<?xml version="1.0"?> <img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Poole_Harbour.jpg"><h2>Poole harbour</h2>With a stunning coastline and sheltered waters, <strong><a href="http://www.motorboatsmonthly.co.uk/galleries/featured/27138/1/0/poole-harbour-cruising-guide">Poole Harbour</a></strong> is one of the UK's best areas for cruising, but getting your boat into the water can take a bit of planning.<br/><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Poole_Harbour_designated_areas_map.jpg"><h2>Poole Harbour designated areas map</h2><strong>Poole Harbour </strong>has designated areas for watersports, which are virtually unrestricted by most regular harbour rules.<img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Poole_Quay_Boat_Haven.jpg"><h2>Poole Quay Boat Haven</h2>Due to the popularity of the area, <strong>Poole Harbour</strong> has plenty of facilities with several <strong>marinas</strong> and <strong>yacht clubs</strong> catering for nearly 30,000 visiting boats each year.<img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Stone_island.jpg"><h2>Stone Island</h2>The <strong>harbour entrance</strong> can be tricky due to it's narrow width and fast tides. You should also look out for the semi-submerged gravel bank of <strong>Stone Island</strong>. Although the spit is well marked, it’s still easy to accidentally ‘find’ due to its rather awkward position.<img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Brownsea_Island.jpg"><h2>Brownsea Island</h2>Dominating the entrance to the harbour is <strong>Brownsea Island</strong>. The island is criss-crossed with woodland walks, and has some spectacular cliff-top views out across the harbour.<br/><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/South_Deep_Channel.jpg"><h2>South Deep Channel</h2>Running between Cleaval Point and Green Island is <strong>South Deep</strong>, one of the most idyllic anchorages in the harbour. In complete wilderness, and a long way from the nearest road, South Deep is a popular getaway for quiet summer evenings.<br/><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/River_Frome_Wareham.jpg"><h2>River Frome Wareham</h2>Well worth exploring, the narrow <strong>River Frome</strong> meanders between tall reed beds for just over a mile before arriving at the quayside of the charming walled town of <strong>Wareham</strong>.<br/><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Frome_Estuary.jpg"><h2>Frome Estuary</h2>The <strong>River Frome</strong> is best explored with a flood tide, as the depth can be marginal at low water.<img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Shipstal.jpg"><h2>Shipstal Point</h2><strong>Shipstal Point</strong> is a remote anchorage on the <strong>Upper Wych Channel</strong>. The area is teeming with wildlife, with wild deer roaming about and an <strong>RSPB reserve</strong> on the <strong>Arne Peninsula</strong>. <br/><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Lake_yard_club.jpg"><h2>Lake yard club</h2>Situated on Lake Shore at Hamworthy, <strong>Lake Yard</strong> is a lovely little marina with splendid views over <strong>Arne</strong>, <strong>Round Island</strong>, <strong>Furzey Island</strong> and <strong>Brownsea Island</strong>. There is no slipway but it’s perfect for a lunch-time stop.<img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Studland_Bay.jpg"><h2>Studland Bay</h2>Tucked in behind the dramatic chalk stacks of <strong>Old Harry Rocks</strong>, <strong>Studland Bay</strong> is a popular summer anchorage sheltered from the prevailing southwesterly wind and flanked by sandy beaches.<br/><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Poole_Harbour_slipways_map.jpg"><h2>Poole Harbour slipways map</h2><strong>Baiter Park</strong> is the only public slipway of note in <strong><a href="http://www.motorboatsmonthly.co.uk/galleries/featured/27138/1/0/poole-harbour-cruising-guide">Poole Harbour</a></strong>. But there are several private slipways, mainly located on the northern side of the harbour and ranging from £16-£58 per launch. <br/><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2010/04/Poole_harbour_at_dusk.jpg"><h2>Poole harbour</h2>Find more helpful advice and pictures in our <strong><a href="http://www.motorboatsmonthly.co.uk/galleries/featured/27138/1/0/poole-harbour-cruising-guide">Poole Harbour cruising guide</a></strong>.
