Poole is one of the busiest leisure sailing harbours in Britain, and the infrastructure reflects that.
Marinas and moorings
Marinas around the harbour offer annual berths and visitor berths, with swinging moorings also available. Summer weekends and event periods fill, so book rather than arrive hopeful.
Navigation
Poole Harbour Commissioners are the harbour authority, responsible for navigation, dredging, safety and the commercial port. The harbour is shallow outside the marked channels and dries in places, so a current chart matters more here than its sheltered appearance suggests. The entrance runs fast on the tide, and the chain ferry crosses it constantly.
Services ashore
Chandlers, boatyards, riggers and marine engineers operate around the harbour and the marinas.
If you do not have a boat
See watersports for hire and tuition, and boat tours for being a passenger. The harbour guide has the background.