The Harbour Entrance is the most hazardous area of the
harbour and special vigilance and care is required when passing through. It is only 300
metres wide, with very strong tidal streams particularly at spring ebb and a slow moving
chain ferry operates at its narrowest point.
Sailing vessels so fitted please use your engines when
transitting the entrance. It may be a source of pride to you to achieve this under sail
alone, but it is not safe when congested, and imposes greater risk to other users,
especially when the wind is slight and the stream strong.
Anticipate the chain ferry’s movements. Its
direction of travel is indicated by a white flashing light and a black ball hoisted at the
forward end. The chain ferry operates to a schedule, so please think ahead and try and
pass well clear astern of it. Remember that the chains will be taut in front of the ferry
and that they are also a hazard at the rear.
Dinghies sailed by trainees should be towed through the
harbour entrance until in clear water outside.
Do not lay any mooring, fishing equipment or any other
item which may create a hazard to navigation.
Be extremely careful when the chain ferry crosses at the
harbour entrance. When approaching the ferry crossing point, anticipate its direction of
movement and plan your course of action well in advance.
Take particular note of the tide strength and direction
because it is at its strongest in the harbour entrance and can often have a greater effect
than the wind upon vessels under sail alone.
There is a very real danger of being swept down onto the
ferry under these conditions. Remember, the ferry can do very little to get out of your
way.
As a guide, ferry crossing times are on the hour from
the Haven Hotel (north) side and every twenty minutes from thereon from 07.00 hours to
23.00 hours all the year, except Christmas Day. From the Studland (south) side, crossing
times start at 07.10 hours and then every 20 minutes until 23.10 hours.
At peak periods, this schedule may change when a
continuous shuttle is normally run.