RYDE

• GBRYD
• Latitude: 50.7357
• Longitude: -1.15906
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 2DY UK

Web-site: http://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Transport-Parking-and-Streets/Piers-Jetties-and-Wharves/Wightlink-Vehicle-Ferry-Terminal/Port-of-Ryde

Ryde is a coastal town located on the northeast coast of the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. While it is not a major commercial maritime port, it does have facilities that cater to small to medium-sized vessels, including ferries and leisure boats. Below is an overview of Ryde's maritime facilities and specifications:

Ryde Pier

Ryde Pier is one of the most notable features of the port facilities in Ryde. It is the oldest seaside pier in England, originally opened in 1814. Its function has evolved primarily to support passenger ferry services.

Specifications:

• Length: Approximately 681 meters (2,238 feet) long.
• Facilities:
  • Ferry Terminal: Services provided by Wightlink, connecting Ryde with Portsmouth Harbour. The catamaran service operates frequently and is a key transport link for passengers traveling between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.
  • Railway Station: Ryde Pier Head railway station is located at the end of the pier, connecting to the Island Line, which runs between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin.
  • Car Access: There is a roadway on the pier allowing for limited vehicular traffic.
  • Footpath: A pedestrian walkway runs alongside the pier, providing access for passengers and tourists.

Ryde Harbour

Ryde Harbour caters mainly to recreational boating and small craft rather than commercial shipping.

Specifications:

• Type: Tidal harbour, with variable water levels affecting mooring conditions at low tide.
• Capacity: The harbour can accommodate a range of small to medium-sized leisure boats and yachts.
• Moorings: Offers a mixture of pontoon berths and moorings.
• Facilities:
  • Slipway: Public slipway available for launching boats.
  • Amenities: Includes basic facilities such as water supply, waste disposal, and in some cases, electric hook-ups.
  • Marine Services: Limited maintenance and repair services for boats.
  • Access: Harbour entrance is constrained by tidal conditions. Navigation is usually straightforward but requires consideration of the tidal state and local conditions.

Other Notable Features

• Ryde Esplanade: Located adjacent to the pier and harbour, offering a scenic promenade with access to various seaside activities, cafes, and amenities.
• Transport Links: Besides the ferry services, Ryde benefits from good local transport links including bus services and the Island Line railway, enhancing connectivity within the Isle of Wight.

Constraints

• Tidal Restrictions: Both Ryde Pier and Harbour are influenced by substantial tidal variations, which can impact accessibility, particularly at low tide.
• Limited Commercial Use: Ryde does not serve as a major commercial port for freight or large vessels, focusing primarily on passenger ferries and recreational boating.

Nearby Points of Interest

• Seaview: Another small village with maritime facilities located to the east of Ryde.
• Portsmouth Harbour: The mainland ferry terminal providing connections to Ryde, which is a bustling commercial and naval port with extensive maritime facilities.

Conclusion

Ryde offers a combination of historical charm and practical maritime facilities focused on passenger transport and recreational boating. While it may not be a hub for commercial shipping, its ferry services and leisure boat accommodations make it a significant point of connectivity between the Isle of Wight and the mainland UK.