Moorings on the River Rother (East Sussex)

The River Rother rises near Rotherfield in East Sussex and flows about 56 km past Etchingham, Robertsbridge, Bodiam, Northiam and Wittersham to Rye, where it is joined by the Brede and the Tillingham and runs out into Rye Bay. The Environment Agency manages the river and is also the harbour authority for Rye Harbour.

Scots Float Sluice, about 6 km from the mouth, controls levels and has a lock alongside; below it the river is tidal. Above the sluice small boats can still navigate as far as Bodiam Castle, and a trip boat runs from Newenden Bridge to the castle. Rye Harbour dries completely at low tide, so boats should arrive no more than two hours before or three hours after high water. The flood can reach 5 knots on springs, a 6 knot speed limit applies, and all boats must pay harbour dues.

Moorings on the Rother are mostly Environment Agency berths let annually at Rye Harbour, including the Admiralty Jetty and pontoon moorings, and at Strand Quay in Rye, reached through the Rock Channel. They take boats up to 15 m and dry to mud or a hard river bed, so some are unsuitable for fin keels. Private operators also offer long-term moorings along the Rock Channel, and the lower river above the sluice is used for moorings too.