Places to day sail
There are a number of options for day sailing in the Solent even though, at the time of writing, some marinas are still closed to visitors – even short stay, so we recommend calling first if you plan to go ashore. That doesn’t stop you from anchoring or picking up a mooring buoy for a relaxing lunch stop. Some of the locations listed below will require a careful eye on the tide to ensure that you don’t get caught out and have to fight the current on the way home.
Here are our ideas for short haul, there-and-back-in-a-day sails:
- Osbourne Bay is a 6NM hop across the Solent towards the NE tip of the Isle of Wight. This is a cross tide journey that can be done at any state of tide. Its usually a busy anchorage but there is plenty of space.
- It might not be the calmest anchorage due to all the passing traffic but there is a lot to be said about anchoring in front of Netley Chapel, within Southampton Water. After a lovely sail around the Solent why not stop here for afternoon tea before heading back into Hamble?
- Pick up a mooring buoy in Portsmouth Harbour, approximately 12Nm away. Ideally, this would be on a date when HW is around lunchtime so that you can enjoy the flood tide to Portsmouth and catch the ebb tide back.
- Stokes Bay, at just 8NM miles away, is a lovely anchorage if the wind has some north in it. Possibly one of the best views of the Solent. Follow the same tides as for a trip to Portsmouth Harbour.
- At only 10NM, Newtown Creek has both anchorage space and mooring buoys. This is a stunning location for swimming, paddle boarding and to watch out for seals and other wildlife. It is possible to anchor just outside the creek if there is no space inside. We would recommend a date when Portsmouth HW is between 0700 and 1000 to make the most of the ebb tide for the outward journey then flood tide for the return.
- Thorness Bay is around 8NM from Hamble Point and is a convenient and usually empty anchorage opposite to the entrance of Beaulieu River. Good holding but watch out for strong tides.
At only 10NM, Newtown Creek has both anchorage space and mooring buoys. This is a stunning location for swimming, paddle boarding and to watch out for seals and other wildlife. It is possible to anchor just outside the creek if there is no space inside. We would recommend a date when Portsmouth HW is between 0700 and 1000 to make the most of the ebb tide for the outward journey then flood tide for the return.WHAT CLIENTS SAY
This is truly a 5 * service. The team really looked after us both ashore on arrival and also while at sea. We were a relatively inexperienced crew but always felt the team ashore had our backs. Thoroughly recommended.
I just wanted to say Thank-you very much for the weekend charter. It was exactly what we were after (albeit cold!) plus Andy was an awesome teacher and great company. We’ll definitely be keen to book again soon!
We had a fabulous four days. Marina is ideally placed for the Solent, boat was in great condition, well equipped and a joy to sail. We were well briefed and the shore side team including the dog very friendly.
We charted one of the sailing yachts for a fantastic weekend cruise in the Solent. The boat was in superb condition and well equipped, the staff was very helpful explaining how things work on the yacht and there was also a video available with all the important information. 10/10 would recommend!
Had a fantastic week chartering Blue Otter, Alex was incredibly helpful and sent loads of information and date checking prior to booking. There was a handover video and both the handover and return were really smooth. The boat was lovely and well maintained and Lee was really helpful in recommending places to visit (and helping identify the steering issue as an autopilot takeover - doh!). Definitely will be back and would fully recommend!
Just back from a lovely week in the Solent. Great service from HPYC from first inquiry through to return handover. Very straightforward to deal with, and the yacht was in excellent condition. We've chartered from many companies in the UK and abroad and the attention to detail (and flawless inventory!) was second to none. Everything about the yacht and equipment had clearly been well looked after and was in immaculate condition. Great service, will use again.
Always very friendly service, and well-maintained yachts. Easy check-in and checkout. Will be back...
We had a great time and were very happy with everything. Your team were genuinely friendly and were very helpful when we needed it. Is a big contrast to many charter companies I have dealt with in the past.
Watching the sun go down with a glass of bubbly on the deck of a sparkling yacht was unbelievable. What a treat, and a much needed change of scenery in these troubled times. We will be back for sure
Fab service, nothing too much trouble, including my daft questions. I'll be a repeat customer for sure!
We had a great time sailing with Lee for a few days at the beginning of September. Hamble Point Yacht Charters supplied us an impeccable 45 ft Hanse yacht, which was handled with complete mastery by Captain Lee. It was a privilege to sail with Lee, who is clearly a highly skilled professional taking great pride in his work ... but who is also a fantastic character with a great sense of humour and plenty of fun stories to keep the whole family entertained. He balances the serious side of safety and learning about sailing with a whopping dose of amusement and good cheer. We sailed the Solent in some decent seas, visited Bucklers Hard on the banks of the Beaulieu River and learned lots about British nautical history. Our boys started somewhat of a fishing trend catching bass off the back of the boat in Portsmouth and we would love to sail with Lee again in the future. The man truly knows his stuff, maintained the boat impeccably and went to every effort to ensure that we had a great time. Many thanks to “Shippers” and Hamble Point Charters. We’ll be back.
Chartered bareboats with HPYC on numerous occasions most recently in Sept 2020. Always helpful and accommodating. Highly recommend.
We had a fantastic weekend sailing on Loxley B. Boat in super condition and spotlessly clean, Alex. and the team very thorough and always on hand to answer any questions. A great experience. We will be back. Thank you!
Lots of information from office with a friendly service. We selected a one of the cheaper yachts and was please with find everything work and was cleaned and tidy. We will definitely be back
This was the first time we had tried chartering and as experienced racing sailors we didn't know what to expect. Covid has closed down all our events this year so this was a chance to get afloat at least once in 2020. What a great experience and Alex and all the Hamble staff could not have been more friendly or helpful. We had a great three days and we will be back !! We would have no hesitation is recommending Hamble Point Yacht Charters.