PORTLAND

How to get there - Portland Harbour can be approached through Weymouth along the A354. It is well signposted through the town. There are three main access points to the water. The Weymouth Sailing Centre is a private club to the north of the Harbour which offers day membership and has showers, a bar and snacks.

Most sail from the causeway at Ferrybridge which joins Weymouth to the Isle of Portland. The Ferrybridge boatyard car park on the left of the road ( £3 daily charge ) or a larger council car park on the right which is cheaper but entails carrying kit across the road so care must be taken. There are toilets and a cafe.

Sailing Conditions - The natural phenomenon of Chesil Beach, a 10 mile stretch of pebble beach, allows winds from southerly to north-westerly to sweep unhindered into the harbour which makes for blasting conditions in strong winds on flat water.

A classic Portland Harbour day has strong westerly winds blowing, which enable the sailor to bear away to 120 degrees off the wind, sailing parallel to the Weymouth to Portland Road.