Southampton Water : Profile

Location

Southampton Water and The Solent encompass a large area of protected water and is probably one of the busiest and most famous sailing areas in the world.

Not only is it home for thousands of leisure craft, it is a port for very large container and tanker vessels, cruise liners and ferries of all descriptions. Consequently it is advisable to be very alert when transiting these waters and to have up-to-date charts and sailing instructions.

Add to this, fast tides, a shallow bank, various defensive forts and a submerged barrier, and you have a very interesting mix! Another thing to add, is that it is never boring sailing here!

Docking

When planning to use a berth in a marina, it is wise to call ahead, and you will then be allocated a berth number and advised which side to you will be mooring. Most marinas in this area do not have dedicated pontoons for visitors, but slot them into available spaces.

Apart from marinas, there are many mooring buoys and anchorages which can be used.

It is advisable to monitor VHF channel 12 which broadcasts traffic information for small craft. A useful website is Southampton VTS

The relatively shallow water in this area can quickly build up to an unpleasent solent chop in a fresh wind, but shelter is not usually difficult to find.

For information on River Itchen and River Hamble see the separate entries.

Last updated December 2009.

Hythe Marina
Shamrock Way, Hythe, Southampton, SO45 6DY
Tel:+44 (0)23 8020 7073, Fax:+44 (0)23 8084 2424, VHF Channel 80
d.wilson@mdlmarinas.co.uk
This marina village is on the western shore of Southampton Water, about 5 miles north of Calshot. Access is 24 hour, through a lock. Minimum depth 2m. All facilities, fuel, chandlery, some supplies, 30 ton hoist and some repairs.

Town Quay Marina
on The Solent, Southampton, Hampshire
Tel:+44 (0)23 8023 4397, Fax:+44 (0)23 8023 5302
townquay@marina-info.co.uk
A few visitor's berths are sometimes available here. Important to check first. Close to the city centre.

Yacht Clubs

Royal Southampton Yacht Club
1 Channel Way, Ocean Village, Southampton SO14 3QF
Tel:+44 (0)23 8022 3352, Fax:+44(0)23 8033 0613
www.rsyc.org.uk, rsyc:rsyc.org.uk

Royal Southern YC
Southampton
Tel:+44(0)23 8045 0300

Southampton SC
Southampton
Tel:+44(0)23 8044 6575

Warsash SC
Southampton
Tel:+44(0)23 80583575

Weston CC
Southampton
Tel:+44(0)7905 557298

Weston SC
Southampton
Tel:+44(0)23 80452527

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