DOVER is a ferry port first and foremost and pleasure sailors need to remember that if they choose to make use of it. Nonetheless the Harbour Board has a policy of encouraging visiting yachts and power boats and there is a good marina with satisfactory facilities.

There are two entrances to the outer harbour at Dover and you may enter either of them, but before entering you must always radio port control on VHF ch.74. In fact you should first make contact when you are about 2M off so that the authorities know who you are and can instruct you accordingly. The reason for this will be obvious as you get closer, especially if you are coming from the east. The stream of ferries in and out of the eastern entrance is constant during the summer and it is impossible for a low powered vessel to nip safely between them in the confined space of the harbour entrance unless you know what the big ships are about to do.

Hence you will probably be asked to wait out of the way behind the Eastern Arm until there is a lull in the traffic and then told when you can enter. Once inside make your way swiftly across the Outer Harbour leaving the north cardinal buoy at the other end of the Southern Breakwater to port, and then head down to the marina which is inshore through a narrow entrance between the Prince of Wales pier and the Admiralty Pier which forms the western boundary of the harbour.

The Western entrance is much less heavily used by shipping than the eastern but still needs permission to enter, not least because the sea-cat from Boulogne can appear over the horizon at frightening speed. Be aware that when coming along the coast from the west, the actual entrance is often concealed because the Admiralty Pier Extension projects a little further seaward than the western end of the Southern Breakwater. Remember also that the water around the entrance can be very confused depending on the state of the tide.

The marina has three different basins of which the Tidal Harbour, to your right as you emerge from the entrance channel, is the most convenient being accessible at all states. The marina office will advise where space is available on VHF ch.80. Plans are afoot to build a brand new marina in the south-west corner of the Outer Harbour but it doesn’t look like happening anytime soon.

For such a historic town Dover is disappointing, largely because of the torrent of traffic coming on and off the ferries, combined with a few choice planning errors. However it has a fine terrace along the sea front (unfortunately half destroyed in WWII) and up on the famous cliffs a splendid Norman castle and the ruins of a lighthouse built by the Romans.

Basic supplies are available at the 24 hours service station on the main road just east of the marina or for greater quality and choice there is a pedestrianised shopping area with Marks and Spencer et al via the underpass off the front. Best local restaurant, with views over the Wellington Dock, is at Cullins Yard (T01304 211666) just off the front in Cambridge Road 2-3 minutes away from the marina.

Before leaving, it’s worth visiting the local chandlers Sharp & Enright at 133 Snargate Street, parallel with the main road east of the marina, if only to see what a traditional purveyor of bits and pieces for the boating fraternity should look like. On your way out of the harbour don’t forget to contact port control again.

Plans for a new marina at Folkestone, like so many other property developments, have been put on hold. However in calm weather the town can make a decent lunch stop, if you anchor in the shelter of the disused ferry pier (buoy the anchor). For those who can take the ground the outer harbour is an option overnight: consult the harbour authorities on VHF ch.15 or T01303 714354.

© 2009 Yachtpilot