England:Portishead

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	Northern Europe -> United Kingdom -> Bristol Channel

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Latest Information

Showers are out of action (Dec. 2006)

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General

Situated just off Junction 19 of the M5, Portishead enjoys sweeping views across the Bristol Channel to one side and the beautiful Gordano Valley to the other.

The picturesque Lake Grounds is a great place to take the family and while the kids play in the playground you can enjoy a cup of tea in the Tea Rooms. Nearby Battery Point offers some truly magnificant views of the estuary and is well worth a trip.

Just a short walk away you can enjoy the heated open air swimming pool open from May to September each year.

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Approaches, Routes and Navigation

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Tidal Access

Under normal conditions, for a moderate drafted vessel (1.5m.) the lock will give access 3.5 hours either side of High Water. It is essential that vessels arrive within this tidal window as there are no holding facilities outside the marina entrance. If in doubt, please phone the Marina Office prior to setting out.

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Arriving by Sea

It is essential that all vessels navigating in this part of the Bristol Channel are aware of the hazards that exist, particularly the large tidal range and associated flows, and the shipping to and from the Avonmouth and Portbury docks.

You should consult Admiralty charts 1176 and 1859 or their equivalents, and pilot books where available. You will also require tide tables which can be accessed on this website in the marina handbooks.

As you approach the Marina entrance from the Northeast, you will see the pier on your starboard side, if you are approaching in darkness, you will be able to see the isophase green at the end of the pier, this is a navigational signal for the Portbury Dock. At the entrance to the lock, port and starboard lights are displayed. Also on the port side of the lock you should see the traffic control signal. This conforms to the IALA standard, and should be observed by all vessels using the lock.

As you navigate the Bristol Channel in this area you should keep a listening watch on VHF Ch 12, to learn the whereabouts and actions of other vessels, as you approach Portishead Quays, you should contact the Marina on VHF Ch 80, call sign “Portishead Quays Marina”. You will be advised on the next available lock, and should follow any instructions given by the Berthing Master, there may be vessels leaving the lock.

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Radio Procedure for small vessel traffic around Avonmouth

Callsign “BRISTOL VTS”
Working frequency VHF Channel 12
Report own craft when passing the reporting points
Monitor Channel 12 to learn whereabouts and intentions of other vessels
The waters as shown on the above chartlet are controlled by Bristol VTS, and their instructions must be adhered to.

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Keep Clear of Large Vessels

Avoid deep water channel as defined by 10 metre contour marked by buoys seaward of Portishead
Avoid the Pilot Boarding area close North of Breaksea light float
Crossing channel to be done as near as possible at right angles
On passages to or from South Wales, optimum positions for crossing are:-
- English and Welsh light buoy if bound for Portishead
- Cockburn light buoy if bound for River Avon
From Blacknore Light House other inbound traffic should keep to the Southern side of the channel.
The waters as shown on the above chartlet are controlled by Bristol VTS, and their instructions must be adhered to.

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Tidal information and currents

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Charts

Admiralty chart 1176
Admiralty chart 1859

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Weather

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Major ports

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Marinas and Anchorages

Anchorages information goes here

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Portishead Quays Marina

Harbour Road
Portishead
Bristol
North Somerset
BS20 7DB
Tel 01275 841 941
Fax 01275 817 882

51° 29' 12.07" N 2° 46' 3.41" W
Annual Cost £199.50 per metre
Maximum Length: 40 m
Overnight Cost: £1.55
Number of Berths: 250
Tidal Access: HW+3.5-3.5
VHF Channel 80, lower power, callsign 'Portishead Quay Marina'
Security
Lock
Showers
Launderette
Excellent shelter
Water
Electricity on pontoons
Toilets
Gas
Fuel
Travel Hoist (35 tonnes)
All repairs, including electrics and chandlers
A full boatyard service is provided
Storage facilities are available in the boatyard.
2 Cafes
Free car parking is available on site.
The local RYA approved Training Centre,Workman Marine School, operates from the marina.