Located at the mouth of the River Hamble in an unbeatable position for access to the Solent, MDL’s Hamble Point Marina attracts competitive sailors, racers and cruisers from around the world to berth at its world-famous location. And why not? With the Solent literally a stone’s throw away, sheltered cruising or exciting racing is available on pretty much every day of the year.

This five gold anchor marina has grown-up being known as a boat buyers’ paradise, the place for brokerage in the UK, with dealers representing new and used yachts from companies such as Beneteau, Hanse and Nordhaven dotted across the site. Now MDL are harnessing that past with eight new sales units with a high-level walkway surrounding a hardstanding capable of taking 100+ yachts or motorboats.

Hamble Point was originally built in 1973 after previous stints as an airport and oyster beds, and has been looked after by MDL since 1988. Some of the original buildings remain intact, and host a variety of tenants from Pinnacle Gym to more traditional maintenance services such as Desty Marine, Osmotech and Performance Rigging.

Facilities

There is a dry stack system with 137 berths for motorboats up to 10m. Offering increased security and lower maintenance costs, Hamble Point Marina offers unlimited launching on demand seven days a week.

As well as a wide, easy access slipway with ample space for car parking and trailer storage, there is an emergency boat lifting facility. There is also a 75-ton boat hoist and a 4-ton crane for masts/engines.

There are great facilities on site including a Force Four chandlery which stocks clothing, electronics, books and boat parts among many other items.

BERTHING & STORAGE

The marina accommodates boats up to 30m and currently has a few annual berths available for yachts 10 – 12m, so those thinking about a marina move should act quickly (or consider MDL’s idyllic Mercury Yacht Harbour 1.3nm up-river). The 230-berth marina has storage ashore for 650 boats and the dry sailing facility means boats can be launched for the weekend and put back in dry storage during the week – ideal for racers as it minimises water absorption and fouling, keeping boat weight down.

ACCESS

BY BOAT

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. It is essential to call on VHF Channel 80 on your approach.

Hamble Point Marina

Lat: 50°51.04’N  |  Long: 1°18.33’W

BY ROAD

Hamble Point Marina is very close to Hamble-Le-Rice, the incredibly picturesque village in Hampshire. MDL own three marinas on The Hamble, all of which are straightforward to access from the M27 (Junction 8), about an hour-and-a-half’s drive from central London. (Sat Nav for Hamble Point is SO31 4NB).

BY RAIL

There is a main line rail station at Southampton Central connecting to many high-speed lines. A smaller rail service operates to Hamble station. This is within walking distance, but it might be more pleasurable to catch the bus to Hamble Village and walk the mile down the lane to Hamble Point Marina.

CRUISING

The Isle of Wight is just across The Solent and makes a wonderful day or overnight trip, whether that is exploring Cowes High Street’s cafes, quirky shops and / or making the most of its outlets for nautical gear. The Pier View Pub is a well-known favourite for spotting yachting stars (if that is what you are into).

Bembridge is a popular destination with easy access and lovely beach walks, while Newton Creek offers the opportunity to spot wildlife and do a bit of creek crawling. Further afield on the tide is Yarmouth, and its great selection of eateries and gift shops. From here you can walk up the River Yar.

MDL has nine marinas on the Solent to explore, with free berthing for its members and a small fee for visitors. Visit superyacht haven Ocean Village with its luxurious hotel, bars and restaurants, or the family oriented Hayling Island marinas such as Northney or Sparkes. Plus, up the Hamble River, Port Hamble and Mercury offer a different view of the bustling river.

Poole is a day’s sail (stay at Cobbs Quay), and further afield the West Country can be reached in a couple of days (MDL also owns Brixham, Torquay and Queen Anne’s Battery, Plymouth – again, MDL members overnight for free at these marinas).

LOCAL EATERIES

The Hamble is a food lovers paradise with quality pub food, international and local cuisine and quaint cafes to grab a quick snack.

On site, the Ketch Rigger is open from 8am, seven days a week and offers a great chunky menu ranging from burgers and chips, to soups and steaks, with sandwiches in between. Its friendly staff make everyone feel welcome and its chefs make everyone feel deliciously full.

In the village of Hamble, Ye Olde Whyte Harte provides charm and plenty of locally sourced food and The Bugle’s range of ales is served in its picture-perfect premises. There are plenty of places to eat out, many of which are dog friendly.

Across the water (via a pink ferry for a very reasonable sum), there is Warsash’s Rising Sun pub which also offers hot food.

Also up river is the Horse and Jockey (accessible by kayak – watch the tides or you will get stuck in the mud flats) and with pontoon access the Jolly Sailor (but check the Bursledon tides as it dries daily).

There is a large Tesco a ten-minute drive from Hamble Point Marina, and in the village there is a Co-Op which is well stocked with life’s essentials and a bit more. That is about a 20-minute walk from the marina, along a woody path which wends through the trees. For those without transport, the marina office will arrange a taxi.

THINGS TO DO

There are lots of walks and cycle paths in the area, along the banks of the Hamble and through the surrounding countryside.

Manor Farm, a working Victorian farm with lots of different animals to fascinate younger members of the family, and River Hamble Country Park span 400 acres of woodland along the banks of the Hamble.

Nearby, Royal Victoria Country Park has enjoyed a £3.5 million restoration project of its chapel (it was previously a military hospital) and has many walks and adventures including play areas and a miniature railway.

The whole area is steeped in maritime heritage. Hamble Village is exquisite to explore and further afield there is plenty to do. Bucklers Hard maritime museum has plenty of attractions including river cruises, a shipwright’s workshop and the picturesque Buckler’s Hard Village. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is 40-minute drive and is home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose and many other attractions.

Then, 30 minutes West is Southampton, home to the SeaCity Museum (featuring the story of the city’s relationship with the Titanic), the Tudor House and Garden (a wonderfully well-preserved afternoon out) and Solent Sky (vintage aircraft and knowledgeable staff).

 

Find out more about MDL Marinas, and its Freedom Berthing package which offers free stays across its network, fuel at cost and terrific discounts on boatyard services, at mdlmarinas.co.uk.

MORE INFORMATION

Acting Marina Manager – Kerry Marriott

Tel 02380 452464

E: hamblepoint@mdlmarinas.co.uk

Nav; SO31 4NB

 

 

 

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Hamble Point

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