The River Hamble

Internationally famous as a first-class sailing centre, the River Hamble is also renowned for the excellence of its servicing and repair facilities offered in a variety of marinas and boatyards. Whether your interest is racing, power-boating or blue water cruising, the Hamble has the facilities you need; deep water, easy access to the Solent at all states of tide.

Image Credit: River Hamble Harbour Authority

Popular with locals and visitors alike, the Hamble is perfect for weekend excursions or as a departure point for destinations further afield. It is used extensively by yachtsmen; competitors in Cowes Week and the Round the Island Race use the harbour as a base, and closer to home, local yacht clubs host the Hamble Winter Series, Warsash Spring Series, Bursledon Regatta, National, European and World championships.

The river is not just a sailing Mecca, it is a nationally and internationally important site for nature conservation and a bird watchers’ paradise. Riverside walks or simply watching the world go by are popular pastimes. It also offers a safe location for small craft recreational sports such as rowing, canoeing/kayaking and the now very popular, stand-up paddleboarding. The river is a constant hive of activity during the summer season and therefore care should always be taken.

Access to the River Hamble is available at all states of tide, although waves can build up at the entrance in a south-westerly wind combined with an ebb tide. By day, from the vicinity of Hamble Point Buoy, follow the main channel which is clearly marked with lit port and starboard-hand piles. From the Warsash Maritime Academy Jetty, the starboard side of the channel is clearly marked by four lit starboard-hand buoys. A ‘preferred channel’ mark (pile B1) is at the southern end of the first pontoon encountered; leave it to port for the main channel. Thereafter, the main channel is clearly marked with lit port and starboard-hand piles.

At night, follow Hamble Common Directional light on a bearing of 352°, then Sailing Club Directional light on a bearing of 029° and then follow the lit buoys and piles as above. Depths obviously vary. Most marinas are dredged to 1.5m. Depths in the main channel vary from at least 4m in the approaches, to 2.2m at Bursledon Bend. Tidal streams can be very strong, particularly on the ebb. Mariners are advised to keep to the centre line or to starboard of the centre line and not too close to the entrance piles, especially at low water.

Walk ashore facilities are available for visitors at the Harbour Master’s jetty at Warsash and Hamble. There are also mid-stream visitors’ pontoons available between piles B1 and B6 (these are painted blue). For berth allocation, visitors should call the Harbour Master on VHF Ch 68 Call Sign ‘Hamble Harbour Radio’ or by phone (the number is displayed on signage at all visitor pontoons).    

There is a 6 knot ‘through the water’ speed limit from No. 1 pile and wash limit on all vessels whilst within the River Hamble harbour limits. No anchoring is allowed in the river, except in the Upper Hamble, above River Hamble Country Park Jetty, where anchored boats must not be left unattended. Access to the Upper Hamble is through three bridges, the lowest of which (A27) has a clearance of 3.5 metres at Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT).

Visitors should be aware that large numbers of paddle boarders (SUP) and other small craft users can be present throughout the season but most notably in the summer months, particularly from Swanwick northwards to the Upper Hamble. A designated route for Paddle craft, marked by simple pictorial signage, is now provided throughout the river to encourage users to keep clear of the main channel.   

Use Of Midstream Visitors Pontoon B1- B6 For Training

In its commitment to promoting river Safety through its obligation to the Port Marine Safety Code, the River Hamble Harbour Authority recognises and encourages the wide range of commercial maritime training activities provided by competent qualified sailing/boating organisations and in doing so, has designated an area of its mid-stream visitor pontoons for mooring practice (subject to available space).

• Vessels must contact the Harbour Office for permission prior to commencing.

• 30 mins period only after which a short stay fee applies (see rates).

• Vessels/Crew must be engaged in practical mooring practice only (‘touch & go’)

• Vessels must monitor channel VHF68 at all times during training.

For full guidance please contact the Harbour Office

or visit our web site.

Contact: River Hamble Harbour Authority, Harbour Office, Shore Road, Warsash, SO31 9FR. Tel: 01489 576387. Email: harbour.office@hants.gov.uk hants.gov.uk/hambleharbour

Marinas may be contacted on VHF Ch 80 for berth availability

Image Credit: River Hamble Harbour Authority

Hamble Point Marina 

Hamble Point Marina is hard to beat for its location alone, right at the mouth of the River Hamble with easy access to the worldfamous waters of the Solent. This makes the marina a magnet for competitive sailors from around the globe, and a favourite with racers and cruising yachtsmen alike. The 230-berth marina itself offers extensive shoreside facilities. Besides a well-stocked chandlery, bar and restaurant, Hamble Point also has the best range of new and used boats for sale on the South Coast.

When approaching Hamble Point, please keep clear of commercial shipping in Southampton Water. From abeam Calshot Castle head for Hamble Pt South Cardinal buoy at the mouth of the well-marked river. From here the channel is narrow between drying banks, so be sure to leave the No 2 East Cardinal beacon to port. At night two directional lights lead to Warsash Jetty on the east bank. The entrance to Hamble Point Marina is 500m further north on the west bank.

Hamble Point has 230 berths (max LOA: 30m) and 137 dry stack berths (max LOA: 10m). There is boat lifting and storage ashore; a 75-ton boat hoist; a 4-ton crane for masts / engines; slipway; boat repairs; electronic services; storage ashore; bar and restaurant; yacht brokerage; dry sailing facility; trailer sailing; electric vehicle charging; 24/7 self-storage facilities; and MDL Wi-Fi

Contact: Hamble Point Marina, School Lane, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4NB. Tel: 023 8045 2464. VHF Ch 80. hamblepointmarina.co.uk

Port Hamble Marina

Port Hamble Marina is on the River Hamble, right in the heart of the South Coast’s sailing scene. With thousands of visitors every year, this busy marina is popular with racing enthusiasts and cruising vessels looking for an exciting atmosphere. The picturesque Hamble Village, with its inviting pubs and restaurants, is only a few minutes’ walk away. Our easily accessible fuel berth sells both petrol and diesel seven days a week, with late-night opening in the summer.

When approaching Port Hamble, please keep clear of commercial shipping in Southampton Water. From abeam Calshot Castle head for Hamble Pt South Cardinal buoy at the mouth of the well-marked river. From here the channel is narrow between drying banks, so be sure to leave the No 2 East Cardinal beacon to port. At night two directional lights lead to Warsash Jetty on the east bank. Port Hamble Marina is about 0.75 miles north, the second marina on the west bank.

Port Hamble has 310 berths, max LOA: 24m; fuel (petrol/diesel) seven days a week; boat lifting and storage ashore at Hamble Point Marina; electronic services; chandlery; laundry facilities; bar and restaurant; electric vehicle charging; yacht brokerage; 24/7 self-storage facilities; and MDL Wi-Fi.

Contact: Port Hamble Marina, Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4QD. Tel: 023 8045 2741. VHF Ch 80. porthamblemarina.co.uk

Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park

Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park is set in a sheltered wooded site where the shallow waters of Badnam Creek join the River Hamble. Originally built by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the marina offers berthing for 360 boats and enjoys deep water at all states of tide. Among its excellent facilities are a bar and restaurant with waterfront views.

The marina is just a 20-minute walk from Hamble village. It is a scenic, peaceful spot, which still provides easy access to Southampton Water and the Solent. There are plenty of other tranquil anchorages to visit, such as Newtown Creek on the Isle of Wight or the pretty Beaulieu River.

When approaching the marina, please keep clear of commercial shipping in Southampton Water. From abeam Calshot Castle head for Hamble Pt South Cardinal buoy at the mouth of the well-marked river. From here the channel is narrow between drying banks, so be sure to leave the No 2 East Cardinal beacon to port.

At night two directional lights lead to Warsash Jetty on the east bank. About 1.35 miles north, Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park is the third marina on the west bank.

Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park has 360 berths, max LOA: 24m; boat lifting and storage ashore at Hamble Point Marina; electronic services; towing; laundry facilities; bar and restaurant; yacht brokerage; sailing schools; yacht charters; electric vehicle charging; 24/7 self-storage facilities, holiday accommodation and MDL Wi-Fi.

Contact: Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park, Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4HQ. Tel: 023 8045 5994. VHF Ch 80. mercuryyachtharbour.co.uk

Deacons Marina & Yard 

Deacons Marina & Yard is conveniently located just minutes from the M27 and enjoys a pretty river outlook. Staffed by a friendly and welcoming team, the marina is full service, with all new walk ashore pontoons, power and water. Deacons has good washrooms, free car parking and WiFi and a range of services on site including a fantastic Bistro, comprehensive chandlery and dedicated boat brokerage, boatpoint Hamble. The Yard provides 150 spaces ashore for boats up to 48 feet, and the team can handle any task from paint and polish to keel removal, Coppercoat to a rudder rebuild. Onsite there are specialist riggers, electronics. Limited visitor spaces, so please call ahead to book.

Contact: Deacons Marina, Bridge Road, Bursledon, Southampton SO31 8AZ. Tel: 02380 402253. Email: deacons@boatfolk.co.uk boatfolk.co.uk/deacons-marina-southampton

Universal Marina 

Universal Marina is located on a secluded stretch of the Hamble River accommodating up to 450 vessels, including fully tidal/semi-tidal berthing afloat, dry stack and storage ashore. It has a full-service boat yard including a hoist with a lifting capacity of up to 75 tons.

The attractive yard offers a range of marine-related services and leisure facilities including a restaurant, Jet Ski Club, Pilates studio, training schools and an active Yacht Club.

All this within easy reach of leaving the M27.

Contact: Premier Universal Marina, Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, SO31 7ZN. Tel: 01489 574272. Email: universal@premiermarinas.com

Swanwick Marina

Premier’s Swanwick Marina is situated on the picturesque eastern bank of the River Hamble, approximately two miles upriver from the entrance to Southampton Water. If you’re planning to visit in the summer, please contact reception by phone or VHF Ch. 80 for berth availability and directions.

At the marina you can look forward to brand new pontoons with electricity and water; a modern fully serviced boatyard with a wide range of marine services and a dry stack;  luxury facilities, launderette and free  WiFi. There is also 24-hour security, berth holder car parking,a self-serve fuel berth with a high-speed pump and pump out. A pleasant onsite Café, Kayak and SUP hire.

Contact: Swanwick Marina, Swanwick, Southampton, SO31 1ZL. Tel: 01489 884081.  Website: premiermarinas.com/Swanwick

Stone Pier Yard

Stone Pier Boat Yard – Marina and boatyard at Stone Pier in Warsash, close to the mouth of the Hamble River. Services include craning, hard standing and covered storage, berthing and dry-sailing.

Contact: R K Marine, Stone Pier Boatyard, Shore Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9FR. Tel: 01489 564914. www.rkmarine.co.uk

Please note, information in this publication is to be used as a guide only and not for navigation.