England:Bristol
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General
The port of Bristol grew up in mediaeval times around the confluence of the rivers Avon and Frome, requiring ships to navigate the tidal and precipitous Avon Gorge that flows out into the Severn Estuary at Avonmounth. It was from this tidal harbour that John Cabot set off in 1497 in his ship Mathew and became the first European to discover America.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, this tidal port was turned into the enclosed Floating Harbour by the construction of locks and the New Cut (an overflow channel for the River Avon). Because of way this was done, the floating harbour winds its way through the city center in quite a different manner to the way most enclosed docks turn their backs on their host city.
With the advent of larger ships the tricky passage of the Avon Gorge became too much of a liability and Bristol's commercial shipping long since moved downstream to modern docks at Avonmouth and Portbury. But the floating harbour lives on as a real unique selling point for Bristol, providing mooring for leisure craft and preserved ships, a home for the city's industrial museum and a setting for numerous bars, restaurants, apartment complexes and offices.
Approaches, Routes and Navigation
Navigation is complex and intense. BE PREPARED. 6 knots of tide are routine and 14 metre tidal range is common.
For navigation, see Bristol Channel
Tidal information and currents
Charts
Weather
Major ports
Marinas and Anchorages
Controlling body for the Harbour is as follows:
Harbour Master Underfall Yard Bristol City Docks Tel +44 (0)117 903 1484 Fax +44 (0)117 903 1487 harbour_office@bristol-city.gov.uk
Bristol Marina
Albion Quay Tel +44 (0)117 921 3198 Fax:+44 (0)117 929 7672 http://www.bristolmarina.co.uk info@bristolmarina.co.uk
- This is a full service marina with good facilities
- Launderette
- Fuel pontoon
- Travel Hoist, 30 tonnes
- Boatyard
- Chandlery
- Repairs to electronics and a sailmaker available
Cumberland Basin Lock
From the mouth of the River Avon, the Cumberland Basin Entrance to Bristol’s Floating Harbour lies 10.5km up river. The entrance lock is on port side approximately 0.7km beyond the historic Clifton Suspension Bridge.
During tidal watch, direct communication may be established with the Dock Master from within the City Docks or from the River Avon upstream of ‘Black Rock’ lights. Use LOW POWER ONLY calling ‘CITY DOCKS RADIO’ on Channel 14; you may be asked to work 11 if 14 is busy.
Dock Master Tel +44 927 3633 VHF Channel 14,11 (use low power)
- Lock opening times
- HW -2.5 hours
- HW -1.5 hour
- HW -0.25 hours
- Call VHF channel 12 at any other time or for waiting pontoons
- Waiting pontoons are soft drying mud
Floating Harbour Berths
For allocation of these contact the Harbour Master, using the means outlined above
- VHF Channel 73, 16, use the 'Bristol Harbour' callsign
- Showers/Toilets at:
- Mud Dock
- Baltic Wharf
- Wapping Whqrf
- Bathurst Basin
- Tokens for electrics you can get from the harbour master
- Pumpout
Portishead Quays Marina
See Portishead
Chandlers and Repair Facilities
Victuals (Food and Drink!)
Sailing Clubs
Cabot Cruising Club
The club's headquarters are aboard the John Sebastian, moored in the Bathurst Basin
Members and guests are welcome aboard the John Sebastian on Thursday and Saturday evenings. We hold our ‘club night’ every Thursday – this is the best time to visit if you wish to enquire about membership and moorings. The John Sebastian, based on Commercial Road near the General Hospital, is generally open from 8pm onwards and all are welcome. We have a fully stocked bar selling drinks and snacks at very reasonable prices.
Portishead Cruising Club
Pump Square Pill North Somerset BS20 0BG 01275 373988 commodore AT portisheadcruisingclub.org.uk
The Club is open every Wednesday from 20:00 to 11:30. The doors are open, just make your way upstairs to the bar and introduce yourself to the bar staff.
Very useful site with pilotage notes
