solenthandbook.com 103 RIVER HAMBLE & WARSASH RIVER HAMBLE & WARSASH Internationally famous for its first-class sailing amenities and the only maritime training centre of its kind in the world based at Warsash, the River Hamble is also renowned for the excellence of its servicing and repair facilities offered by its wealth of long- established marinas and boatyards. Whether your interest is racing, power-boating or blue water cruising, the Hamble has all the facilities you need with its deep water and easy transit to the Solent at all states of tide. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the idyllic River Hamble is perfect for weekend excursions or as a departure point for destinations further afield and regularly attracts competitors preparing for Cowes Week and the Round the Island Race. Local yacht clubs host the Hamble Winter Series, Warsash Spring Series, Bursledon Regatta, National, European and World championships, all of which attract competitors and visitors alike. The river is not just a sailing Mecca, the Hamble is both nationally and internationally regarded for its importance to nature conservation with some areas of the river designated under local, national, European and international law. Riverside walks or simply watching the world go by are popular pastimes throughout the river, including rich pickings for avid birdwatchers. It also offers a safe location for small craft recreational sports, such as rowing, canoeing and kayaking along with the very popular, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). During the summer season, the river is a constant hive of activity and therefore care should always be taken. Access to the River Hamble is available at all states of tide, although waves can build up at the entrance in a south-westerly wind combined with an ebb tide. By day, from the vicinity of Hamble Point Buoy, follow the main channel which is clearly marked with lit port and starboard-hand piles. From the Warsash Maritime Academy Jetty, the starboard side of the channel is clearly marked by four lit starboard-hand buoys. A ‘preferred channel’ mark (pile B1) is at the southern end of the first pontoon encountered; leave it to port for the main channel. Thereafter, the main channel is clearly marked with lit port and starboard-hand piles. At night, follow Hamble Common Directional light on a bearing of 352°, then Sailing Club Directional light on a bearing of 029° and then follow the lit buoys and piles as above. Depths obviously vary. Most marinas are dredged to 1.5m. Depths in the main channel vary from at least 4m in the approaches, to 2.2m at Bursledon Bend. Tidal streams can be very strong, particularly on the ebb. Mariners are advised to keep to the centre line or to starboard of the centre line and not too close to the entrance piles, especially at low water. 50°50’.40N, 01°18’.50W (ENT) River Hamble Harbour Authority