This harbour has been termed ‘The Yachtsman’s Paradise’, but to the dinghy cruising man it must be even more than that. The area is some 15 square miles, all of which is sheltered water, and can be sailed in conditions when it is impossible to put to sea; on the other hand, sailing is always enjoyable in the lightest breeze.

The type of tides experienced in Poole Harbour are quarter diurnal: that is, there are two high waters, or a long stand at high water, between consecutive low waters.

For those approaching by sea, Studland Bay offers a very nice sheltered anchorage. During the summer months there is a cafe open for anyone who does not wish to prepare a meal themselves. Studland, of course, is a beauty spot, and the beach gets very crowded, but further along towards Shell Bay the people thin out.

As to hazards in this area, beware of the tide race at Old Harry Rocks, and look out for the Training Bank: you would not be the first to get hung up on there. It is a long line of rocks starting at the spit of land at the end of Shell Bay and the beginning of Studland Bay. It finishes at Bar Buoy. Once you are between the training bank and the shore, you will have to go back to Bar Buoy in order to enter Poole Harbour.

The entrance to the harbour is easily seen by its large buildings at North Haven Point. Opposite is South Haven Point, the distance between being 1,100 ft. This is the only entrance to the harbour, and, as may be expected, tides in the vicinity are relatively strong, reaching 4½ knots at spring tides.

Having passed the car ferry, some sailors will want to turn to port to enjoy the unequalled peace and serenity that the uncommercialised part of the harbour offers; but more about that another time.

Other folk will want to see what there is in the way of a meal which they do not have to prepare themselves. So, if we turn to starboard after passing North Haven Beacon, we pick a path through the maze of moorings; it may be necessary to follow the small channel if the water is very low. The channel is not buoyed, but it can easily be followed by the moorings on either side.

Several jetties come to the edge of this channel; after passing them all but the last one, a row of shops is visible, which includes a grocer’s, cafe and Post Office. This may not be easily realised, since, from the way we would be facing, only the rear of the premises can be seen. A phone box is on the opposite side of the road for those wishing to let relatives know they have arrived safely.

The Sandbanks Yacht Company is passed coming up the channel. This is rather interesting for two reasons: a chandlery shop is open for comparatively long hours in mid season, if any members wish to purchase the odd item for their craft; there is also a fleet of hire craft available which may possibly be of interest to any new member who has not yet purchased a boat.

Two types of sailing boat are available: 14 ft. clinker dinghies with a Bermudian rig, and Silhouettes are also available, should any member be contemplating the purchase of a small cruiser. A trial sail may prove beneficial before making a decision. These boats are for hire by the hour, day or week.