Long-term moorings in Eastbourne

Eastbourne is on the East Sussex coast between Brighton and Hastings. Moorings in Eastbourne are at Sovereign Harbour, a locked marina just east of the town that is run by Premier Marinas. Boats lie afloat behind the locks whatever the tide is doing outside.

Moorings in Eastbourne

• Sovereign Harbour (Premier Marinas): more than 800 berths in four inner harbours, all reached through one of two locks that work 24 hours a day.
• Sovereign Harbour boatyard (Premier Marinas): a 60-tonne travel hoist, storage ashore for up to 60 vessels and a boatshed taking boats up to 18 metres under cover.

The marina has a fuel pontoon, 24-hour security and a reception that is open 24 hours. Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club is on the site.

On the water

• Locks: the twin 50-metre locks close on the hour and the half-hour and can be used at all states of the tide. Follow the traffic lights and listen on VHF channel 17.
• Approach: a Safe Water Mark marks the start of the entrance channel, where boats call the marina on channel 17. The buoyed channel is dredged to 2.4m below chart datum.
• Outer Harbour: some parts dry at low water, so keep to the buoyed channel. A five-knot speed limit applies inside the harbour.
• Top-ups: after some high tides one lock is opened fully to raise the level inside the marina. A flashing red light is shown and boats must keep clear of the turbulence.
• Offshore: from the east, watch for tide rips over the Royal Sovereign Shoal and the Horse of Willingdon. From the west, clear the shore by a mile after rounding Beachy Head.

Floods and closures

Premier Marinas shuts one lock for maintenance in early spring and describes it as an annual shutdown. Lock 2 closed for four weeks from 9 March 2023. Lock 1 closed for about five weeks from 3 March 2025, while Lock 2 stayed in use. Expect longer waits at the working lock during these weeks.

Getting there and around

Eastbourne railway station has regular trains to Brighton and London. Berth holders have free parking at the marina.