Terror hoists her sails

From May-September, the approximately 130 year old Oysterboat Terror hoists her sails for leisurely, scenic tours of the harbour, skippered and crewed by Friends of Chichester Harbour volunteers.

This gaff-rigged, open-decked wooden craft is the last remaining example of a working sail boat from when Victorian Emsworth was known for its oyster dredging industry. One of a number of ‘Lighters’, it would transport back to shore the catch from the larger oyster merchants’ vessels.

Originally built by Foster’s Boatyard in Emsworth c 1890, the Terror was painstakingly restored in 2006 thanks to National Lottery heritage funding. Today Terror is steadfastly maintained by the volunteer Terror Operating Committee.

Terror hoists her sails

From May-September, the 125-year-old Oysterboat Terror hoists her sails for leisurely, scenic tours of the harbour, skippered and crewed by Friends of Chichester Harbour volunteers (many of whom have sailed in these waters for years).

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This gaff-rigged, open-decked wooden craft is the last remaining example of a working sail boat from when Victorian Emsworth was known for its oyster dredging industry. One of a number of ‘Lighters’, it would transport back to shore the catch from the larger oyster merchants’ vessels.

Originally built by Foster’s Boatyard in Emsworth c 1890, the Terror was painstakingly restored in 2006 thanks to National Lottery heritage funding.

Scenic sailing from Emsworth Marina to the Harbour’s mouth

Terror in her home port of Emsworth Harbour

Starting off from her Emsworth Yacht Marina mooring, the Terror heads down towards Chichester Harbour’s entrance, taking in its most beautiful parts and little inlets along the way and for time out on the water of about two and a half hours, with a maximum of six passengers. As a special treat or celebration, the boat can be privately chartered. A greater sense of the experience can be enjoyed at:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBwyxMyjV_Q

As a non-profit venture, monies raised from the Oysterboat Terror trips help to fund various environmental projects undertaken by the Friends of Chichester Harbour. For more background on the boat’s history and the harbour tours, plus pricing and booking details, please use the link below to visit the website …

www.oysterboatterror.org.uk .

  • Did You Know?

    Another non-motorised choice for harbour trips is on board the solar-powered catamaran, Solar Heritage. Virtually silent, Chichester Harbour Conservancy’s Solar Heritage is ideal for bird-watching and seal-spotting trips, as well as looking out for other forms of wildlife in their natural habitats.