The River Hamble is at the heart of the sheltered waters of the Solent, protected from the open sea by the Isle of Wight. It benefits from a two hour stand at high water, is an ideal base for cruising, whether one's horizons are limited to the Solent and Isle of Wight, or extend further afield on the South Coast, the Channel Islands or France.

The River Hamble Harbour Authority, Yacht Clubs, Marinas and Boatyards extend a welcome to all visiting yachts and craft.

Berthing is readily available at the several Marinas (VHF Ch 80), boatyards (where advance booking is advisable), and at the Harbour Authority's pontoon and pile visitors' berths. A number of vessels may also be berthed, by arrangement, at the harbour Masters jetty at Warsash and the jetty at Hamble-le-Rice Quay - max length of stay 24 hours.

Short stay berths for the landing/embarking of crew/passengers/stores are available at the Harbour Master's jetty at Warsash and the jetty at Hamble Quay - maximum stay normally 30 minutes - and, tide permitting, on the quay at Hamble-le-Rice, and by arrangement with Yacht Clubs, Marinas and Boatyards.

The Jolly Sailor public house at Bursledon has a jetty, suitable for smaller vessels, for the use of customers.

As well as the above, landing with dinghies may be effected at the Public Hards at Bursledon, Swanwick, Hamble-le-Rice foreshore and Warsash.

Small yacht tenders may be left, at the owners risk, secured on the inshore side of the two inshore pontoons at the downstream end of the Harbour Master's jetty at Warsash, and on the inshore side upstream end of the jetty at Hamble-le-Rice. NB: The Harbour Master's jetty at Warsash is an exposed berth particularly with South-West to West winds.

Four sets of scrubbing piles are available in the River Hamble as indicated on the chartlet. Depth gauges on each pile indicate depths of water above the hard or concrete pad. Use of the scrubbing piles is free for the first 48 hours - thereafter a charge of £20 per day is payable. NB: Only the upstream side of the 'Mercury' piles should be used.

Within easy reach of the River Hamble there is a wide variety of interesting places that are well worth a visit.

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