Ventnor Haven

The Haven at Ventnor was constructed in 2003 as part of a long term strategy to promote Ventnor as a working seaside town. This included the provision of a fair weather haven for visiting craft which now provides the only stopping-off point along the south coast of the Isle of Wight, as well as a new access facility for local boat owners, anglers, and other interest groups.

More recently, private investors have provided further facilities including a harbour-side café and coffee shop, boat builders, boat charter, a fish landing stage with fishery outlet, and fish and chip shop.

In the summer months, Ventnor Haven becomes a hive of activity for small leisure crafts, charter fishing and local sight seeing trips as well as the stop off point for small vessels and RIBs venturing around the south side of the Island.

The entrance to Ventnor Haven is quite a navigational exercise and only suitable in certain weather conditions and tides. However, despite the difficulties of attempting Ventnor, on a clear calm day it is probably one of the best runs round from the Solent with a beautiful little seaside town waiting to be discovered.

On approaching Ventnor Haven, beware of races which occur south of St Catherine's Point to the west and Dunnose Point to the east. Almanacs should be consulted in advance to give information on each race depending on the state of tide. The Haven mouth is approached from the east and is lit after sunset by two fixed navigation lights (vertical). Entry and exit are recommended 2 hours either side of High Water only with draught of less than 50cm. Stay close to the southerly markers in the Haven entrance to avoid sandbanks which form on the northern side of the mouth. Do not attempt to approach in easterly to southerly conditions as swell may occur at the entrance.

The Haven is not suitable for sailing boats or motorboats which cannot dry out. The Haven entrance dries completely at Spring Low Water and is very shallow during Neap Lows. The depth in the Haven is variable, dependent on sediment movement and duration since the last dredge.

Ventnor Haven consists of two rock arms. The largest extending seaward (south) from the site of the old pier before curving to the southeast. The smaller arm, some 58m to the east, extends seaward towards the first arm with a 24m gap.

Shelter is reasonable in the lee of the rock arms during southwest through to northeasterly winds, and extremely vulnerable in east through to south-southeasterlies when swells can enter. Caution should be exercised as the Haven is exposed to strong winds from all directions except northwest to northeast.

Cheetah Marine currently have the contract to manage the Harbour. For more information, phone two to three days prior to arrival on 01983 852398 or 07974 126378. Only limited space is available within the Haven on a first come first served basis.

There is a 4 knot speed limit in the Haven. If harbour dues are not collected on arrival, report to the café at OceanBlue Quay above the Haven. No anchoring is permitted within the Haven except in an emergency and no anchoring or mooring in the Haven entrance.

Visiting boats to Ventnor Haven please note that the Harbour is in close proximity to Ventnor beach. Be aware of bathers and snorkelers swimming alongside the Haven rock arms.

Fuel is not available at Ventnor, but can be obtained at local villages; the nearest fuel stations are at Whitwell (3 miles) and Sandford (5 miles).

Do not pump out oily bilges into the Haven or surrounding area. Yachtsmen and all navigators using the harbour are requested not to release washing water or to pump WC or bilge effluent into the Haven. This is particularly important in a drying harbour. Ask the Harbour Master for details of refuse disposal.

The slipway is available free of charge for launch and recovery. Please exercise great care when manoeuvring your vehicle at the top of the slipway and on the slipway itself as it coincides with a pedestrian right of way.

Contact: Ventnor Haven, OceanBlue Quay, PO38 1JR. Tel. 01983 852398 or 07974 126378. www.oceanbluequay.co.uk/haven/ 

Please note, this information is to be used as a guide only and not for navigation.