Keyhaven
Keyhaven is a picturesque harbour set in a Nature Reserve at the western tip of the Solent situated within an area of unspoiled Hampshire coastline. The harbour is shielded by the massive shingle bar that leads to the famous Hurst Castle situated at its strategic position, guarding the western approaches to the Solent and originally built by Henry VIII.
Image Credit: Steve Wood, Keyhaven River Warden
Keyhaven has many qualities ranging from the extent of sheltered water, which makes it so suitable for teaching youngsters sailing and canoeing, to the great wealth of nature conservation and landscape interest.
To approach Keyhaven from the west, enter the Solent by Hurst Point and exercise caution near The Trap if coming in via the north channel. Mariners should be aware of strong tidal cross streams and a shingle bank and shallows that has recently appeared following shoring up of the castle sea defences approximately 250m West of the Castle. The entrance is approximately 0.5m north-northwest of Hurst Point. There are two unlit buoys, one red and one green near the entrance at North Point. The depth between these buoys is virtually at chart datum to +0.4m so rule of thumb for locals they use height of tide is shown at Hurst Point.
Entry is generally, entry is restricted to 2 hours each side of HW at Springs although there is a considerable stand on springs Black transit posts line up at a bearing of 308º. This day marks may longer be in position as application will be made to remove them in 2025. Proceed through the entrance lateral marks until a red lit buoy Fl(3)R.9s is abeam on your port side. Enter the river around this buoy. Note the first of many starboard hand laterals for the channel.
When entering from the east, and when Fort Albert is abeam, turn to starboard and head towards the red and green buoys. Then follow the directions above. It is not recommended to attempt entering Keyhaven in strong easterly winds. There is a 4 knot speed limit once inside the River. Anchorage is close to the spit on your port side. The deepest water is always where the mooring buoys are so stay close to the bows of the moored vessels. Some mooring buoys may be set aside specifically for visitors, they will have yellow pick up buoys marked ‘visitor’.
Visitors are also welcome to use an empty buoy, which has no tender attached, but ensure that you attach your own lines to the mooring shackle and contact the River Warden on VHF Ch. 37/ M1 or P1 or phone 02380 285901. Be prepared to move if the owner returns. Charges for both mooring and anchoring apply. The West Solent Boat Builders yard is situated immediately behind the quay providing a full range of boatyard facilities, including cranage. Keyhaven yacht club extends a warm welcome to visiting yachtsmen, tenders can be tied up to their pontoon.
Contact: Keyhaven River Warden, The Observation Tower, Keyhaven Quay, Keyhaven, SO41 0TR. Tel: 02380 285901. Website: newforest.gov.uk
Please note, information in this publication is to be used as a guide only and not for navigation.
