Getting Here

Travelling along the coastline from either the west or the east it is best to head for an
area just south of Handfast Point 50°38.560’N – 1°54.635’W.
From here travel in a NNW direction down the Swash Channel or about 1.8 nautical
miles to:
50°40.292’N – 1°55.900’W then head NW for 0.8 nautical miles to:
50°40.863’N – 1°56.778’W which will bring you to the harbour entrance. There is a
RoRo ferry that crosses form Studland to Sandbanks (from the southern point to the
northern point) You must give way to this vessel. You should be able to tell its
direction of travel by the black ball raised at the bow this will be accompanied by a
quick flashing white light when actually in motion. If you are usure of its intentions
you can call it on channel 14 (call sign Sandbanks Ferry)
Once through the entrance continue in a NW direction towards North Haven:
50°41.145’N – 1°57.249’W from this point you can either continue up the harbour
down the Main Channel towards the Town Quay, or go west between the two
cardinal marks into South Deep Channel towards the quiet areas and anchorages.

Travelling from the Solent:
There is an alternative route if travelling from the Solent which takes an inshore
route.
This involves travelling north of the Shingles Bank and heading along the coast past
Hengistbury Head. Although this route can cut some distance and possibly time off
of your route it is not without it’s hazards. Even the most vigilant of skippers have
found themselves caught in partially submerged crab pots that are prevalent in this
area.
If coming from this direction you can also make your route shorted by taking the East
Looe channel which passes to the north of the Hook Sands. However, this route is
tidal depending on the draught of your vessel.