Yacht Charter Hamble-le-Rice

On a sheltered river close to the popular yachting destination of the Solent and Southampton Water, Hamble is one of the biggest sailing towns in the UK. With five major marinas and several mooring buoy chains hosting impressive luxury yachts, top end racing machines and family tubs alike on a river that is only navigable for a few miles, there are probably more yachts moored per square metre on the Hamble River than anywhere else in the country!

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Yacht Charter Hamble-le-Rice

On a sheltered river close to the popular yachting destination of the Solent and Southampton Water, Hamble is one of the biggest sailing towns in the UK. With five major marinas and several mooring buoy chains hosting impressive luxury yachts, top end racing machines and family tubs alike on a river that is only navigable for a few miles, there are probably more yachts moored per square metre on the Hamble River than anywhere else in the country!

Its ideal geographical position has long been recognised by seafarers. Recent archaeology has shown that Royal Navy and merchant ships were built on the River Hamble for several hundred years. Today, the Warsash Maritime Academy sits just across from Hamble Point Marina where merchant sailors continue to train to this day. If you're planning an ocean crossing on a yacht you may well end up doing the essential deep sea survival skills training there too.

There is a large yachting industry in Hamble village with boatyards, chandlers and of course restaurants, pubs and decent local shops to serve the boating community. Around 10 minutes from the M27 and links to the SW and SE of the UK - and not far from Swanwick railway station - Hamble also has excellent land connections by road and train.

Explore Hamble le Rice By Renting A Yacht

Whether on a powerboat or sailing yacht doing a captained yacht charter or bareboat charter there is a lot to explore without traveling far from the marinas of Hamble village.

Thanks to its easy access to the Southampton Water and the Solent, many sailors on a Hamble le Rice yacht charterdon't travel far from Hamble village, preferring to engage in sailing events around the buoys and Isle of Wight. Cowes Week is the high point of the calendar in the first week of August.

For those who want to explore the area, the historic Royal Navy Portsmouth Harbour is just a few hours' sailing away. While watching the Royal Navy fleet of today you can also see HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose at the Historic Royal Navy Dockyard too. Cowes, Gosport and Southampton also are bustling with yachties through the sailing season.

There are quieter places too - Lymington to the west and Chichester to the east are also popular sailing bases but both sat in important tidal ecosystems where you can observe all sorts of marine and birdlife.

How To Get To Hamble le Rice

Hamble le Rice is just a 10 minute drive from the M27 with fast road links to London, the South West and South East.

Swanwick railway station is a 15 minute taxi ride away, sitting on the branch line linking Portsmouth Harbour with Southampton. Southampton Central train station is a half hour taxi ride away.

For those traveling by air, you can fly to Southampton City Airport, or from the London airports take a train to Southampton via Waterloo.

Marinas In Hamble le Rice

There are five major marinas on the River Hamble, ranging from big commercial affairs to family-run businesses. These are listed in geographical order from the mouth of the Hamble River.

Hamble Point Marina:

Berth Characteristics:

230 berths

Max Length 30m (98 Feet)

Max Draught 10m (32 Feet)

List additional services: Shore power, water, laundry, WiFi, restaurants and bars, supermarket (nearby), boatyard, boathoist, chandlery, fuel

Port Hamble Marina:

Berth Characteristics:

310 berths

Max Length 24m (78 Feet)

Max Draught 10m (32 Feet)

List additional services: Shore power, water, laundry, WiFi, restaurants, shops and bars, boatyard, chandlery. Fuel is available at nearby Port Hamble or Hythe.

Mercury Yacht Harbour:

Berth Characteristics:

360 berths

Max Length 24m (78 Feet)

Max Draught 4.5m (14.7 Feet)

List additional services: Shore power, water, laundry, WiFi, showers, restaurant, shop and bars, boat ramp chandlery, boat hoist. Fuel is available at nearby Port Hamble or Hythe.

Universal Marina:

Berth Characteristics:

250 berths

Max Length 24m (78 Feet)

Max Draught 4.5m (14.7 Feet)

List additional services: Shore power, water, laundry, WiFi, restaurants, shops and bars, boatyard, boat hoist, chandlery. Fuel is available at nearby Port Hamble or Hythe.

Deacons Marina:

Berth Characteristics:

130 berths

Max Length 13.7m (45 Feet)

Max Draught 2.25m (7 Feet)

List additional services: Shore power, water, laundry, WiFi, boatyard, boat hoist, chandlery. Fuel is available at nearby Port Hamble or Hythe.

Suggested Sailing Routes From Hamble le Rice

Over a seven or 14 day yacht charter you can enjoy the best of the Solent, mixing some of the best yachting towns in the UK with quiet evenings at a mooring buoy watching the world go by.

Hamble and the Solent - 7 days: Over a seven day Hamble le Rice yacht charter you can happily stay within Southampton Water and the Solent and take in the fantastic boating and sailing nightlife. As a first port of call you can head to Portsmouth Harbor and explore the attractions of the Royal Navy city. Chichester Harbour is a laid back next evening, taking in the ecology of this beautiful bay. Cross to the Isle of Wight and Cowes for a taste of the home of UK yachting. You can then have another quiet evening on the Beaulieu River and then head for another fun evening in Lymington. Southampton's Ocean Village for a fun night out and then back to Hamble.

14 days - Solent and Jurassic Coast: This can be dependent on the winds for the next two weeks. If the winds are from the west then why not beat down past the Needles to Poole Harbour with its buzzing nightlife and great ecology? Perhaps spend an evening moored off nearby Swanage on the Jurassic Coast too. Coming back, pause for a quieter evening in Christchurch and then have a day's sailing on the Solent before another evening in the New Forest on the Beaulieu River. You could then go around the west of the Isle of Wight and take in towns like Yarmouth Harbourand Bembridge to the east of the island. Chichester is another favoured destination with its salt marshes, and then Portsmouth Harbor. Cowes and its famous yachting pubs such as the Duke of York shouldn't be missed, before a nice cruise down to Hythe on Southampton Water. These are suggestions - on a bareboat or captained charter the choice is yours.

Best Times To Rent A Yacht In Hamble le Rice

The sailing season runs from late March to mid September on the UK South Coast, though you will see hardier types afloat throughout the year. There can be gales at any time of year, with Westerlies especially fierce through the Solent. In the peak boat rental season of July and August it can still be fun sailing, though the bars and marinas can be expensive and full.

Cowes Week? You will need to book well in advance, both marinas and mooring buoy moorings as well as restaurants and other hospitality! A motor boat with a well stocked fridge can be a good way to make new friends during this event too...

Sailing Weather In Hamble le Rice

April and May: Westerlies prevail but you will often find warm days with brisk sailing conditions of a F4-5. Gales will come through earlier in the year, funnelling through the Solent and hitting F10-12 in gusts. This is Britain - expect rain!

June-August: In June there will be southerly and westerly gales at times but these tend to die out in July and August with the Azores High moving north and providing settled conditions and light easterlies. Expect temperatures in the high 20s C range with the odd few days at 30C plus. As ever, keep your oilies to hand as even in the height of summer things can change.

September-October: Grey skies and gales start to return. While often in the high teens Celsius in September with some great sailing conditions, the westerly procession of lows start coming up the English Channel and things can get a little uncomfortable by early October.

Frequently asked questions
What should I consider when renting a Yacht or Boat?

The main points to consider are what is your budget, have you got the necessary sailing experience and qualifications to manage the boat if it's not going to have a captain, whom you are taking sailing, where exactly you wish to go and what will the weather be like on the proposed dates of your trip.

What are the Marinas in Hamble le Rice?

There are five major marinas on the Hamble River, all within reach of Hamble village. These are Hamble Point Marina, Port Hamble, Mercury Yacht Harbour, Universal Marina and Deacons Yacht Harbour. There are other moorings and berths available on the river too.

When are the best times to rent a boat in Hamble le Rice?

May to August is best for sailing, though the first week of August is Cowes Week and launches the peak sailing season locally where it can be difficult to get a berth or table at a restaurant! If on a private charter you should benefit from a berth and access to the MDL Marina chain of yacht harbors and moorings.

Do you have to pay a deposit when renting a Yacht in Hamble le Rice?

You will typically pay 50% up front on reservation the yacht rent and the balance on arrival. You will either pay a security deposit with your credit card on departure or can get insurance covering damage in advance. In some cases (such as the recent Covid situation) charter companies may be more flexible but this depends on the individual charter companies themselves.

What happens if my Yacht breaks down?

If you are at sea and in danger, call MAYDAY on VHF Ch16 or ring the coast guard on your phone if you have reception. If you have a mechanical fault and can make it to or are on a mooring you will be able to phone a help line number given by the boat charter company.

What should I think of before I rent a Yacht or Boat in Hamble le Rice?

You should consider do you have the experience to handle the yacht charter or boat rental before you book and where do you want to go along with what the weather will be like. Bring warm weather and cool weather clothing if it looks like the weather can be cool as well as warm and remember at sea it can be cool on most evenings.

What Qualifications Do I need to rent a boat or yacht?

If you want to sail without a captain then you will need relevant qualifications like RYA Day Skipper/International Certificate of Competence (ICC)/ASA 104 Bareboat certificate or the US Sailing Certificate. For small 'day boats' or if you choose to have a captained on board your yacht charter you typically don't require licences.