Useful Apps
There are some amazing apps that can definitely make a skipper’s life that little bit easier. Here are a few of the apps that I and the other HPYC skippers and instructors use regularly. We will add to this list in future articles.
Imray Tides Planner
If I only had space on my smart phone for one app it would be this one. Not only does it contain the tidal heights for standard and secondary ports around the world, this app will work out the height of tide at any given time simply by choosing a port, a date and then moving the slider. One of its less well known features is the built-in Tidal Atlas for the UK, Channel Islands, North Sea and Biscay Coast. Choose a chart and a date and then scroll through the tidal hours. The app shows you the springs or neaps rates for any tidal hour – a far quicker alternative to a pesky tidal ladder!
The basic app is free but this only shows the current day’s tide table. Getting UK, Ireland and German tide tables for any date in the future costs £5.99. The interactive tidal stream atlas costs £5.99 and is valid for any future date.
Solent Met
Ever wondered why the wind in Hamble Point Marina doesn’t bear any resemblance to the forecast? The SolentMet app relays live weather data from buoys on Bramble Bank, at the top of Southampton Water and at the entrance to Chichester harbour. The app gives you the speed and direction of wind and gusts. BrambleMet also provides visibility data and Chichester gives wave height. Well worth a quick check before setting sail or if you’re wondering whether to set a reef before leaving.
Navionics
Navionics now has a much simpler approach – a single app via which you purchase the chart areas that you need. The charts aren’t cheap but they are very detailed, kept up-to-date and useful for passage planning and monitoring. Navionics charts are used in many of the on-board chartplotters including Raymarine, B&G, Lowrance and Simrad so they are well maintained. Navionics is continuously adding new functionality to the app.
Google Earth
Charts, pilot books and almanacs contain stacks of information and are the key tools for planning any passage. Add Google Earth to the mix and you can get an extra layer of information before arriving somewhere new. The satellite views of an entrance or layout of a marina or anchorage can really help you to visualise the place and enhance your pilotage plan.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
First time using Hamble Point Yacht Charter and will definitely be back. Location, range of boats and value for money all excellent. The team was very friendly and efficient, and the boat we chartered (Blue) was in good condition and well equipped.
Chartered 37 Hallberg Rassy for a weekend mid Jan. Booking process and communication prior to booking was friendly and informative. The yacht was immaculate and had everything we needed for the weekend. Simple check out process, lots of information provided in the personal review of the yacht. Returning the yacht was just as simple and the security deposit was refunded within 3 days. Highly recommended, we will be returning customers.
We comprised a group of 5 friends; Chartering Kasara, a well appointed Halberg Rassy 36, for a long weekend, taking part in the Round Table Area 45 Presidents Rally.The boat was clean and ready for our arrival, and we were away in good time, she sailed well and when we returned on the Sunday evening the hand back was quick and easy.We all agreed we had had a great time, and would charter again in the future
Hi, I've chartered bareboats from Hamble Point Yacht Charters on a number of occasions - mostly weekends, working my way through their fleet of yachts. Really friendly people, swift to respond. Boats are always in good condition, ready to sail. Their location makes it easy to get to the Solent swiftly. Highly recommended
Just a quick one to say thanks for all your help over last couple of years which has been leading up to me getting my Yachtmaster Offshore award. First rate service both on the sailing school and chartering side.
Looking forward to taking more boats out and going on other sailing ventures with you guys next year!
Finally, just to say that the examiner was outstanding as an Examiner. Really friendly chap and really wanted me to pass. Would also help in giving tuition about alternative ways of doing things after I had completed a manoeuvre.
August 2019. We had an excellent sailing trip around the Solent, staying at a different mooring each day, sometimes in marinas, sometimes on mooring buoys. Hamble Point Yacht Charters was a perfect choice for us. Their location at the mouth of the Hamble river is absolutely ideal, giving immediate access to the central part of the Solent. The company is super efficient and very friendly, and they provided an outstanding service. The boat was in good condition, clean and eveything working. We have chartered with them a couple of times now and we will be back!
Just returned from a 1 week bareboat charter of Aeolus. The service through researching the options in October, where I popped in whilst in the area to view available boats, through the booking process and the charter itself was great. This particular boat may not be the newest on the water but is maintained to a high standard and allowed us a wonderful week crossing the channel to Fecamp and Honfleur before returning for a couple of days in the Solent. Nothing was too much trouble for HPYC and as a regular charterer around the UK and Europe the efficiency and quality of service delivered is appreciated, especially confirmation of the return of the security deposit emailed to me before I got home.
We sailed overnight to Alderney onboard Abraxas, which is a First 40.7. Initially in strong winds we made excellent progress and for the last couple of hours motored in no wind. This boat is good for passage making if you have an experienced crew happy to handle the large main sail.
Friendly welcome. All staff helpful. Relaxed atmosphere. Instructors gave clear explanations of safety equipment and how to perform tasks expected of crew. Very tolerant of mistakes made. Encouraged us to be more independent as the week went by to help build our confidence. Berthed in a number of different marinas each presenting different issues to consider when berthing. The whole experience was most enjoyable and I feel able to crew for other skippers. Excellent value.
The boat and equipment was in good order. We learnt a huge amount in a friendly and fun environment. I wouldn't hesitate to use HPYC for training or charters in the future.
We had a great charter of the yacht Appaloosa from HPYC. The boat was very clean when we boarded her, and was ready for us to board at the agreed time. The staff were very helpful and helped us straight away with any queries.....and my security deposit return was confirmed very quickly. I will definitely consider chartering from HPYC again!
When asked what they thought of HPYC and the day we provided for them: "Excellent"! Everything, as always, was excellent!
5 day solent area charter. HPYC were welcoming, professional, flexible and cheerful. We feel you may book here with confidence then relax and trust that all will be as you would wish.
