Keyhaven
Keyhaven is an attractive harbour at the western tip of the Solent lying within an area of unspoilt Hampshire coast. 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.
Credit Image: Steve Wood- Keyhaven River Warden
Keyhaven is sheltered and shallow with around 500 moorings the majority of which dry out, a small proportion of moorings can accommodate deep fin keels around 1.5m. There is a great wealth of nature conservation and landscape interest and a Public Ferry to the Castle.
To approach Keyhaven from the west, enter the Solent by Hurst Point and beware of The Trap if coming in via the north channel. 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 approx. 250m West of the Castle. The entrance is approximately 0.5nm 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 roughly chart datum. The quay accepts visitors approx. 0.5m – 0.75m end below CD on the East side of the quay. There is an area where you can dry out against the quay on the South side.
Normally, 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 Port Albert is abeam, turn to starboard and head towards the red and green buoys. Then follow the directions above. It is not advisable 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. Vessels over 1.8m draft will find tide timing and remaining in the deep channel crucial to remaining afloat.
Visitors are welcome to use an empty mooring, which has no tender attached, please attach your own lines to the mooring shackle and contact ‘Keyhaven 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 welcomes visiting yachtsman, tenders can be tied up to their pontoon. Bins are located by the quay. Public toilets are in the main carpark behind the Yacht Club.
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.
