FlexiSail Videos
Sailing Destinations
Chichester Harbour
Chichester Harbour lies west of Chichester and is an area of outstanding natural beauty with an entrance from the English Channel between Selsey and Hayling Island. It comprises an area of some twenty-seven square miles of navigable water and provides some of the most rewarding scenery in the south of England. It is one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas in Southern England and remain relatively wild. Its wide expanses and intricate creeks are at the same time a major wildlife haven and among some of Britain’s most popular boating waters. The massive stretch of tidal flats and saltings are of outstanding ecological significance. Very large populations of wildfowl and waders use the mudflats feeding on the rich plant life and the huge populations of intertidal invertebrates.
The harbour lowlands contain high quality arable farmland and boatyards, marinas and commercial fishing are important elements of the local economy. This is one of the south coast’s most popular sailing waters with as many as 12,500 craft regularly using the harbour, with competitive racing taking place among the 14 sailing clubs of the Chichester Harbour Federation. The villages, sea walls and footpaths are a popular leisure area for residents and tourists alike.
www.chichesterweb.co.uk/harbour.htm
Portsmouth Harbour
Gunwharf Quays Marina is just 5 minutes in shore, on the north side of Portsmouth Harbour — directly underneath the landmark Spinnaker Tower. The marina offers first class facilities on the door step of the world famous sailing waters of the Solent.
Yachts can moor for short stays and overnights and sailors can take advantage of the outlet stores, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities just outside the marina entrance.
www.gunwharf-quays.com/marina.htm
Hamble
(FlexiSail location — see also under Locations)
The ‘mecca’ of yachting on the south coast, whose origins in maritime history go as far back as the 9th Century when King Alfred’s men sank as many as 20 Viking long ships at Bursledon! It was also here that Nelson’s flagship in the Battle of Copenhagen ‘Elephant’ was built in the 18th Century and a thriving shipyard is there to this day bearing the same name. Today, particularly during the summer months, river life is a hive of activity and the village is bustling with sailors and visitors. The River Hamble is at the heart of the sheltered waters of the Solent and protected from the open sea by the Isle of Wight, and benefiting from a two hour stand at high water.
The charming village has a wide choice of pubs and restaurants and is only a couple of minutes walk away from Port Hamble Marina, on the west bank of the river, where we have our base. This 310 berth marina has excellent facilities and access is available at all states of the tide.
Port Hamble Marina, Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton, is just 6 miles off Junction 8 of the M27. Map to Port Hamble Marina.
mdlmarinas.co.uk/mdl-port-hamble-marina
Southampton Ocean Village Marina
Situated in the shelter of Southampton Water on the River Itchen, and right in the heart of Southampton, Ocean Village is more than a marina. Surrounded by attractive modern waterfront houses and luxury apartments, restaurants, cinemas and bars, it offers outstanding recreational facilities. Overlooking the marina is the Royal Southampton Yacht Club which, although a members club, offers berth holders and visitors a warm and friendly welcome and has a reputation for excellent food. The 375-berth marina, with excellent facilities, has access at all states of the tide.
Ocean Village is only a short bus ride from the Isle of Wight ferry terminal and West Quay shopping centre, both within 15 minutes walk, as well as Southampton’s Oxford Street, well known for its excellent restaurants.
Beaulieu River and Buckler’s Hard
Meandering through the New Forest, the Beaulieu River is a picturesque and favourite spot for anchoring. It is considered by many to be one of the most attractive harbours on the mainland side of the Solent. A few miles upstream, from the mouth of the river, lies Buckler’s Hard, an 18th Century village, occupying a superb location surrounded by oak woodland within the Beaulieu Estate. On a historical note, it was here that shipwrights skilfully constructed warships for Nelson’s fleet.
You can spend the night in the Yacht Harbour Marina in this beautiful and sheltered reach of the river. The marina offers 110 berths, full marina facilities to include toilets, showers, launderette, fuel, etc. Call the Harbourmaster’s office on 01590 616200.
www.bucklershard.co.uk/bucklershard/beaulieuriver
Bembridge, Isle of Wight
Bembridge is a compact, pretty harbour whose entrance, although restricted by the tides (recommended entry for a 1.5m draught is two and a half hours before High Water), is well sheltered in all but north-north-easterly gales. Offering excellent sailing clubs, beautiful beaches and fine restaurants, this Isle of Wight port is a first class haven with plenty of charm.
Cowes, Isle of Wight
Situated virtually at the centre of the Solent lies Cowes on the Isle of Wight. This beautiful seafaring town is at the mouth of the Medina River which, on favourable tides, is navigable for 4 miles up to the island’s capital, Newport. Cowes is world famous amongst sailors for its yearly regatta in early August, which spans a whole week of racing and fun!
Cowes is a bustling town with its narrow winding streets and abundance of shops, bars and restaurants. It is worth visiting the Maritime Museum. Exhibiting the Uffa Fox boats ‘Avenger’ and ‘Cowe Slip’, and the Sir Max Aitken Museum. Sir Max contributed enormously to Ocean Yacht racing and the museum is dedicated to his collection of nautical instruments, paintings and maritime artefacts.
Moor up at the Cowes Yacht Haven as this centrally located marina gives instant access into Cowes town centre, the Parade, with its range of yacht clubs, including the historic Royal Yacht Squadron.
The Folly, Medina River, Isle of Wight
The Folly Inn on the banks of the River Medina is a popular location for sailors. You can moor up at one of the visitor’s pontoons and sample a wide selection of hot and cold food and live music at the weekends. Excellent ales are served and a friendly river taxi is available to ferry you back to your boat.
Newtown River, Isle of Wight
The uninformed visitor to the magical Newtown River would never for a moment imagine the depth and length of its history. Said to date back to Roman times, the port of Newtown was sufficiently prosperous in 1001 to warrant sacking by the Vikings! Now overgrown tracks are all that remain of the busy streets, and nature, with her oak woods and salt marshes, remains unchallenged. The river is owned and administered by the National Trust. A favourite place for yachts and small water craft to put down anchor and spend the night.
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
The most western harbour on the Isle of Wight, Yarmouth is not only a convenient passage stopover, but has become a very desirable destination in its own right with virtually all weather and tidal access. With the exception of the town quay, the way ashore is by dinghy or water taxi. Yarmouth is a delightful fishing, ferry and yachting port, widely regarded as one of the jewels of the south coast. There are many fine restaurants and amenities. One of its primary features is the castle, constructed in 1547 by order of Henry VIII. It is not recommended for comfort in strong northerlies or north-easterlies, but is otherwise snugly sheltered.
The George Hotel, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
This is a very classy restaurant and hotel which has achieved three AA Rosettes and offers a full range of international cuisine. For sunnier days there is the garden, where lunches may be taken. The Brasserie provides lunch or dinner and overlooks the gardens, castle wall and sea.
Telephone: 01983 760331
www.thegeorge.co.uk
The Kings Head, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
The village inn of Yarmouth, situated opposite the harbour with stone floors, low ceilings, an intimate atmosphere and beer garden. Home cooked food with fresh fish and daily specials. Families most welcome.
Telephone: 01983 760351
Royal Solent Yacht Club, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
The Royal Solent Yacht Club occupies a superb position immediately to the east of Yarmouth Pier and within a short walk of the harbour. Views of the Solent from the bar and dining room are outstanding and enjoyed by members and visitors alike. It is a friendly club and they welcome members of RYA affiliated clubs and reciprocal clubs. The excellent food can either be taken in the restaurant or on the balcony.
Yarmouth Sailing Club
The Yarmouth Sailing Club sits next to the swing bridge over the River Yar. It is a friendly and un-stuffy club with around 800 members and always extends a welcome to visiting yachtsmen.
www.yarmouthsailingclub.org.uk
Lymington
(FlexiSail location — see also under Locations)
The very attractive Georgian market town of Lymington, known as the jewel of the Solent, lies at the western end of The Solent, just 3 miles from the Needles Channel. Besides the numerous attractions and activities to be found in the town itself, Lymington also benefits from having the recently designated National Park status of the New Forest, with its wild ponies, wonderful walks and picturesque scenery, on its doorstep.
The Yacht Haven Marina, where the FlexiSail fleet is based, is the first of the two marinas as you are approaching up the river, offering immediate access into the Solent. It is only a 10 minute walk to the town centre with its numerous restaurants, pubs, shops and colourful Saturday market. The marina has first class amenities and a bar/restaurant with stunning views towards the Isle of Wight. If you stay in the marina you will appreciate the exceptional natural and beautiful setting.
The Yachthaven is only 20 minutes from Junction 1 of the M27. Map to Lymington Yachthaven Marina.
www.yachthavens.com/site/site_welcome.aspx?i=2&siteid=lym
Hurst Castle
The core of the present castle was built by Henry VIII between 1541 and 1544 in response to the threat of invasion posed by the European Catholic powers. Although never to see action, Hurst was periodically refurbished in order to keep up with advances in fortifications and naval technology. Hurst was garrisoned in both world wars and formed part of the Coastal Artillery defences until 1956. Remains of the 20th Century armaments can be seen on the roof of the west wing.
The Keyhaven entrance is exposed to easterlies, but in normal conditions the creek gives a pleasant windy haven for small craft. Space is tight, however, so don’t expect panoramic water to anchor in. Hurst Castle, with its lighthouse, marks the westernmost extreme of the Solent. The lighthouse guides vessels through the hazardous western approaches to the Solent, indicating the line of approach through the Needles Channel.
Christchurch
Once an important commercial port and now silted up, Christchurch Harbour remains an interesting and surprisingly beautiful place to visit, if your draught permits. The town has many facilities and the environment of the harbour is surprisingly unspoilt. Here you will find a salt marsh, reefs, dunes and woodland, and the river winding up to the confluence of the Stour and the Avon at Christchurch Quay.
Poole Harbour
The second largest natural harbour in the world and the largest in Europe, Poole Harbour is considered by many to be among the finest. It can be entered day or night and at all states of the tide. Much of the area is shoal, but there is still plenty of deep water for ships and yachts in great numbers. Its north side incorporates several modern marinas in close proximity to a multitude of shops and restaurants, while its south side boasts tranquil anchorages set within unspoilt nature reserves. On Poole Quay, with its excellent choice of bars and restaurants, there are several places of interest, including the well known Poole Pottery and Waterfront Museum in Old High Street.
A visit ashore to Brownsea Island, with its interesting history and red squirrels, is worthwhile. Anchor in the entrance to South Deep, clear of the fairway, or off Goathorn Point clear of the moorings, or in one of the deep pools further up.
Weymouth
The seaside resort of Weymouth with its fantastic beach and vibrant harbour nestles perfectly alongside the rugged ‘Isle of Portland’. Weymouth is a gateway situated half-way along the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site on the Dorset and east Devon coast, important for its geology and landforms. Weymouth Harbour is home to cross-channel ferries, pleasure boats and private yachts, and nearby Portland Harbour is home to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, where the sailing events of the 2012 Olympic Games will be held.
Weymouth marina was refurbished to accommodate more vessels in the 1990s and access is via a lifting road bridge across the harbour between Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.