Hello Seals!
It is now just over three weeks till the Dell Quay rally and I now have some additional information for those who hope to come. DQSC has put a few restrictions on the use of their new pontoon which will have a slight effect on our rally. Firstly, if the wind is forecast or is actually greater than F4 (F5 or above) then we cannot moor on the pontoon. whilst annoying, it is likely to be self limiting, as I guess most folk wont be wanting to come up to the quay if it is expected to be strong winds. The next point is that they cannot accept boats over 30 foot. This is not such a problem as I have obtained permission from the Chichester Harbour Master for our boats including larger ones, to moor overnight on the their jetty which runs along the north side of the quay and is only another few feet to walk to the yacht club. It is 100 feet long and actually has more water than the new pontoon. There is a fee of £8 per night for boats 9M or less and £11 for boats greater than that. If you are not already registered with the Chichester Conservancy, there is also a £4 overnight charge for all vessels staying in the harbour although they don't seem to be too over zealous in pursuing that ,particularly if you have dried out already aka East Head.(except paying for use of the jetty will of course also mean paying the overnight harbour dues unless already registered with the Conservancy)
I aim to be the first up there and will help people on to the pontoon or direct them to the Conservancy pontoon as necessary, to that end I would appreciate it if I could have an idea of those who would like to attend and in what boat - weather permitting of course! I'm not sure whether `Geoff can send me updates or forward details to me so if you want to email me directly, my email is: martinkwatson@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.crownandancho...chester.com/foodanddrink
DQSC has all the usual facilities, Bar, galley with small eats and shower/toilet/changing rooms. access is by code which I will provide to those who come. For those coming by road, please ensure you don't park on the double yellow lines in front of the houses, the Parking wardens are very keen and are alerted by the house residents! their is parking in front of the club but if you come later, and cannot find parking, I will let you into the Dell Quay Yacht Yard if you give me five minutes notice on my mobile call/text 07711185124 it's only two minutes walk away
When approaching the quay, the new club pontoon will be seen jutting out on the south side of the quay with a 45 degree dogleg towards the shore. stay in the channell until abeam and then turn in towards it when it is lying abeam, although if you are brave, you can approach through the moorings which lie to the south of the key. I have estimated by observation that the pontoon drys 3M above chart datum and was informed that that seemed about right, by the marine architect to who designed and helped build it (Tim Applewight) although he used OS data to build the pontoon. On the day, that will give a maximum of 1.5M at high water (12:28 BST) I have taken some photos which I will try to post onto the website once I have figured out how. There is a tide gauge on the centre post which gives the height of water at the pontoon. For those larger vessels, the conservancy jetty runs along the north side of the quay. it has a bit more water at least 0.6M more at it's shallowest (eastern) end. I am told you can raft up on it but just be aware that the dinghies from the club launch from the north side and there will be racing on both days. Finally, just to make things more interesting, Emsworth Cruising Club have their 50th anniversary and are planning a +37 boat raid up to the quay on Sunday for lunch so try to be away before they arrive as it will get vey crowded!
This is your chance to visit what I at least consider to be the prettiest spot in the whole of the Chichester harbour with beautiful sunsets a regular feature, so I am Looking forward to seeing you all. Please let me know number as early as possible in case I need to change the booking at the pub as it will start filling up quite quickly according to Olly, the landlord. (he's expecting over 100 guests)
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View of new jetty facing south 2 hours before HW with 3 feet of water at jetty.
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Top of pontoon looking towards pub (facing East) 2 hours before HW
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Conservancy jetty facing West 3 hours before HW
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Another view of the Conservancy jetty facing West 2 hours before HW