This month we are in the lovely county of Dorset paying a visit to Poole Quay Boat Haven.
Poole Quay Boat Haven is the most popular marina for visitors in Poole Harbour welcoming more than 8,000 vessels during the summer months. It has also been voted TYHA Marina of the Year on four occasions and runner-up five times in the award’s 11-year history. The marina is perfectly positioned on the quayside offering a perfect base to explore Poole Harbour and its surrounding areas, with stunning views of Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills. The location also benefits from a lively events calendar and over 40 cafés, bars and restaurants within a 300m radius. The only difficult choice you have to make is where to watch the sun go down!
FACILITIES & BERTHING
Poole Quay Boat Haven can accommodate vessels up to 75m with a draft of up to 5m. They recommend that visitors book in advance in order to guarantee a berth. The main summer season at Poole Quay Boat Haven runs from 1 April until the end of October, and winter berthing packages are available.
- Electricity is available with standard 16 amp connections on all pontoons. 32 amp single phase, 63 amp single phase and 63 amp triple phase are also available on a limited number of berths. Please speak to the office staff if you require more than 16 amps when you make your booking.
- Their newly refurbished shower and toilet facilities are available at no extra charge 24/7. All the facilities are cleaned daily (twice daily at busy periods) and are only available for berth holders and visitors. Codes will be given to you when you visit reception to check in.
- Pump out (Black water) is charged at £10 per vessel (free of charge for annual berth holders). They request that customers wishing to use this facility contact them in advance.
- Laundry facilities are available. Tokens can be purchased from the Marina Office.
- Fresh drinking water can be found on the pontoons. You can also use this water for washing down vessels.
- At Poole Quay Boat Haven there is one accessible toilet on the pontoons. Alternatively, there is an accessible shower and toilet located ashore, just across the road from the entrance. Please ask at reception for the code.
- Free Wi-Fi is available to all customers.
- Trolleys can be found near the bin area on the pontoons.
- Disposal for International Catering Waste.
- Security – key coded access to pontoons and facilities, security cameras monitoring 24 hours a day and security overnight.
- Hazardous disposal area – oil, chemical and batteries.
ACCESS
When approaching, Poole Harbour is identifiable by the high cliffs of Anvil Point. Once nearer, the rocks of Old Harry are clearly visible. From here the Swash channel will appear being marked by Bar Buoy (No.1).
The Swash Channel passes between the Training Bank on the western side and Hook Sands to the east. Once nearing the harbour entrance, be careful of the Chain Ferry as the ebb can run to 5 knots or more.
Once past the chain ferry good practice is to keep to the starboard (right hand) side if navigating within the channel, or use the small boat channel.
The harbour and the marina is accessible at all states of the tide. The harbour entrance can be dangerous in very strong S and SE winds, particularly on the ebb tide.
It is advisable to keep a listening watch on channel 14, which is the harbour operations channel. Once you are nearing Stakes Buoy you can then change channel to 80 and call Poole Quay Boat Haven for your berthing instructions.
Poole train station and bus station can be found approximately 13 minutes from the marina.
CRUISING
If you want to keep those sails working, take a scenic trip down the Wareham Channel, located just the other side of Poole, and calmly make your way to Wareham Quay, an historic market town famously frequented, among others, by D H Lawrence. Sit at the seat he often sat in, now marked with a plaque.
Behind Brownsea Island sits the Purbecks, a coastline that has been relatively untouched, and once you have stepped ashore at Studland Beach, the magnificent backdrop is like stepping back in time. With so much history to discover, why not start at the grand ruins of Corfe Castle, sitting high on top of the hill, ramble across the many footpaths through lush green fields and, after satisfying your appetite with a hearty meal at one of the many centuries-old public houses, head for the clifftops and make your way down the steps to your yacht, taking in the fantastic coastline, with the famous Old Harry Rocks making for a perfect photographic scene.
Swanage is but half an hour’s sail from Poole, and the glorious summer months are perfect to anchor up in this naturally calm shielded bay, perfect for swimming and to take in yet another beautiful view.
OUT & ABOUT
The marina is lucky to have a location to rival that of the Mediterranean. Poole Quay Boat Haven is perfectly positioned to offer a fantastic base from which to explore Poole Harbour and its surrounding areas.
As well as being ideally located on the quayside with a stunning view of Brownsea Island, there are lively cafés, bars and restaurants close by.
Take your pick of Poole’s stunning hotspots, from fine dining to business lunches, family dining and traditional pubs, plus the town’s vast array of small independent, often family run restaurants means that Poole is bound to have something to suit your taste, budget and occasion.
Cafes
The Quay Cafes
Deli On The Quay
Oriel on the Quay
The Fisherman Café
Restaurants & Bars
Custom House
Poole Arms
Rockfish
St Tropez Lounge
The Portsmouth Hoy
Jolly Sailor
Lord Nelson
Rick Stein
Sambo Rodizo
To name a few …
RECOMMENDATIONS
“We have had the opportunity to experience Poole Quay Boat Haven for almost a year now and, overall, we have found it to be a pleasant and enjoyable place for yachts of all sizes. First and foremost, the marina’s location is excellent and well protected. Situated in a beautiful coastal area of Poole, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding harbour. The peaceful atmosphere and serene surroundings make it a perfect spot for yachts looking for a relaxing and easy getaway whilst exploring Poole and the harbour.
“The marina facilities are well-maintained and clean, the on-site facilities include newly renovated restrooms and showers, which are conveniently located near the dock area, ample bins for different material, a pump-out point, reliable shore power and fresh water points with hoses provided by the marina. Kerrie, Tom, Harry and all the staff members are friendly, professional and knowledgeable. They are always available to assist with docking, and I have been able to leave the yacht for a period of time without any concerns. Overall, the marina provides a wonderful boating experience. With its stunning location, well-maintained facilities, knowledgeable staff and commitment to safety, it is an excellent choice for boaters seeking a peaceful and enjoyable time on the water.”
George and Catherine
25m motor yacht
“After returning to the UK in 2020 due to the pandemic, we took a berth at Poole Quay Boat Haven. Kerrie, the marina manager, has been outstanding in helping us since, both with her professionalism and friendly nature. The central location of the haven to Poole Quay with stunning views of the harbour and Brownsea Island make this a must visit together with 24 hour manned security and great staff on the docks who work tirelessly to keep everything at a high standard.”
Ian and Caroline Moors
Silhouette
MORE INFORMATION
Poole Quay Boat Haven
The Quay, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HJ
Marina Manager: Kerrie Gray
Office Number: 01202 649 488
E: info@poolequayboathaven.co.uk
W: www.poolequayboathaven.co.uk
