Hamble - Solent

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Joining or leaving point.

Outside the Rising Sun Public House (74 Shore Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9FT) Blue Point on map, shown in the photo.

Getting to or from your port.

By Road
If coming by car, head for the Rising Sun, Shore Road, Warsash, follow the instructions and map below. On arrival phone the skipper on 07766 138288 and he will pick you up in Out of Africa, AJ’s river launch.

From the west, take the Hamble turning J8 (A3024) from the M27 and turn right. At the first roundabout take the first exit (A27) towards Bursledon.

After 3 miles, at the top of a hill turn right at the Church and cricket ground into Barnes Lane, signposted Warsash. At the T junction turn right into Brook Lane. After 0.7 miles, take the 3rd exit off the roundabout into Shore Road. Leave Shore Lane into Pasage Lane by going right when Shore Lane makes a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill, just before a sharp left bend, you will see a large car park on your right (FREE)where you can park -Red Point on map. After leaving your car, carry on walking along Shore road and you will come to the Rising Sun Public House. This is the rendevous point so ring the skipper on 07766 138288 and he will pick you up in 'Out of Africa', AJ’s river launch (probably from the harbourmasters pontoon opposite).

From the East, take the Fareham West turning J9 and turn left. At the first roundabout take the 5th exit (A27). At the 3rd roundabout take the 1st exit towards Warsash. At the next roundabout turn right into Brook Lane, then follow the instructions above.

Bus
From Southampton City Centre Bus Station on First Group bus 16 http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/hampshire/timetables/index.php
The No.57 runs between Portsmouth and Warsash Fareham, Portsmouth & Southsea and Fratton (Portsmouth) stations are on its route.
The No. 72 runs from Southampton City Centre to Gosport, via Warsash village.
Bus routes are subject to change. There is also a limited service at weekends and evenings. For up-to-date timetable information telephone First (Southampton) 023 8022 4854 or First (Portsmouth) 023 9286 2412

Coach
National Express go to Southampton from many parts of England.
For more information telephone 08705 808080 or visit www.gobycoach.com

Train
The nearest station Swanwick Station is about two miles from the assembly point. This station is on the line between Southampton Central (from west and London) and Fareham (from east). This station does not have a taxi rank. Please book a taxi in advance using the Radio Taxi number below.
From London area: travel to Southampton Airport Parkway where there is a taxi rank.
From Gatwick, Brighton area: travel to Fareham where there is a taxi rank.
For train times and information please telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or www.rail.co.uk or http://www.raileasy.co.uk

Plane
From Heathrow: Take the Southwest Trains coach link to Woking and travel by rail from Woking to Southampton Airport Parkway where there is a taxi rank. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
From Gatwick: Take a train to Fareham, where there is a taxi rank. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
Other airports serving the area include Southampton International Airport, the closest at 10 miles away, (Airport Parkway station) and Bournemouth International Airport, both have flights to/from a number of European cities.
www.flightmapping.com/maps/UKIreland

Taxi
The companies we recommend are Radio Taxis (01489 573573) and Airport Link for Airport pick-ups (023 9226 9700). Metred taxis at airports are expensive so booking is advisable.
Approximate Fares
From Southampton Airport Parkway station to Warsash Harbour Masters office – approx. £30
From Fareham – approx. £20

Hamble’s Marine Past

The first people to live in the Hamble were called Jutes although there is no mention of it in the Doomsday Book of England.
Not surprisingly most people’s existence was based around the sea in what became a busy little harbour. The River Hamble had been farmed for many years for its oysters and other shell fish, crabs and lobsters were brought to the river for fattening up before going up to town for sale in London.
Shipbuilding was a major industry and much of the Georgian navy was built in the Hamble. Like many harbours there were rope makers and associated trades, hence the name Rope-Walk, part the process of rope making, and Copper Hill Terrace where pitch was made to treat ropes, spars, decks and ships hulls before the days of copper cladding hulls.

Today the Hamble is probably the best known sailing river (Creek) in England and every weekend at all times of year you will see yachts coming and going from its many marinas.
 

Sailing Events

There are many sailing regattas in the Solent and on the isle of Wight. The most famous is Cowes Week closely followed by one of the largest sailing races in the world the "Round the Island Race" and also the start of the famous "Fastnet Race" that goes down the English Channel around Lands End and up to the Southern Tip of Ireland and around the Fastnet Island with its Lighthouse. From there it is a mere doddle (Not) back to the UK. The Fastnet Race has an awesome reputation and even last year half the fleet never got as far as Lands End.

Accommodation

If you would like to stay before or after your voyage, here is a selection of reasonable cost local B&Bs.
We haven’t tried these please let us know if any are unsuitable.

Farthings, School Lane, Hamble, SO31 4JD
Tel: 023 8045 2009

Twin Oaks 3 Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, SO30 4EA
Tel: 01489 690054

The Spinnaker Bridge Road, Lower Swanwick, Southampton, SO31 7EB
Tel: 01489572123

Steeple Court Farm Church Lane, Botley, SO30 2EQ
Tel: 01489 788738 or 01489 798824

Solent View 361 Warsash Road, Titchfield Common, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 4LL
Tel: 01489 582666 Fax: 01489 588277

We are keen to keep this information accurate and we welcome your comments. skippers@classic-sailing.co.uk