Eastney Cruising Association is Portsmouth’s premier cruising and boating club. It was established in 1958 and originally catered mainly for motor cruisers, hence the propeller on its burgee. Now ECA represents all boating interests including sailing, fishing, diving and water skiing as well as motor cruisers and with such a variety of members it has a very relaxed, friendly and informal atmosphere. It is situated at the entrance to Langstone Harbour in Hampshire and offers easy access to the Solent and English Channel.
ECA has grown steadily in size and occupies a site of approximately four acres on its own freehold on the western shore of Langstone Harbour entrance, with a membership of 750. It has a fine clubhouse with an excellent bar and galley, both fully staffed and newly refurbished in 2010, offering superb sea views from within and from the extensive balcony. There is a varied social calendar with a number of well-supported events each year including the annual regatta.
The compound provides over 500 boat spaces which are heavily in demand for all types of vessel from sailboards and tenders up to 35’ cruisers. Slipway access is available at all states of the tide into the main Langstone channel, and powered winches assist launch and recovery there. A further slipway provides access into Eastney Lake at half tide and above. ECA rents from Langstone Harbour Board six deep water moorings in Langstone Channel adjacent to the clubhouse and these are for the occasional use of members.
All types of boating activity (with the exception of personal watercraft or jet skis) are welcome, i.e. sailboards, dinghies, catamarans, sailing and motor cruisers, fishing, diving, powerboating and skiing, and there are several active sections within the Association to promote these activities – or you can just do your own thing.
