Oysterboat Terror, the beautifully restored Emsworth Oyster smack, has just completed its best season ever since starting passenger operations almost twenty years ago.
Nearly 350 passengers enjoyed trips around Chichester Harbour lasting around two and a half hours and taking in all the beautiful sights within the harbour including seals, birds and the stunning scenery of the Natural Landscape.
Income from booking was nearly twice as much as any previous year and this was partly due to the decision of the Terror Operating Committee to run trips from the new Itchenor Jetty for two weeks during the summer to coincide with the Chichester Festivities.
Such was the success of this decision, which enabled two sailings a day from Itchenor when only one is possible from Emsworth due to tidal restrictions, that 2026 will also see Terror operating from Itchenor for a couple of weeks next summer.
And 2026 heralds the twentieth year of operation of Terror which was rescued from almost certain abandonment and destruction by John Davis the then Chichester Harbourmaster. Originally built in Emsworth around 1895, she was awarded a Heritage Lottery Grant in 2004 and was fully restored back to sailing condition and launched with great ceremony during the Emsworth Food Festival in 2006.
Since then, thousands of passengers have enjoyed the delights of sailing and helming such an historic sailing vessel and after a full winter refit, Terror will be back on the water and taking passengers from May to October 2026. Booking for 2026 will be available early in the New Year at www.oysterboatterror.org.uk . Alternatively, why not buy a Gift Card now as a Christmas Present for a trip next year for a friend of loved one – also available from our website.
Commenting on the success of the last season, Gavin Crick, Trustee of Friends of Chichester Harbour and Chairman of the Terror Operating Committee said:-
“I am delighted that we were able to take so many passengers out on Terror this past season, making it our best year ever. This was partly due to the mostly good weather during the summer and the two weeks we operated from Itchenor, but also to the dedicated team of volunteers whose enthusiasm and knowledge helps to create a huge following for Terror both locally and further afield. Every pound we make from each sailing goes to Friends of Chichester Harbour, the charity dedicated to preserving and enhancing the beauty of the harbour.
We look forward to another great season in 2026 and will be celebrating the twentieth year of operation of this beautifully restored historic vessel.”
Notes to Editors.
Terror is owned by Chichester Harbour Conservancy and operated by a dedicated band of over 40 volunteers from Friends of Chichester Harbour. She operates from Emsworth Yacht Harbour from May to October, and once again will be sailing for two weeks from Itchenor Jetty during next summer. Trips cost £35 for adults, £20 for children and the whole boat can be chartered for £175.
Photo of Terror off Emsworth Sailing Club – Credit Michael Geary
