Sailing Zephyr IV · video

What this video covers

Portsmouth Harbour's 200-metre-wide entrance handles 130,000 large ship movements a year and tidal streams reaching 5 knots — conditions Dave navigates regularly aboard his Westerly Yachts Ltd. Oceanquest 35, Zephyr IV, and explains step by step for visiting yachtsmen.0:02 The King's Harbour Master introduced a dedicated small boat channel in 2023, running 50 metres wide along the western side of the main shipping channel between the number 4 bar buoy outside and the ballast pile inside.1:30 Dave's rule: engine running by the number 4 bar buoy, single file, no overtaking.4:46 He monitors KHM on VHF channel 11 for naval and commercial movements and notes the Gosport National Coast Watch on VHF channel 65 as a safety backup.2:53 The Inner Swashway offers a shallower inshore alternative but requires local knowledge.3:38 Inside the harbour, crossing the main channel to Gunwharf Quays requires explicit KHM permission from the ballast pile.7:23 Dave covers four Gosport-side marinas — Haslar (600+ berths), Gosport Premier (477 berths), Royal Clarence (~150 berths, staffed 0800–1700 only), and Hornet Sailing Club — with approach notes for each.7:59 The Isle of Wight's double high tide compresses the ebb to five hours, making the mid-ebb spring tide the most dangerous window; arriving near high or low water minimises tidal exposure.12:56

Boats in this video

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