Yacht Maintenance, Guardiennage and Power Boat Management

western Solent sailing area

Lymington

Lymington is an attractive old market town situated at the western end of the Solent, just three miles from the Needles Channel. It is well sheltered and accessible at all states of the tide, proving a popular destination.

There are two marinas, Lymington Yacht Haven and Lymington Marina and at the Town Quay there is room for up to 100 visiting boats within two minutes walk of the town centre.

The town has a wide variety of shops from picturesque boutiques on the cobbled quay to the larger supermarkets and a bustling market in the High Street every Saturday. The Georgian and Victorian architecture and the varied and colourful history help to create a distinctive quaintness.

There is much to do. The coastal path on the Solent Way is a pleasant walk; you could go fishing along the sea wall, hire a bike and cycle in the surrounding New Forest, swim in the indoor or outdoor swimming pools, learn some of the history at the St. Barbe Museum, buy an antique or find a bargain in the Saturday market. The restaurants and hostelries, too numerous to mention, provide food from around the world and all this within walking distance of your boat.

Poole

Being the second largest natural harbour in the world, Poole offers endless possibilities for sailing enthusiasts. Whether you are after a lively night on the quay or a quiet night at anchor, you are bound to find the perfect spot.

The harbour attracts 12,000 visiting boats a year. It has been dredged to accommodate cross Channel ferries and coastal freighters. Poole is home to the RNLI headquarters, including the new £ 18 million Lifeboat College, and a Marine Skills Centre, which opened in March 2005.

Either side of Poole Harbour entrance are two very different stretches of beach. To the west, Studland Bay is pretty and fringed by sand dunes. Other than the tiny village of Studland it is undeveloped.

To the east of the harbour entrance, multi million pound properties line Sandbanks beach, becoming high rise apartments all the way to Bournemouth.

Poole harbour is accessible at all states of the tide and is only dangerous in very strong S and SE winds.

Poole Quay is the hub of the town. The front is lined with pubs, bars, restaurants and shops and in the summer is heaving with tourists. Each building has a distinct character, from the 18th century mill to the smart apartments opposite Poole Quay Boat Haven.

To the south of Brownsea Island are peaceful anchorages, salt marshes and forested islands. While to the north are yacht clubs, marinas, bars and apartments.

Beaulieu - Bucklers Hard

Everyone has heard of the Motor Museum at Beaulieu but few will have seen just how beautiful the river is leading from the Solent, past Buckler’s Hard and endi ng up at Palace House. A nature reserve teeming with birds greets you as you enter the river and mean der your way upstream past the moored yachts and idyllic houses set into the wooded banks. This is a very peaceful place and great care is taken to preserve it and keep it that way. The Master Builder’s House hotel and pub is a favourite meeting place for yachtsmen.

Buckler's Hard is a picturesque 18th century village on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the heart of the New Forest. Historically, it is famed as the place where some of the ships of Nelson's fleet were built and the things to see and enjoy are as varied as the history of the area itself.

There is the Buckler's Hard Story and cottage displays to be seen. A walk through the woodlands nearby can only add to your pleasure or you can just enjoy the natural beauty of this historic village and soak up the atmosphere as the local ducks waddle past.

The most convenient berths are in the Yacht Harbour. You will pay for convenience of being able to stroll ashore and the berths are grabbed fast at busy times. The much cheaper and more popular alternative is the piles. Buckler's Hard is a little over two miles from its sister attraction of Beaulieu.

Yarmouth

Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, is a picturesque fishing, ferry and yachting port widely regarded as one of the jewels of the South Coast. The deepwater harbour retains its old world aura while visiting yachtsmen will find a range of amenities which are very much up to date and accepted as being among the best in the South

Yarmouth has grown up as a result of its natural harbour, which is guarded by Yarmouth Castle, a fortification built to protect the Solent from invading forces by Henry VIII in 1547. The Harbour attracts many yachts and motor cruisers. &

This is a bustling town that has an active community all year round. It is the boats and yachts, however, which attract much of the business and custom. The square has a varied range of shops and delightful eating establishments.