The Working Boats Festival on Friday 18 April is a great opportunity for families to come down and see the range of boats that work in Chichester Harbour. Vessels attending will include the Harbour Conservancy’s fleet with the high-speed patrol RIBs and the heavy-duty Mooring Barge. The local lifeboat and coastguard crews will be on-hand to show you their boats and the range of equipment they carry. This year we will also have two recently restored classic boats: Terror, who worked with the Victorian oyster fleet from Emsworth and Ocean Pearl a fishing boat from Scotland. In addition there will be the impressive Sussex Sea Fisheries’ vessel and local fishing charter boat Silver Fox.

On land will be a range of displays in the Conservancy workshop including an art exhibition and refreshments. John Davis, the Harbour Master said ‘This is the biggest event that the Conservancy organises. It is a celebration of all the boats and their crews that still use the harbour to make a living.’ John added ‘This year we have a combination of very modern boats along with some beautifully restored traditional working boats. We hope that lots of local people will come along to support the Festival.’

The Working Boats Festival is held on the public jetty, Itchenor on the 18 April between 10:30 and 12:30. Entry is free with everyone welcome to climb aboard, meet the crews and complete a quiz for harbour prizes! More details from the Harbour Office on 01243 512301.

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