Sailing from Fishbourne

Sailing on Chichester Harbour and the Solent

Chichester Harbour is one of the premier sailing grounds in southern England, and Fishbourne's location on its northern shore puts the village within easy reach of some of the best small-boat sailing on the south coast.

Dell Quay Sailing Club, based at the quayside south of Fishbourne, offers dinghy sailing for members and runs a racing programme through the summer season. The club is well established and caters to a range of abilities, from beginners to experienced racing crews. The harbour's sheltered waters and reliable thermal breezes make it an excellent place to learn.

Chichester Harbour as a whole supports a large sailing community, with clubs at Bosham, Itchenor, Hayling Island, and Emsworth. Itchenor Sailing Club, on the main harbour channel, is one of the most active clubs and hosts major events. The harbour entrance at the Chichester Bar gives access to the Solent and the open waters beyond, though the bar itself requires careful navigation due to shifting sands and strong tidal streams.

For cruising sailors, the harbour offers sheltered moorings and anchorages, with Chichester Marina near Birdham providing full marina facilities including a boatyard, chandlery, and fuel. The Solent, once through the harbour entrance, opens up a chain of harbours and anchorages from Langstone to the Beaulieu River.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are increasingly popular on the harbour, with the sheltered creeks around Fishbourne and Dell Quay well suited to these activities. The harbour's speed limit keeps powerboat wash to a minimum, making it a pleasant environment for paddle sports. Hire and tuition are available from operators in the harbour area.