Queen’s Harbour Master (QHM) at Portsmouth. Head through them, TTON CREEK and if heading further up the Creek you will see the leading marks off WOO VIOW Solent Handbook banner 82x21 ARTWORK.indd 1VIOW Solent Handbook banner 82x21 ARTWORK.indd 1 27/01/2023 15:1227/01/2023 15:12 to starboard on the opposite bank. If calling at the RVYC, you will see their pontoons ahead of you. The northernmost pontoons are private, RVYC pontoon mooring is available past the visible sign. Berthing is straightforward, but be aware that at some states of tide there will be some flow across the pontoons. Do not approach through the private RVYC moorings, or indeed try to pick up one, as there are countless pick-up buoys and lines. If vessels are already berthed alongside hail and askto raft up. You may be asked to move your boat to accommodate other visitors. (Pontoon fees can be paid at the RVYC bar, or if the club is closed, dropped through the letterbox by the club entrance, using a pre- printed enveloped available to pick up on the pontoon. You can also pay by BACS direct to the club’s account.) There is fresh water on the pontoons, showers and toilets in the clubhouse, a slipway, waste facilities, and an excellent bar and catering. Please check for opening hours and information for visitors are available on the website (see below). The creek alongside the pontoons will dry, so unless you are prepared to take the ground, you must depart once the ebb starts to make. The water will seem to empty quite slowly for the first couple of hours, but be aware that around the third hour the tide goes away very quickly; do not linger over that last pint at the bar! The bottom is irregular in shape and consistency, and careful fendering, tending of lines, and a watchful eye is needed as your vessel takes the ground. The speed limit in the creek is 5 knots. The tidal current is relatively benign, seldom reaching above 4 knots although just after High Water at Springs, the sluice gates under Wootton Bridge are opened considerably, increasing the flow in the upper reaches. There are no visitor moorings in the creek and anchoring in the channel is prohibited. Anchoring outside the channel is not recommended due to the proliferation of abandoned ground chains and other mooring tackle. There is a Council-owned public slipway suitable for small vessels between the Sloop Inn and the bridge at the head of the creek. The village of Wootton Bridge offers a full range of facilities; take- aways, tea room, launderette, doctor and vet, supermarket and wine warehouse; just outside the village is a garage. It’s about 30 minutes walk from the RVYC, or take the dinghy up the Creek on the tide and land on the public slipway on the west bank at the head of the creek, right by the Sloop Inn. Contact: Royal Victoria Yacht Club, 91 Fishbourne Lane, Fishbourne, Isle of Wight, PO33 4EU. Tel: 01983 882325. Email: [email protected]. rvyc.org.uk 129 solenthandbook.com