Bembridge, otherwise known as Brading Haven, is arguably the finest of the Isle of Wight dinghy havens, but is rarely chosen for DCA rallies, because of the greater hazards and distance from our mainland launching sites. Nevertheless it is warmly recommended for really experienced crews in suitable weather and tide conditions.

Pilotage and the hazards:

The tidal streams off Bembridge are strong and variable, the ebb dividing here and flowing west through the Solent, and east then south round the Isle of Wight. The Chichester/Langstone crossing may involve dodging large steamers sailing at full speed along the main shipping lane and also the fast continental ferries which sometimes sail to the south of the lane. (See sketch 1). Bembridge harbour is tidal with the entrance channel drying some distance offshore, and the ebb after half-tide can be too fierce to sail against. It is just possible to walk a dinghy in against the maximum ebb-flow but the steep sides of the channel make this a dangerous procedure, so it is best to anchor and wait until the torrent eases. There may be just enough water to row a dinghy in over the shallowest part of the channel at low water neaps. (Yachts are advised to enter only between -2 or 3 hrs, and +2 hrs HW).The entrance channel, which is well marked by buoys, can be found by reference to the off-shore St Helen’s Fort, and to the white painted ruin of St Helen’s Church tower. Around high-water a dinghy can cut in over the sands from the northeast, as indicated by two spherical buoys not marked on the charts, but beware of the submerged rocks to the east and around the fort. Also an isolated breakwater on the sands near the entrance. Once inside the harbour, a pleasant sandy beach sheltered by sand dunes is found to port, which is an ideal spot for a dinghy to take the ground for the night (see sketch 2).

The facilities and attractions:

At the end of this beach is a cafe (open 363 days a year), a water tap and a bus stop, with public loos and a phone box just over the road. There are also two pubs within about 100 yards, both do meals. I prefer the Rowbarge to the Pilot Boat. There is a chandlers and boatyard just down the road with an outboard stockist by it. A supermarket, fish and chips, petrol, bank and a little museum (recommended) are all found up the hill in the village. The buses from ‘your doorstep’ go to Seaview (a pretty little Edwardian resort), Ryde, Newport, Sandown and Shanklin etc., changing at Newport for other destinations. The tree-lined shore walk to the lifeboat station (cafe) is superb, and continues round the point to Foreland, Bembridge Ledge and Whitecliff Bay (cafe). One can of course sail round to Whitecliff Bay but check the changing tidal streams.

The sailing clubs:

The CA guide states that Brading Haven Yacht Club (near the marina) is friendly. The club by the beach is the upmarket Bembridge Sailing Club, which owns the historic Bembridge Redwing keelboats moored just off the beach. I have certainly found the local people walking the beach welcoming.

Beaching fees:

The official fee for anchoring on the beach is £5.00 per night, but the harbourmaster has the discretion to reduce this to £1.50 for dinghies. This fee includes use of the showers, but these are in the marina, a mile away at the head of the harbour. I have been coming here for many years yet have only been charged once.