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Places to Go

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. The Harbour is not recommended for comfort in strong northerlies or north-easterlies, but is otherwise snugly sheltered.
http://www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk/

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.

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!
http://www.cowes.co.uk/

Beaulieu River & Buckler's Hard
The Beaulieu River is a small river, which flows south through the New Forest . The river is some 12 miles long, of which the last 4 miles are tidal. The name is pronounced BEW-lee. A short sail to the river will take you to Buckler's Hard - picturesque 18th century village on the banks of the river. Historically, it is famed as the place where some of the ships of Nelson's fleet were built.
http://www.bucklershard.co.uk

Hamble (SailTime Base)
The 'mecca' of yachting on the south coast, whose origins in maritime history go as far back as the 9 th 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 18 th Century and a striving 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.
http://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/marinas/port_hamble/

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.
http://www.christchurch.co.uk/

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.
http://www.pooletourism.com/

Local Businesses

Ancasta International Boat Sales, Lymington Yacht Haven Marina
Ancasta is Europe's largest boat sales network. The are a dealer for Beneteau cruising and racing yachts and Bavaria Motor Boats, Beneteau cruising and racing yachts and supply boats directly to SailTime for all of its fleet in the Solent.
http://www.ancasta.com

Royal Lymington Yacht Club
In a prime position overlooking the River and with far reaching views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, the Royal Lymington Yacht Club is only 5 minutes walk from the Yacht Haven Marina. The Club welcomes visiting sailors, sail and power, from RYA-recognised clubs. Regrettably, however, because of their limited space they can seldom offer berthing, but there is a warm welcome in the bar and the catering is ‘first class’ and extremely good value.
http://rlymyc.org.uk

The Chequers Inn, Lymington
The Chequers is a regular haunt for many a famous yachtsman from this country and worldwide. Situated on the edge of Lymington's historic salt marshes, this picturesque 16 th Century pub and restaurant offers a year round warm welcome - a wood burning stove in the winter and walled garden in the summer. The blackboard a la carte menu changes with the seasons and there is always a range of interesting bar snacks along with barbeques on the front patio at weekends during the summer (weather permitting). Real ales are a speciality along with a well chosen wine list.
http://www.chequersinn.com/

The Mayflower, Lymington
With views over the River, stylish Pod designed interiors, large garden and children's play area, The Mayflower is a firm favourite. It is near the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, so only a 5 minute walk from the Yacht Haven Marina. http://www.themayflower.uk.com/

The Stanwell House Hotel, Lymington
Stanwell House is a privately owned three star Boutique Hotel in Lymington's High Street. The furnishings are very vibrant with velvets and silks adorning the windows. Burnished bare boards and York stone flags create a Bohemian style. The emphasis is on friendly, unobtrusive, yet efficient service. Using a lot of local produce, the much acclaimed restaurant has achieved one AA Rosette and a Star 2 Merit for Dining and Hospitality from the RAC.
http://www.stanwellhousehotel.co.uk/

The Haven Café-Bar-Bistro, Lymington's Yacht Haven Marina
Over the years the Haven has become 'the' venue for anyone visiting Lymington... whether by sea or land. Based in the heart of the Yacht Haven Marina, it not only boasts stunning panoramic views of the Isle of Wight and the Solent, but also has facilities to suit all occasions. Serving excellent cuisine, the restaurant seats around 50 people and there is a full a la carte menu to choose from. http://www.uniquewaves.co.uk/haven/haven_index.html

Force 4 Chandlery, Lymington
About 10 minutes walk from the Yacht Haven Marina in Bath Road towards the High Street, Force 4's group of chandleries have been supplying yachtsmen since 1979. They have built up a reputation for offering quality, service and value for money.
http://www.force4.co.uk

Yacht Haven Marina, Lymington
Today, the Lymington Yacht Haven is one of the most popular destinations for yachtsmen on the south coast and this is where our fleet are based. It is the first marina you approach after entering the River on the port hand side and only a 10 minute walk from the High Street. The marina is supported by the Haven Boatyard, which provides a comprehensive range of marine services including hoist and scrubs, engine servicing/repairs, rigging specialists, comprehensively stocked chandlery and provisions store and dry berthing from its nearby Haven Quay site. The marina has first class amenities with excellent shower facilities (opened 24 hours), overnight security patrol, fuel, and access at all states of the tide, and much more.
http://www.yachthavens.com/yachthaven

Salty's Restaurant, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
Salty's, the quayside family run seafood restaurant and bar, is the yachties' favourite. Upstairs you can enjoy their a la carte menu in a fun and lively atmosphere. Downstairs, the seafood bar is also lively, but relaxing. Both are renowned along the south coast as one of 'the' places to eat.

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. Tel No: 01983 760331
http://www.thegeorge.co.uk/

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. http://royalsolent.org

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.
http://www.yarmouthsailingclub.org.uk/

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