Brighton Marina is a large man-made haven, one of the first of its kind in the UK, which sits on the beach at the eastern end of the town. The town is most easily identified from the sea by two white tower blocks about a mile apart, the marina being just to the east of the more easterly of the two.

There are no serious dangers so long as you take heed of the buoys at the entrance to avoid the shoaling off the eastern breakwater. If coming from the west, give the pier head a wide berth to avoid any close encounters with vessels leaving. The entrance faces east away from the prevailing winds and access is possible at all states of the tide.

Once inside, the marked channel leads you in a U-turn to the inner entrance to the marina. It’s a good idea to make contact on VHF ch.80 or T01273 819919 before you arrive so that reception can allocate you a berth; otherwise tie up on the visitors pontoon, no. 10 which is to port as you enter, and report.

The marina has excellent shelter (if rather dated architecture), plenty of space for visitors and all facilities including a 24-hour Asda supermarket and a range of up-market chain restaurants at the western end of the waterfront. Alternatively take a taxi to one of the many desirable establishments in town. Fuel "at cost" from the far end of the marina.

Brighton’s piers aren’t what they were, but there are plenty of other attractions including the Royal Pavilion built by King George IV when Prince Regent and the annual Brighton Festival. And if the weather is propitious you can of course go for a bathe. Brighton is, after all, one of the places where the fashion for sea bathing first took off—see, for instance, Dr Richard Russell’s “Dissertation Concerning the use of Sea Water in Diseases of the Glands”, published in 1753. There is a plaque commemorating Russell on the side of the Royal Albion Hotel at 35 Old Steine near the sea-front.

If Brighton is too comfortable for you, then there is a possible alternative about 6 miles west at Shoreham. However, the only space for visitors is in berths temporarily vacated by residents so it pays to get in touch before committing yourself (tel Graham Barnes on 01273 591705).

The entrance is dredged to 2m. Once inside turn to starboard (available berths in the River Adur to port all dry) and wait for the lock into the Southwick Canal which usually operates once an hour in either direction. On the canal, the Lady Bee Marina features a fine view of Shoreham power station (whose chimney provides conspicuous identification from seaward) and as background music the dulcet roar of the A259. The adjoining Sussex Yacht Club sometimes has spare berths which can be made available, or further up the canal in emergency there is accommodation at Aldrington Quay. Many visitors may feel that Brighton, being so close, is the better bet.

© 2009 Yachtpilot