

Whether you are in the area visiting West Wittering beach, Goodwood, the stunning South Downs or just looking for a beautiful spot for lunch or dinner, you can expect a warm welcome at The Crown & Anchor, Dell Quay.

Chris and the team look forward to welcoming you.

Seaside Classics

Our menus are designed with seasonality and locality in mind. Head Chef Phyl uses the finest fresh ingredients to bring our dishes to life. Delve into a taste of the West Sussex coast with dishes featuring the best of local fish and shellfish alongside pub classics with a coastal twist.

Day Boat Fish

Ahoy seafood lovers, ready to reel in a fresh catch? We’re proud to serve up sustainable fresh fish, straight from the day boats. Check out our daily specials board for fresh and Selsey Crab, Cornish Hake and whole Devon Plaice. Just to name a few.

Dates for the Diary

Take out your diary, and make sure you’re available for the dates below.

Our Waterside Terrace

 In summer spend the evening wining and dining on our stunning sea view terrace,

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Seafood Festival

Join us on Friday 5th July – Sunday 7th July for our annual Seafood Festival. All weekend long our Salt Shack, Restaurant & BBQ will be serving up plenty of Sea-side-y Seafood Delights.

All are welcome with no booking required for alfresco so join us for a weekend not to be missed!

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Coming by Water

Please let us know you are coming using the Visitor Form so that we can make sure you are aware of what is happening and also for us to make sure facilities are available as we are a volunteer club and are not staffed every day.

Enter Chichester Harbour, and follow the channel in an easterly direction, passing East Head (popular beach and anchorage) towards Itchenor.

Once in the Itchenor Reach, continue easterly through the main channel of moorings until the channel widens once more.

This area is known as "Chichester Lake", and you will see Birdham Pool (the first commercial Marina ever built in UK) and Chichester Marina on your Starboard side.

By this time, the spire of Chichester Cathedral should be visible to you; head towards it in a North-Easterly direction, observing the channel markings if you are limited by your draught.

A yacht with 1.5m (5 feet) draught should be able to navigate right up to Dell Quay 2.5 hours either side of HW Springs (sometimes more).

DELL QUAY DRIES COMPLETELY AT LOW WATER , so please be sure your boat can take the ground if you intend an extended visit.

Smaller vessels (dinghies, day-sailors and yachts etc up to 30' LOA) may moor on the club pontoon.

The end of the Quay can easily accommodate two larger boats of approximately 36' LOA lying directly alongside the Quay and you may raft up if you wish too.

The end of the Quay is fitted with large strong vertical poles to which you may moor your boat and rise and fall easily with the tide.

Bilge keel yachts may stay against the end of the Quay, as may Fin-Keel yachts if well fendered (you may wish to bring a fender-board).

For Fin Keel yachts, there are very large strong metal rings set into the top of the Quay (once upon a time used by very large vessels bringing grain, leather, wool, coal etc), which will enable you run a halyard or other line to shore to induce a gentle lean against the end of the quay when drying out. There are strong metal ladders set into the end of the Quay which will enable you to climb on/off your boat.

The ground at the foot of the Quay is firm mud over gravel.

For short stay visitors, the Harbour Master's pontoon is on the north side of the Quay. Please be aware that stays on the pontoon are limited to around 1 hour, and we recommend you contact the Chichester Harbour Conservancy if you would like to stay longer. If drying out on the pontoon, please note that the ground is soft mud for the first third of the pontoon ((just before the ramp) your keels will typically sink no more than approximately 30cm.

Alternatively, why not ground your bilge keel, lifting keel or if you have legs for you boat on the "Hard" and public launching area?

To do this, pass the end of the Quay heading north, turn sharply to Starboard and position your boat some 20-30 feet away from the Pontoon and parallel to it, just be aware that the dinghies when launching for racing also use this hard.

The ground here is firm shingle and once the tide has receded there are ground chains onto which you can secure your boat.

Last updated 19:49 on 10 June 2024

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Making The Most of Chichester Harbour

Thornham marina guide to discovering chichester harbour by boat.

There’s plenty of special places to reach by boat from Thornham Marina by cruising all the creeks of Chichester Harbour. There’s something very special about exploring by boat rather than by car, where you can row ashore for a glorious walk or visit the local hostelry in this amazing Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. When boaters enter Chichester Harbour they find many charts only show a few marked anchorages such as East Head, which is often packed out on a hot summers day. However, there are plenty more places to explore which can make a great adventure, especially if you have a tender, kayak or sailing dinghy in tow.

Here’s our Thornham Marina Guide to exploring Chichester Harbour’s creeks and anchorages.

Heading up the Itchenor Channel, you can pick up a visitor mooring or beyond the Itchenor Sailing Club, you can berth on the visitor pontoons. Here you can enjoy the beautiful tree-lined shores and stunning houses, and watch the action as the classic Itchenor Sunbeams and X Boats arrive back at their moorings. Head ashore and take the footpath from Itchenor around the shore to East. Stop for a drink or book in for a meal at The Ship.

Beyond Chichester Yacht Basin the channel leads up to Dell Quay, once a busy port serving Chichester. If your boat can take the ground it’s fun to head up there on an incoming tide to anchor to the side of the channel. Keep an eye on the tidal curve and be sure to head off in good time before the tide goes out, or you can dry out if you wish and chill out. There’s excellent food at the Crown and Anchor which overlooks the harbour.

Beyond Itchenor is the delightful Birdham Pool and in easy reach when cruising from Thornham Marina. It’s one of the UK’s earliest marinas. Enter via a lockgate with opens approximately three hours either side of high water. Berthing is often between ‘old style’ mooring posts, rather than modern finger pontoons, although there are some pontoons and a hammerhead pontoon. Book ahead to stay the night there. The friendly lockgate staff are often happy to take a line.

Birdham is one of the harbour’s most snug and sheltered marinas, with delightful walks from the beautiful Pool towards Itchenor and the beach at East Head or towards Dell Quay. Chichester Yacht Club welcomes visiting yachtsmen for dinner. Press on further into the wide open Chichester Lake where it’s possible to anchor on the edge of the channel in the Lake, although watch out for dinghies racing from Chichester Yacht Club. 

Bosham Channel & Quay

Coming back down the Itchenor Channel take a right turn northwards up the Bosham Channel. You can pick up a free mooring for lunch and watch out for the Cobnor Activities Centre Trust boats and kayaks teaching schools and youth groups how to sail. Be ready to slip your lines if the mooring owner comes back. Or head up to Bosham Quay and moor up here. It’s best to approach on a rising tide and use plenty of fenders against the old Quay. The village and church are worth exploring and so too is the Anchor Bleu pub and charming tea room in the high street.

Heading west towards Langstone Bridge, if your boat can take the ground, anchor on gravelly mud between Conigar Point and Langstone, for views of Warblington Church the Castle and the stunning Langstone Mill. Both the Royal Oak and The Ship Inn can be reached by boat on a spring tide for a quick pint before the tides goes down. Or anchor off and tender ashore for a more relaxed visit and food. Watch out for the Langstone rowing gigs, which are often out and rowing hard up towards Marker post and beyond.

Mengham Rythe

Possibly the most hidden haven, Tournerbury Pool, can be found at the very top of the Creek beyond Mengham Sailing Club. Sitting in a heavily wooded site, the pool is part of the former Tornerbury Fort and thought to be a Celtic settlement responsible for salt production. Best approached on an incoming tide, keep a wary eye on your depth gauge as it can get very shallow! This magical little pool is brought to life in the wonderful historical novel Dick Burgess of Bosham by Keith Vignoles.

Although prone to being busy at weekends and during holidays, East Head remains a special anchorage. On a quiet weekday evening watch the glorious sunset over Portsmouth’s Emirates Tower and take in the panoramic views across the South Downs, Goodwood and Chichester Cathedral.

Pilsey Island

If you are short of time or don’t wish to go too far, then closest to cruise to/from Thornham Marina is the peace and serenity of Thorney Channel. Sheltered by the beautiful Pilsey Island and ancient broken walkway and mudflats extending from Chidham. You can anchor safely overnight between the ‘goal post’ channel markers and to the south of the TISC mooring buoys.

For a bigger day out from Thornham Marina, on the west side of the Harbour up the Emsworth Channel, you can anchor overnight on either side of the creek between Mill Rythe and Sweare Deep. Sit there long enough on a quiet evening and you might be lucky to have a visit from the harbour seals – or watch them sunbathing on the mud at half tide! Beyond Marker the Emsworth channel splits at the NE Hayling port hand marker. Heading to Emsworth you can pick up a space on the visitor pontoon off Fowley Island. Tender ashore to the Emsworth Quay, where fabulous pubs and restaurants in South Street and the village square await. Alternatively, the Chichester Harbour Master offers a launch service 2 hours either side of HW on weekends and Bank Holidays from 0830 to 1700 from Easter to end September. Call Channel 14 or 07864 915247.

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“A 7 mile walk around thorney island and a lovely church. Free parking but security gates etch. Stunning views across to IOW and to Hauling and Portsmouth….”

Rosalind Cooper View more review

Thornham Marina, Thornham Lane, Prinsted, Nr. Emsworth, Hampshire, PO10 8DD

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Find your Harbour

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Chichester Harbour, Eastern Sector (3)

Courtesy flag, rules & regulations, tidal data times & range, this site is designed for slower, roaming broadband connections, like you would get at sea, so it needs javascript enabled to expand the text. click here to show the fast loading version, general description.

This article deals with the far eastern side of Chichester Harbour, including Birdham Pool, Chichester Marina, and Dell Quay.  

Although the harbour carries deepwater as far as Itchenor, from there onwards and in the approaches to the marinas tidal calculations will have to be made.  Marina berths are available here in complete shelter, although not exactly on top of big town facilities.

Harbour Dues Update 2020.

Chichester Conservancy have clarified the position on Harbour dues and Marina fees.  If stopping overnight at a marina the fees you pay the Marina will include the harbour dues.  A subsequent  overnight stop in the harbour outside a marina is not covered by that payment and harbour dues would have to be paid

For information on the dues payable to the Board see their website at:-

http://www.conservancy.co.uk/  

After passing through Itchenor the shallowing channel is not as clearly marked as it was...

The moorings on either side show the way at first, and then the channel is marked by piles. From the visitors pontoon at Itchenor, the channel first trends southeast, then it meanders north eastwards. Just keep an eye on the green and red piles.

Branching off to starboard from the main channel there are two completely separate marked channels across the drying mud banks. The first leads to Birdham Pool, which is perhaps one of the oldest marinas in the UK. Set in what was originally a tide mill pond, this rustic and charming outfit can handle boats up to 15 m long with a 2 m  draft  maximum. Access is via a lock.

The second marked channel across the drying mud banks leads to Chichester Marina, again set in a natural pool. This Marina is entered via a lock, and can handle boats up to 20 m long with drafts of up to 1.8 m.

If pushing up the channel rather than visiting the marinas is your intention be aware that although the channel is marked as far as Dell Quay, it does in fact dry out so tidal calculations will have to be made. It is possible to arrange a drying berth at Dell Quay.

The harbour authorities can be contacted on VHF channel 14, or telephone 01243 512301. A link to their website is provided below:

http://www.conservancy.co.uk

Berthing, Mooring & Anchoring

The visiting yachtsman or motorboater will find that it's not possible to anchor anywhere in the  eastern area of Chichester harbour and remain afloat.

Birdham Pool and Chichester Marina both offer floating moorings for visitors,  but a suitable rise of tide will be needed to approach either of these, and locking in is required. Pilotage information and prices are now given for both these marinas:  

Birdham Pool.

http://www.birdhampool.co.uk/

The lock is staffed from 0600  to 2200 during the summer months , and from 0700 to 1800 in the winter. As the approach is tidal, access for boats with a 1.5 metre draft is 2.5 hours either side of Portsmouth HW.

A useful note has been left by Twohoots in our comments section at the end of these notes; he covers waiting options if the lock is busy when you get there and also advice on fuelling.

Facilities here include water and electricity, with toilets and showers ashore. Full shipyard facilities for the boat are available, including lifting out and repairs. Various engineers, boatbuilding and GRP are on-site. Provisioning a bit of a hike away. The charges here (2020) are £3.03 per metre per night, plus harbour dues. £3.60 for shore power

Chichester Marina.

Berthing costs (2020) are now £3.50 per metre per night for 8 to 12.5 metre boats with a minimum charge of £28.00; . A link to Chichester Marina's website is provided below:

https://www.premiermarinas.com/UK-Marina-locations/Chichester-Marina

Facilities for the boat at this establishment include travel lift, hard standing, winter storage and full repair capabilities. Check the directory. 

Updated March 2020

Further Berthing Information

"Take the Chichester channel; on through Itchenor Reach, packed with moorings, and just past the entrance to Birdham Pool and the Chichester Marina you come to the wide open Chichester Lake. The Lake is clear of moorings but it is a bit shallow so you need to check your depth before anchoring. Once all the traffic has passed for the day, it's a beautifully quiet and sheltered place to be. We haven't been ashore here but we have seen others row to the marina waiting pontoon to go ashore. At high tide it would be possible to row onto the beach to the east of the marina, there are public footpaths round this part of the shore.

This information is reproduced here by kind permission of Alan Holmes, his site below has much information about Solent harbours and anchorages, has some good photos, and is based on plenty of hands on experience...check it out

http://www.troppo.co.uk/tightwad/tightwad.htm

The facilities at the individual marinas have been touched on, and this article looks at the more general facilities in the area.

Trailer Sailers can launch and recover at Chichester Marina, which although it does charge offers plenty of facilities. The ramp launches into the Marina, but you will need to lock out, and then back in again later to recover.

Other launching options are available at the slipway Dell Quay, and this is available at about half the tidal range. There are a couple of boatyards here, as well as the Dell Quay Sailing Club (01243 785080).

If at either of the marinas small provisioning can be obtained at Chichester Marina. A serious stock up will involve getting a bus (they run from the Marina entrance) to Chichester. In Chichester itself will be found all the usual High Street names, plus banks and cashpoints. Supermarkets include Iceland, Waitrose, and Marks & Spencer's. A Tesco Metro is near the centre, but there is a large Tesco supermarket just outside of town on the Fishborne roundabout.

Chichester is well connected by bus and by rail, and the two marinas just covered allow the opportunity of safely leaving the boat unattended should the need arise. Likewise crew changes can be handled from this area.

Chichester is a cathedral city in West Sussex, England. It has a long history as a settlement; its Roman past and its subsequent importance in Anglo-Saxon times are only its beginnings. It is the seat of a bishopric, with a 12th century cathedral.

Chichester today is a local government stronghold, three levels being administered from here. It is also a transport hub, and the centre for culture in the region, with a Festival theatre and two art galleries. The nearby Chichester Harbour, together with the South Downs, provide ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits.

It has been argued that the area was a bridgehead for the Roman invasion of Britain. The city centre stands on the foundations of the Romano-British city of Noviomagus Reginorum, capital of the Civitas Reginorum, and near to the Roman Palace of Fishbourne. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle it was captured towards the close of the fifth century, by Ælle, and renamed after his son, Cissa. It was the chief city of the Kingdom of Sussex. The Roman Road of Stane Street, connecting Fishbourne Palace with London, passes through the city centre. The city streets have a cross-shaped layout, inherited from the Romans: radiating outwards from the medieval market cross lead the North, South, East and West shopping streets. Quite a lot of the city walls are in place, and may be walked along over what still remains .

An amphitheatre was built close to what would have been the city walls, outside the East Gate in around 80 AD. The remains are now buried under land currently used as a park, but the bank of the amphitheatre is clearly discernible and a notice board in the park gives more information.

The City of Chichester is located on the River Lavant and south of its gap through the South Downs: this winterbourne stream often dries up during the summer months. For part of its course through the city is in in underground culverts. Its site made it an ideal place for a settlement, where many ancient routeways converged here. The oldest part is within the walls, but as with most towns growth has occurred beyond those confines.

The most obvious landmark is naturally the cathedral, but there are several others. The remains of the Roman amphitheatre are now buried under land currently used as a park, but the bank of the amphitheatre is clearly discernible and a notice board in the park gives more information.

The Butter Market in North Street was designed by John Nash, and was opened in 1808 as a food and produce market. In 1900, a second storey was added to the building, originally housing an arts institute. It is currently still in use by various small business, however Chichester City Council are soon to carry out a full scale renovation of the building, leaving the future of some of the current retailers in some doubt.

The Corn Exhange in East Street was built in 1833, one of the first in the country.  It is an imposing building, designed to show off its importance to trade. In 1883 it was also used for drama and entertainment. From then it became a cinema (1923-1984), a restaurant, and then a fast food restaurant. It is currently occupied by Next clothing retailers.

The Chichester Cross, a one-time site for the market, stands at the intersection of the four main roads in the centre of the city.

Chichester is the hub of several main roads. The most important of these is the A27 coastal trunk road connecting Eastbourne with Southampton. The secondary coastal road, the A259, which began its journey at Folkestone in Kent, joins with a junction with the A27 here and ends in Havant to the west. Both those roads make east-west connections. Three roads give Chichester acces to the north: The A29 from London, which has also joined the A27 to the east of the city; and the A285, which gives access to Petworth and another cross-country road (the A272); and finally the A286, heading towards Guildford.

Stagecoach South East bus company has its headquarters here.

Chichester railway station, on the West Coastway Line, has regular services to Brighton, London Victoria via Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth, Southampton and Basingstoke. In the past there was a branch line to Midhurst in the north; and a light railway built by Colonel HF Stephens known as the West Sussex Railway which ran south to Selsey, and which closed in 1935.

There are several long distance routes for walkers, cyclists and riders in the area, some of which, like the Centurion Way to West Dean in East Sussex, start here.

Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral, founded in the 11th century, is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and contains a shrine to Saint Richard of Chichester. Its spire, built of the weak local stone, collapsed suddenly and was rebuilt during the 19th century. In the south aisle of the cathedral a window in the floor affords a view of the remains of a Roman mosaic pavement. The Cathedral is unusual in the UK in having a separate bell tower a few metres away from the main building, rather than integrated into it. Within the Cathedral there is a medieval tomb of a knight and his wife, the inspiration of the poem "An Arundel Tomb", by Philip Larkin. A fine memorial statue also exists of William Huskisson, once Member of Parliament for the City, but best remembered as the first man to be run over by a railway engine. Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms were commissioned for the Cathedral.

In addition to the cathedral there are five Church of England churches; St Richard’s Roman Catholic church; and nine other religious buildings of other denominations.

The city holds an annual three-week arts and music festival (“Chichester Festivities“) held in July.

Its most prestigious cultural location is the Chichester Festival Theatre , one of the United Kingdom’s flagship theatres, whose annual summer season attracts actors, writers and directors from the West End theatre.

Pallant House Gallery, winner of the 2007 gallery of the year Gulbenkian Prize has a major collection of chiefly modern British art and in 2006 opened its new extension that houses the collection of Professor Sir Colin St John Wilson. It also has a changing programme of exhibitions.

Chichester Cinema at New Park is the city's first and only arthouse cinema. It shows a selection of mainstream, small-budget and older films, with showings 7 days a week. Vice presidents are Dame Maggie Smith and Kenneth Branagh.

The following paragraph considers the city’s music scene: in recent years it has experienced growth in various genres.

Popular music

A cornerstone of the Chichester music scene is Chichester RAJF (From "Real Ale and Jazz Festival"), a four day festival of music and real ale held each July in tents beside the 13th century Guildhall in Priory Park. Founded in 1981 by members of Chichester Hockey Club as a fund-raising event, the festival has grown in size and ambition. In the early years the focus was on traditional jazz and featured performers such as Kenny Ball, Humphrey Lyttelton and Kenny Baker. In the 1990s blues and R&B were introduced and more recently the festival has increased its capacity to 2500 persons and has offered a wide range of popular music including James Brown, Status Quo, Blondie, Boney M, Robert Cray, Hot Chocolate, Howard Jones, Go West, The Pretenders, The Drifters and Simple Minds. For 2008, Chichester RAJF has announced Squeeze for Sat 12th July. Though the Concert has to finish at 11 0'clock due to the local residents

Blues on the Farm is a festival held every June at Pump Bottom Farm two miles (3.2km) south of the city. Founded in 1991, it has become the UK's biggest outdoor blues festival hosting many of the top national and international names in a picturesque and friendly environment. Roots Around the World is another such festival, bringing what is described as the best in global music to the city and surrounding village halls.

The text on this HISTORY page is covered by the following licence   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_GNU_Free_Documentation_License

Eating, Drinking & Entertainment

There are some opportunities for eating drinking in the area of the two marinas. Chichester Marina has on the site a bar/restaurant, and Chichester Yacht Club (also on site) allows visitors to use its bar and restaurant.

Within a 15 minute walk of these marinas can be found another three pubs, including the Black Horse and at Dell Quay the Crown and Anchor.

Chichester itself being a city (albeit a small one), can offer plenty of entertainment possibilities.... and funnily enough the history page lists a couple.

A couple of links are provided below for further investigation:

Pubs in the Chichester Area:

http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/results.shtml/el/Chichester%3BWest%20Sussex

Eating Out in the Chichester Area:

THE 10 BEST Restaurants & Places to Eat in Chichester 2021 - Tripadvisor

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Tide Times & Heights for Chichester Harbour (Entrance) on Monday, 08 July 2024 High Tide:01:28 ( 4.40m ) Low Tide:06:59 ( 1.10m ) High Tide:14:10 ( 4.48m ) Low Tide:19:18 ( 1.37m )

MOORINGS AND BOAT STORAGE

Tidal mud berths on swinging moorings. Access is from 2-3 hours either side of high tide depending on tides and atmospheric conditions.

The prices for a Swinging Moorings for the Summer Season (April 1st to October 31st)

£595 (Maximum 9 meters)

(20% deposit due November/December and the balance by April 1st).

The price for Jetty Berthing is:

• £1.05/ft/wk for monohull (e.g. 25ft@£1.05/ft/wk =£26.25/wk)
• £1.15/ft/wk for multihull (e.g. 25ft@£1.15/ft/wk =£28.75/wk)

Customers pay Seasonally for their Jetty Berthing.

Full payment is due before the Season starts.

The Summer Season starts on April 1st – October 31st and the Winter Season starts November 1st – March 31st.

Subject to availability, the price for the Foreshore and Hard Standing is:

• £1.00/ft/wk for monohull (e.g. 25ft@£1.00p/ft/wk =£25/wk)
• £1.10/ft/wk for multihull (e.g. 25ft@£1.10/ft/wk =£27.50/wk)

This can be long or short term.

Customers pay Seasonally for space on the Foreshore and Hard Standing.

Smaller boats (up to 18 ft) can be stored along-side the Workshop on our decked Staging for £200 half yearly.

• Summer, April 1st – October 31st: £200
• Winter, November 1st – March 31st: £200

Tender storage at Sophie’s Boatyard for a full year is £130, payable in advance (runs January – January).

Dinghies can be stored on the foreshore chain for £50 (April 1st – October 31st).

IMAGE GALLERY

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Sophie managed the boatyard and injected her enthusiasm and passion into it. She was well loved and known by everyone at Dell Quay. Tragically Sophie passed away from an ongoing illness in April 2017. Her legacy will forever live on in the now named “Sophie’s Boatyard”.

Julian Waller took over managing Sophie’s in January 2022. He has sailed all his life – from a Mirror Dinghy as a boy to a Tayana 37 Bluewater Cutter, Crossing The Atlantic and several trips to The Mediterranean. He built National Twelve Racing Dinghies with Nigel Waller on the East Coast, in wood and Carbon/Kevlar Composites. He has also worked on Classic Yacht Maintenance in the UK and abroad.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

If you have any questions or would like further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

T: 01243 782768

M: 07766143671

© 2020 Sophie’s Boatyard Ltd

Yard Services & Facilities

Electricity

Call us on 01243 785954

All prices exclude VAT

30 ton crane

Hydraulic boat lift

Yard Services

Boat Storage    * †

Vessels up to 38ft LOA / 10 tons. Includes shoring & blocking.

• Monohull: 15.4p per ft per day
• Multihull: 21.7p per ft per day

Moorings    ∆ ≠

Located in the picturesque Fishbourne Channel, on Dell Quay Reach. 1st April to 31st October

• Half tide: £590.00

Foreshore Berths    * † ≠

• Foreshore – Monohull: 11.7p per ft per day
• Foreshore – Multihull: 16.45p per ft per day

Sailing Dinghy / Trailer storage    †

• 1st October to 31st March: 15.4p  per ft per day
• 1st April to 31st September: 9.54p  per ft per day

Telescopic crane

Lift on/off. (Minimum charge £80.00)

• 3.50p  per ft

Haulout or Launch    *

Boat handling to 38ft / 10 tons

• £5.30  per ft

Launching from owners trailer    *

Not applicable to owners with storeage contracts.

• £1.25  per ft

Pressure washing    *

• Monohull:  £2.12  per ft
• Multihull:  P.O.A Heavy fouling removal incurs an extra charge

Masts – step / unstep    *

• Main mast: £3.12  per ft
• Second mast:  £1.70  per ft

On water collection & delivery

• Chichester Maina / Westlands: £53.00
• Itchenor: £70.00
• Bosham: £82.70

* † ∆ ≠  – See   Terms of Business

In House Services

• Antifouling including Copper coat
• Anodes – supply & fit
• Restoration
• Grit blasting
• Hull servicing

Specialist Services

Osmosis Treatment

• Gel peeling
• Infra-Red drying of hull laminate
• Laminate preparation
• Epoxy coatings

GRP Process

• Gelcoat repairs
• Lustre restoration
• Restructuring
• Restoration of impact damage
• Hull modifications

Topsides restoration

• Buff and polish

Marine engineering

• Re-engine packages
• Marine engine repairs / services
• Marine engine winterise and re-commisioning
• Bow thrusters – supply and installation

• Search forums
• Motor Boat Forum

What ever happened to Dell Quay Dory

• Thread starter ManicMoov
• Start date 2 Sep 2006

Hi Everyone Ever since I was young, I have always loved the look and practicality of Dell Quay Dories. Now my two young children are showing an interest in watercraft, I thought it would be a good time to treat myself to my first Dory. My first stop was the internet. Ebay has a few search results, but I really wanted to do a bit of research first, and believe it or not, there is almost no information on the net relating to Dell Quay (just a few articles from America about Dell Quay stealing the designs of the Boston Whalers). So I searched the YBW site for Dell Quay, and it came up with one article about Fletcher boats closing down! Did I miss something, did Fletcher own Dell Quay before going bust? Should this deter me from buying a second hand Dory? What Dory-style alternatives are there to Dell Quay? Thanks for your advise.  

Hi Dell quay where bought by RTK Marine in the mid 80s and then sold to Fletcher who at that time where owned by Hornby they in turn sold out to a investment co run by some jersey based man and about 5 years ago they went into administration the day before the london boat show. it was then bought off the receiver by a wolverhampton business man who couldn't make it work. Now SBS have the rights and tooling to manufacture some of the boats i am not sure if they are doing Dell quay or just concentrating on a few of the fletcher boats. I would look around for a dell quay around chrischurch and the west country would be a good bet as they seem popular there. alternative is really a Boston Whaler more money but a much better boat.  

Thanks for the speedy response, I will check out the offerings from Boston.  

I believe Wills Marine in Kingsbridge had one for sale recently. It may have been sold by now but may be worth a search on their website. Don't know their address but you can always google for it. I think Orkney used to make a small dory as well, so perhaps you should also keep a look out for those.  

Active member

Fletcher marketed malibu as well as sportsman as dories  

The Malibu was a great boat based on Fletcher 17 hull unfortunaly not enough freeboard really. I took mine to Cowes for fireworks once from Poole, nearly sank it tho!!!!!!  

jonathankent

Wills Marine, Kingsbridge  

www.boatsandoutboards.com I think its .com. Might be some on there.  

pelicanpete

The founder of Dell Quay Dories was a chap called Phillips. (Don't know his first name). After the sale (or demise) of the company he left Chichester and moved to Green Turtle Cay, Abaco in The Bahamas with his family. There, they bought a hotel and marina in White Sound (quite up market!) and it is run and managed today by his son, David Phillips and his wife.  

victoraspey

My understanding was they had a few hi profile problems after water filled the double skin and boat became unstable. The jeanneau polypropelene boats came on the scene and superseeded them. Cheaper and more robust and dorys just could not compete.  

kimhollamby

The decline of Dell Quay was probably more a combination of winding up in Fletcher ownership at a bad time, together with the rise and rise of the RIB through the 1990s. Once the vee hull format could be offered in a more seaworthy form the cathedral hulls had more or less had their day for anything other than very specialist (or very cheap) applications.  

• 10 Sep 2006

I have a Dell Quay Dory 13 for sale. It's not been in the water for many years. It's got stainless steel bow and side rails. No engine. On a trailer - new wheels and tyres - but needs some attention. Located near Weir Wood Reservoir, border of East and West Sussex (near East Grinstead).  

• 11 Oct 2006

I have finished rebuilting a Dell Quay Dory 17, made in 1968. I would like to find 2 stern decals that are an British Union Jack flag with 17 on a blue background. If anyone has a picture of one on their boat, please email it to me for a pattern size and I wil have 2 made. Thanks for the help.  

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• Boats for Sale

15' Dell Quay Fisher

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Full specification

15 Foot Dell Quay Fisher made by Shetland Boats. 8HP Tohatsu (2015) Garmin Striker 5DV Fish finder Trailer Included in the Sale. Owner comments that the boat is very clean and the more recent engine runs smooth.

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The particulars detailed herein are intended to give a fair description of the vessel but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed, these particulars are not a part of any contract or offer and are supplied on the understanding that all negotiations shall be through this Brokerage, who are acting as brokers for the vendor. The vendor is not selling in the course of a business unless otherwise stated. The prospective purchaser is strongly recommended to check the particulars and where appropriate, at his own expense, to employ qualified agents to carry out surveys, structural and/or mechanical & electrical.

• Baan Aim Ltd, Dell Quay Yacht Marina, Dell Quay Road, Dell Quay, Chichester

Baan Aim Ltd, Dell Quay Yacht Marina, Dell Quay Road, Dell Quay , Chichester , PO20 7EE

This address belongs to Baan Aim Ltd located in the street of Dell Quay and the city of Chichester. The postcode for this property is PO20 7EE. Baan Aim Ltd, Dell Quay Yacht Marina, Dell Quay Road, Dell Quay is located at about 6m above sea level. This property is situated at an approximate latitude and longitude of 50.819336, -0.814831 respectively.

Grid Reference

This property has approximate easting and northing of 483583 and 102868 respectively.

There are 4 more addresses near this address.

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This property is located in the district of Chichester (PO20). Find below the property price trends for detached, semi-detached, flats, maisonettes or terraced properties around this address.

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Search our catalog, go direct, enter a boat reference, dell quay dory, £ 0 sold / unavailable.

• Boat REF#  ·  10257
• Length  ·  3.97m
• Year  ·  1990
• Construction  ·  GRP
• Underwater profile  ·  Planing
• Engine  ·  1 x gas 2 stroke 45hp, Mariner 45 ELPTO (1990)
• Lying  ·  West Wales

Boatshed Wales

This boat is off the market but here are some boats that are still for sale.

• Specification
• Additional Information

Extra Details

Electrical Systems

12 volt battery, 1 batteries charged by: engine

Construction

Classic unsinkable cathedral hull dory.

1 anchors (folding grapnel) 5.00m of chain 10.00m of rode

Broker's Comments

This boat has been viewed and photographed by Alan of Boatshed Wales. A classic Dell Quay Dory, what more can we add? The road trailer appears sound and she has a very tidy electric tilt and trim oil injected Mariner two stroke. A fun runabout for the summer, a spot of angling or even a marina or yacht club work boat. Cheap, stable and safe with easy launch and recovery - can you resist her! Register or log in to see 16 more photos of this boat. These boat details are subject to contract.

Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.

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