With over 1,300 berths, Premier Brighton Marina, on the East Sussex coast, is the UK’s largest marina and is an ideal stop-off if you are transiting or crossing the Channel writes Sue Pelling
50.8121° N, 0.0985° W
Brighton Marina is one of 11 Premier owned and operated, award-winning south coast marinas that run from Cornwall to Brighton. Opened by the late HM The Queen in 1979, Brighton Marina is indeed the largest marina in the UK. It is also one of the most vibrant with a host of facilities including a well-stocked chandlery, boatyard, supermarket, cinema, hotel, and one of the most extensive varieties of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Also, given its location (approximately one mile east of the pier, and half a mile into town), historic Brighton is a great place to explore.
As well as an excellent choice of stop-off for visitors, this marina, and its location on the UK’s southeast coast, is a popular choice for berth holders not least because of its convenient road, and rail connections to and from London (under an hour), and Gatwick Airport just 32 miles away. For added convenience, there is also a 24-hour bus service (every 15 minutes) from the marina to Brighton city centre.
Another benefit for annual berth holders is the Premier Advantage that offers a package of rewards, benefits and cost savings including 42 free visitor nights and unlimited short stays at any Premier marina, Sea Start benefits and savings, fuel at cost, special deals on insurance, up to eight weeks inclusive storage ashore, and Boatyard Rewards – redeemable against Premier lifting and launching services.
Although the marina is fairly exposed as it juts out from the mainland into the Channel, its harbour wall was designed to minimise the effect of the running sea and therefore offers excellent shelter from the sometimes harsh conditions. The double-style entrance is made up of long, curving breakwater that extends from east to west and has a clever wave screen incorporated at the inner entrance, and a shorter western breakwater that extends seaward.
Passage planning
Not surprisingly, Brighton Marina is busy throughout the year, which means visitors are advised to contact the marina office on VHF Channel 80 or 37 or telephone +44(0)1273 819919 prior to arrival. Alternatively, proceed to visitor pontoons 10 and 11, which are in front and to port as you pass the inner entrance, and contact the marina’s reception, on the first floor of the West Jetty.
The marina is relatively easy to spot from offshore an
