Shrimper Owners Association

poole

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Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in Europe and provides a safe haven for sailors in any conditions. Its local High Water stand, shallow navigable channels and abundance of anchorages make the harbour ideal for shoal draft boats. No surprise then that Poole is the home port for over 70 Shrimpers and the largest class fleet in the harbour.

The harbour is bounded on its west side by the Purbeck Hills and to the west and north by Dorset heathlands. On the east side of the harbour can be found the town of Poole and its environs. There are 5 islands within the harbour, the largest being Brownsea Island which belongs to the National Trust. There are also many creeks and inlets, within which the salt marshes and mud flats sustain a wealth of birdlife. All good ‘Shrimper country.’

The entrance to the harbour is narrow, with Sandbanks peninsular to the east and Studland to the west. The tidal stream can run at up to 5 knots on the spring ebb in the entrance. A vehicle chain ferry runs between both sides and a local byelaw gives the ferry right of way over all non-piloted vessels.

The coastline westwards from the harbour entrance is stunningly beautiful and has recently been awarded World Heritage status. Studland is also the start point of the South West Coastal Path that runs for over 400 miles to Minehead in Somerset. To the east towards the Solent lie Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay, with the seafront of Bournemouth spreading as far as Hengitsbury Head.

The harbour is home to 8 yacht clubs, with Shrimper representatives at every club. However the main fleets are at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Parkstone Yacht Club and to a lesser extent Poole Yacht Club. There are also 10 boatyards in the harbour.

Visitors trailing their Shrimper to Poole will unfortunately find only one public slipway. However by prior arrangement, usually through a local Shrimper owner, it is possible to use the slip or hoist at one of the local clubs.

For more information visit the Harbourmaster’s website: Poole Harbour Commissioners

Shrimper owners in Poole seem to be fairly evenly split into three groups. There are the racing boys, (and girls) who love to have the adrenalin pumping and can’t seem to get enough of thrashing round the cans. Then there are the cruisers, for whom a 4 hour windward beat to an anchorage, followed by a night on board, makes the wearing of a hair shirt almost appealing. Lastly there are the owners who are content just to potter for the day, under sail or power, either in or out of the harbour. Some keen owners join up with all the groups, whilst some of course have “crossed the floor” with the passing of the years. If nothing else, the Shrimper is certainly ubiquitous.

Poole has a very active local Shrimper group. During the season we arrange local day sails, occasional weekend cruises and a week’s cruise to the Solent. We also provide a Shrimper race series on Monday and Thursday evenings, plus Sunday mornings, which attracts crews with mixed racing abilities. However, please do be assured that nothing we organise is prescriptive. If you think an event is for you, then you are most welcome to come along.

For more information on Shrimpers at Poole go to the page with present details or:

contact

Trevor Heritage (Poole Honorary Secretary) 01929 554070 e-mail: trevandgill@heritage1.eclipse.co.uk

 

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