Yarmouth Harbour
The most westerly harbour on the Isle of Wight, picturesque Yarmouth Harbour acts as a gateway to West Wight and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Wightlink vehicle ferry service from Lymington to Yarmouth brings thousands of visitors to the Island every year. Yarmouth Harbour is a key destination for many seafarers travelling from elsewhere in the Solent, but also from the South Coast and West Country, Ireland, the Channel Islands, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Scandinavia and more.
Image Credit: Chris Taylor- Yarmouth Harbour
Yarmouth Harbour’s proximity to The Needles and the English Channel makes it ideal for those entering or leaving the Solent.
Visiting yachts, motorboats and RIBs are welcomed throughout the year. Over 150 visitor berths are available daily and allocated on arrival by the friendly Berthing Masters. A limited number of berths can also be booked in advance. Unique to Yarmouth Harbour is the on-water berthing assistance provided to visiting vessels to take the stress out of mooring up.
When approaching from the east, leave East Fairway buoy to port, turn onto a bearing of 187° and follow the leading marks. When approaching from the west, leave the Poole Belle buoy to starboard, turn onto a bearing of 187° and again, follow the leading marks. These are exhibited as two white diamonds with a black horizontal stripe by day or two green lights at night.
Yarmouth Harbour is accessible at all states of the tide. The approaches are maintained at 2.5m below CD and 2m below CD inside the harbour.
Yarmouth Harbour operates on VHF Ch68, Call Sign ‘Yarmouth Harbour’, monitored by the Harbour Office and Berthing Masters on the water. The water taxi operates on VHF Ch15, Call Sign ‘Harbour Taxi’ and can also be called on 07969 840173.
Vessels approaching the harbour should call Yarmouth Harbour on VHF Ch68 to request a berth or refuel. The fuel berth is easily accessible near to the harbour entrance and offers competitively priced petrol and diesel. The fuel berth is open from 0700 hrs until 1900 hrs GMT, and 24 hours BST.
On spring tides, the last hour of the flood and ebb can see strong tidal movement in the harbour entrance and in various parts of the harbour. There can be a double high tide or a long stand at spring tides. The Berthing Team are afloat and will assist you to a berth. If you are short-handed or you require assistance the Berthing Masters will be on hand to assist you every step of the way.
An ‘Arrival Guide’ explaining how to enter the harbour can be found online at: yarmouth-harbour.co.uk.
Once moored up, why not visit ‘Cockpit Essentials’, Yarmouth Harbour’s very own visitor refreshment lounge, where you can enjoy freshly ground coffee and purchase other drinks, ice, and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is provided, and you can also charge your phones and devices while watching the news and weather on the screens. Toiletries and other essentials are also available, plus Isle of Wight guides, maps and souvenirs. Other facilities include new showers and toilets for wheelchair users, an upgraded launderette facility, waste and recycling disposal, and gas sales.
Mooring fees at Yarmouth Harbour are very competitive and include free showers.
There are several slipways for public use in Yarmouth. The largest slipway is on the corner between the South Quay and Town Quay, and accessed via the Wightlink marshalling area.
If intending to pass through the Yar Swing Bridge into the river during the summer season, please call Yar Bridge on VHF Ch68. Boat owners are requested to co-operate by synchronising their bridge use around a schedule of fixed opening times, as published on: yarmouth-harbour. co.uk.
For winter operation, the bridge will be opened by prior arrangement with the Harbour Office, call sign ‘Yar Bridge’ on VHF Ch68 or by phone on 01983 760321. The punctuality of boat arrivals to a close but safe proximity to the bridge is essential to prevent road traffic congestion.
Users of the harbour are asked to familiarise themselves with Yarmouth Harbour’s rules and regulations, called General Directions, which are there to ensure your safety and enjoyment during your stay. Top safety tips, and advice on using a tender at Yarmouth Harbour, along with the latest Local Notices to Mariners can all be found in the new ‘Safety’ section on the website: yarmouth-harbour.co.uk.
Contact: Yarmouth Harbour Office, The Quay, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, PO41 0NT. Tel: 01983 760321. Email: info@yarmouth-harbour.co.uk. Website: yarmouth-harbour.co.uk.
Please note, information in this publication is to be used as a guide only and not for navigation.
