Sailing, boating and fishing

We have a new addition to the boats in the bay. Moonfleet of Swanage takes people on excursions round Swanage bay and further afield please click on the link to go to their website.

The bay faces east so with a predominant westerly wind it offers a sheltered shore, but a risk of an off-shore wind. When the wind has any east in it then a swell can build up in the bay making sailing & boating uncomfortable to unsafe. The intrepid Gig rowers are ready to row in fair or foul weather (preferably fair). 

  For the sailor it is a different matter and in the event of an easterly everyone battens down the hatches as this can lead to a rocky ride. In winter you will find the bay bereft of vessels as everyone takes safe refuge either in Poole harbour or on land.

The boatpark slipway (above) is open 7 days per week but there are charges for use. The Swanage sailing club on Buck's Shore is pictured above right.

The mission of the National Coastwatch Institute is to be the ears and eyes of the coast, cliffs and footpaths for the safety of all users. The NCI is a registered charity and depends entirely on public donations for equipment and the ability to maintain a safety watch.

The NCI station at Peveril Point, Swanage has uninterupted views across Swanage Bay from the pier to Ballard Head and Old Harry rocks beyond. Our visual watch sweeps across from Old Harry in the east across the perilous Peveril Ledge and round to Durlston Head in the west.

Fish around the swanage bay and surrounding areas are plentiful and diverse. The Swanage and district angling club can be joined by visiting the Swanage angling centre (Telephone 01929 424989) in High Street. Martin and Gill stock everything you could possibly need to go fishing from the pier, the beach or from one of the charter boats.

 The fish caught from the pier range from Wrasse, Pout, Pollock, Bass, Dogfish and Mackerel, the price of a licence to fish from the pier being Adult £2.50 Junior £1.00.