Portland Race and St Albans Head

Guidance notes for going East past St Albans Head and Durlston Head and going West past Portland Bill.  

DISCLAIMER

These notes are for guidance ONLY THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THAT FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES AND SHOULD BE USED ADVISEDLY.

St Albans Head inshore passage lies approximatly 15Nm from Weymouth harbour with Durlston Head a further 3.7Nm. Should the sea be rough then going outside is recomended. You will need to plan a course to take you at least 4/5Nm offshore. However should Lulworth Firing Range be active you will also be required to detour South otherwise you will be chased away by the Safety Boat (Ch8). For up to date sea conditions you can also call the NCI at St Albans Head (Ch65).

Portland Bill lies approximately 7Nm from Weymouth. Notorious it may be - also called the 'Day Skippers Cape Horn' - but at the right tide times it will give you a magnificent push start across Lyme Bay if going West. Returning from the east it is essential to get the correct arrival time at Portland Bill to ensure safe passage. Of course if your are passaging say Dartmouth to the Needles you will likely take the outside passage. For up to date sea conditions call Portland Bill NCI (Ch65).

Last updated 17:22 on 20 August 2024