Royal Clarence Waterside & Marina

Your base for exploring the south coast 

If you’re looking to explore the Solent, come moor up with us at Royal Clarence – there’s 154 berths waiting for you, which you can access at all times of the tide. Set near the mouth of the Portsmouth Harbour, it’s the perfect base for cruising the south coast and further afield, like France and the Isle of Wight.  

Tucked inside the walls of the Portsmouth Harbour, you tend to forget you’re near a busy port – it’s really peaceful here. Back in the day, Royal Clarence was a Royal Navy Victualling Yard, so it’s got that traditional maritime vibe about it.  

There’s also some great views over the dockyard and Spinnaker Tower – on sunny days, it’s tempting to stay put on your deck and soak it all in. And when the weather turns rubbish, you’re only a quick ferry ride from Gunwharf Quays – it’s got loads of shops, restaurants, bars and a cinema to keep you busy. 

Things to do in the local area

Along with loads of great cruising routes, Royal Clarence Marina has a real sense of history. It used to be the Royal Navy Victuallers Yard, and a lot of those old buildings are still standing. Then you’ve got the backdrop – panoramic views over the historic Portsmouth dockyard, where HMS Victory and HMS Warrior were once based.  

But the marina itself has been totally transformed – underneath all that history, you’ll find some of the best facilities in the Solent, right there on the waterfront. 

When you’re ready for some time on land, Portsmouth city centre is just a short walk and ferry ride away. Along with all the shopping and cultural stuff you’d expect from a great city, Portsmouth is also the site of the Gunwharf Quays – there’s loads to do there.  

For more information about events in and around Gosport logon to http://gosportmarinescene.com 

Safety & security 

• A secure marina with gated access to jetties, CCTV and a full-time crew based on-site 
• All pontoons have a non-slip surface and are well-lit at night 
• 24-hour emergency call-out  

Facilities 

• Toilet & shower facilities, open 24/7 
• Laundrette, open 24/7 
• Car parking is available for berth holders and visitors in the Cooperage Green Car Park. There is also a short term drop off point next to Arty’s. 
• Free WiFi in the marina for browsing 
• Refuse and recycling facilities 
• The quayside hosts several popular restaurants and cafés 

Services 

• Fully serviced pontoons with metered electricity and water 

Contact our friendly Waterside Crew: 

Royal Clarence Waterside & Marina office is open 8am until 5:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8am - 6pm on Friday to Sunday including bank holidays during the summer.  

The office is open 7 days a week between 8am and 5pm during October to March. 

You can call us on 023 9252 3523 within these hours. 

During seasonal and bank holidays our typical office hours may vary, please call the waterside office before making a visit. 

Navigating into Royal Clarence 

The entrance to Royal Clarence Marina is well marked with a large sign. After the North end of the boat channel, go past Gosport Marina, and as you pass the MOD fuelling jetty, turn left into Weevil creek. Keep the big fuel jetty to port and Burrow island to starboard. 

There are green starboard piles off the island. It is recommended that a wide berth is taken from the green piles east of Royal Clarence Marina as the mud encroaches well past them, especially at low tide. 

The main channel runs adjacent to the end of A pontoon, so please stay close to the marina when arriving and departing (see chart below). 

Please radio VHF Channel 80 or telephone 023 9252 3523 for berthing instructions before entering the marina. 

Portsmouth Harbour regulations 

Mariners are advised that The Queen’s Harbour Master (QHM), Portsmouth, controls all shipping movements within the Port and has made a General Direction under the Dockyard of Portsmouth Order 2005. 

In particular, users of the Harbour should be aware of the ‘Small Ships Channel’ on the western side of the entrance and all vessels under 20 metres must use this as they enter and exit the Harbour. Permission must also be obtained from QHM control if you wish to cross the Harbour to and from Gunwharf Quays and The Camber Dock. 

Users of the Harbour should make themselves fully aware of the contents of the order and copies are available from the Bridgehead Office. 

Contact QHM on VHF Channel 11 or 13, Tel 023 9272 3124