Lulworth Firing Ranges...
Along the coast and near to Lulworth Cove is the Lulworth Gunnery Range. This are is used by the armed forces for practice firing out to sea,general information on the ranges can be found here
Alternatively, you can find schedulled firing times here
More information is available, but a trusted source is the Reeds Almanac, page 190.
The area around Lulworth Gunnery range on shore, and the historic World War II village of Tyneham are also a wonderful and extremely interesting walk.
Portland Race...
Portland Bill Race has long been a legend with which to scare the hardiest of crew. This area of joinning tides can be a force to be reckoned with, but with the right amount of planning and respect, traversing it can be as easy as pie!
Please see some sugestuions from our local Weymouth and Portland Cruising Association
Although opinion and advice is sometimes divided, we have always found the advice given by Reeds Nautical Almanac to be very useful. The section on the Portland Race can be found on page 180 of the 2011 edition or on their online version
Weymouth Harbour/Lifting Bridge...
To get to Weymouth Marina, you will need to go via Weymouth's historic lifting bridge. The bridge raises every 2 hours on the even hour. From 15th April to 15th September: 08.00 hrs, 10.00 hrs, 12.00 hrs, 14.00 hrs, 16.00 hrs, 18.00 hrs & 20.00 hrs (21.00 hrs in June, July & August). From 16th September to 14th April lifts require at least 1 hrs notice and are scheduled on 08.00 hrs, 10.00 hrs, 12.00 hrs, 14.00 hrs, 16.00 hrs & 18.00 hrs.
You can call Weymouth Harbour on 01305 838423 or on Ch. 12 VHF
Portland Harbour Authority...
Portland Harbour Authority are the newest Harbour Authority in the UK. They control thge waters within and around the historic breakwaters. Pleasure craft should enter the harbour via the northern entrance and follow the designated safety fairway to the marina entrance.
Portland Harbour Authority can be contacted on Ch. 74 VHF