WHITBY

  • GBWTB
  • Latitude: 54.4845
  • Longitude: -0.612448
  • UK Coast & Atlantic
  • Marina in UK

Location: Whitby North Yorkshire YO22 4AE UK

Phone number: +44 1947 602354

Web-site: https://www.scarborough.gov.uk/home/ports-harbours/port-whitby

Whitby, located on the northeast coast of England in the county of North Yorkshire, boasts a historic and picturesque marine port. In use since the Middle Ages, Whitby’s port has a rich maritime heritage, including connections to the legendary Captain Cook and the whaling industry. Today, it caters primarily to fishing, leisure boating, and tourism.

Port Description:

1. Location:

  • Latitude: 54.4867° N
  • Longitude: 0.6135° W

2. Port Layout:

  • Outer Harbour: Serves as the main entry point, wide and spacious, allowing access for vessels from the North Sea.
  • Inner Harbour: Divided into two sections by a swing bridge. This area is more sheltered and suitable for mooring smaller vessels.
  • Marina: Equipped to handle a variety of leisure craft and yachts, with multiple berths and modern facilities.

3. Infrastructure:

  • Wharfage: Eco-dock, coal dock, and Middle Wharf for various cargo handling.
  • Fish Quay: Equipped for commercial fishing activities, including offloading, processing, and market facilities.
  • Swing Bridge: Provides access between the upper and lower harbours. Operational for most of the day but subject to tidal restrictions.
  • Dredging: Regular dredging operations ensure navigability within the harbour.

4. Port Facilities:

  • Marina Amenities: Freshwater supply, electricity hook-ups, shower and toilet facilities.
  • Rope and Rigging Services: Available for maintenance and repair of recreational and fishing vessels.
  • Fuel Dock: Supplying diesel and petrol for marine vessels.
  • Chandlery: On-site stores providing marine supplies and equipment.
  • Safety Services: Lifeboat and coastguard station nearby to ensure maritime safety.

5. Navigational Information:

  • Tidal Range: Significant tidal variations require careful timing for entry and exit.
  • Sea Depths: Varies across the port, with deeper waters in the outer harbour suitable for larger craft.
  • Mooring Facilities: Options for both long-term and short-term mooring are available.

6. Accessibility:

  • Road Access: Connected via the A169 road, facilitating easy transport of goods and passengers.
  • Rail Access: Whitby railway station provides passenger and limited freight services.

Important Considerations:

1. Weather Conditions:

  • The North Sea can present challenging weather conditions including strong winds and rough seas.

2. Environmental Regulations:

  • Stringent environmental protections in place to preserve the coastal and marine ecosystems.
  • Waste disposal and pollution control measures enforced strictly.

3. Historical Significance:

  • Whitby's strong historical associations attract numerous visitors annually, including the 199 Steps, Whitby Abbey, and the annual Goth Weekend.

Future Developments:

Whitby port continues to evolve with planned upgrades to facilities and services aimed at enhancing both commercial and recreational use. Initiatives include enhancing dockside amenities, improving navigation aids, and expanding harbour services to include modern technologies catering to sustainable maritime operations.

Whitby’s port, with its mix of historical charm and practical functionality, remains an integral part of the local community and regional economy, balancing its rich heritage with contemporary demands.

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