Tide tables
The Harbour of Rye is tidal and the harbour drys out. You can find out below all the information you need about the tides.
Tides
- Chart Datum at Rye is 3.95 metres (13ft) below Ordnance Datum (Newlyn).
- Depth of water over the sand bar at the entrance: Predicted height from tables 2.5 metres reducing to plus 1.2 metres past the Harbour Office.
Duration of mean rise
- Springs: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Neaps: 5 hours 00 minutes
Latest observations suggest the position of the channel has stabilised approximately south east of the western tripod beacon.
Average water depths in the channel entrance
- At M.H.W.S 5.5 metres(19.2ft)
- At M.H.W.N 4.5 metres(15ft)
Information for boaters
Largest commercial vessels permitted: 72 metres(236ft) day time; 64 metres(210ft) night time. These maximum commercial vessel lengths are at the discretion of the Harbour Master.
Boaters entering Rye for the first time are advised to arrive during daylight hours. It is suggested that those unfamiliar with the port should not enter the harbour until high water minus one hour or nearer to the "top of the tide".
Vessels should proceed into Rye keeping close to the starboard side of the channel.
When berthing at the harbour office vessels should turn and "stem the tide" using the nearest available ladder to the office. Fenders/slipper boards are not practical with the fast rising tide and could become a hazard.
Moorings will be allocated by the Harbour Master when vessels report to the office. As a general rule passage time to Strand Quay moorings takes 25 minutes with vessels taking the ground 3 hours after high water. Vessels mooring at the harbour office take the ground 5 hours after high water.
Please note all new arrivals must stop and report to the Harbour Office for berthing instructions and further navigation information.