There is an old outfall and a ‘pier’ on the Portsmouth side of Langstone Harbour entrance, opposite the Club. It is possible to get pushed against these by the tide (as several Club Members can testify), so best give these a wide berth, especially when there is a strong tide running and a light northerly or southerly wind since it is easy to get a sailing boat into ‘irons’.
The ‘pier’ is also frequented by fishermen who get upset when you sail off with their tackle wrapped around your forestay.
You can sail over the old outfall at high tide but it is likely to do some damage if you hit it. If you sail over it during a race you will be disqualified since the HFSC Sailing Instructions preclude this.
The water at the harbour entrance can become quite rough in a wind-over-tide situation. However this is usually localised and the sea is much smoother either in the harbour or further out into the Solent.
The harbour is managed by the Langstone Harbour Board – see www.langstoneharbour.org.uk.
During WW2 concrete caissons for the Mulberry Harbours (used in the follow-up to the Normandy Landings) were built in the area around the Ferryboat Inn, and the concrete supports upon which these were built are still visible in the long car park that leads to the Sailing Club. One of these caissons (a ‘Phoenix Breakwater type 2’) broke its back and never left the Harbour – it can be seen 300m north of the Hayling Ferry jetty on the Hayling side.
There is a wealth of information about Langstone Harbour to be found on the eOceanic website Langstone Harbour page.
