Painterly aerial view of Port Hamble Marina and the River Hamble.
Port Hamble Marina, illustrated for Old Sea Dogs Guides. · Artwork supplied by Old Sea Dogs

Old Sea Dogs Guides

Port Hamble Marina

A busy lower-river marina with fuel, direct access to Hamble village and a front-row view of one of Britains great sailing communities.

Marina · The Solent

Welcome to Port Hamble Marina

Port Hamble sits where practical marina life and the social life of Hamble meet. It is a useful base for crews who want the village close at hand without losing the sense that the river itself is the main event.

Guide TypeMarina Guide
RegionThe Solent
Local WaterwayRiver Hamble
CountryEngland, United Kingdom
OperatorMDL Marinas
Marina AddressSatchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4QD
Harbour AuthorityRiver Hamble Harbour Authority
Harbour OfficeHarbour Master's Office, Shore Road, Warsash, SO31 9FR
Harbour Speed Limit6 knots north of No. 1 mark
WashAvoid excessive wash throughout the river
Harbour VHFChannel 68 — Hamble Harbour Radio
Main EntranceFrom Southampton Water via No. 1 mark and the buoyed channel
Tide RestrictionsEntry at all states of tide for vessels drawing 2.5 metres or less
Navigation NotesVessels over 20 metres must obtain approval on Channel 68 before entering
Telephone023 8045 2741
Berths310 berths
Maximum LOA24 metres
Marina Arrival VHFChannel 80
FuelPetrol and diesel

Setting & Character

The marina occupies the River Hambles western bank in a stretch alive with yachts, launches and working marine businesses. The atmosphere is purposeful rather than secluded, particularly when weekend fleets are moving.

Arrival by Sea

The approach is a river passage, not a final turn made in isolation. Keep a proper lookout, follow current Harbour Authority directions and contact the marina on VHF Channel 80 before committing to an allocated berth.

Berthing Experience

The published capacity is 310 berths for boats up to 24 metres. Fairways can feel busy when several crews arrive together, so fenders, lines and roles are best sorted before the marina entrance.

Facilities Afloat

Petrol and diesel are the clearest practical advantage in the supplied record. Water, shore power and shoreside facility details should be confirmed directly rather than assumed from a neighbouring marina.

Marine Services

Serious lifting and storage are associated with nearby Hamble Point Marina. Treat that as a separate booking and confirm the boat, timing and work scope with the operator.

Ashore

Hambles pubs, cafs and maritime life give this berth more energy than a remote marina stop. The village is part of the appeal, although crews should confirm their preferred route and transport arrangements before relying on them.

Best For

Crews who value fuel, Hamble village and a direct start for central Solent sailing.

Less Suitable For

Visitors seeking a quiet rural basin or an arrival removed from a heavily used river.

History & Local Character

Port Hamble belongs to a river whose boatyards, clubs and racing fleets have shaped modern British yachting. Its character comes from participation in that living industry rather than from heritage display.

Nearby Cruising

Southampton Water lies downriver, with Cowes, Beaulieu River and the wider central Solent forming natural onward choices when tide and weather agree.

Skipper's Notes

Call ahead, keep the river listening watch required by current local guidance and avoid treating the final few boat lengths as an excuse to relax the lookout.

Old Sea Dogs View

Port Hamble works best when you want to be in the middle of things. It is lively, convenient and unashamedly connected to the business of sailing.

Information checked against official sources

The practical information in this Guide was checked against the official source record below on 6 August 2026. Operational details can change.

  • Port Hamble Marina official information
  • River Hamble Harbour Authority navigation guidance

Cruise On

Where the water leads next

Cowes Harbour Guide

A practical harbour reference for approaching Cowes, choosing a berth and navigating the River Medinas ferry and commercial traffic.

Beaulieu River Guide

A practical cruising reference for entering the Beaulieu River, finding visitor moorings and exploring Bucklers Hard.

Southampton Water Guide

A professional cruising reference for commercial traffic, VTS procedures, marina access and passage planning on Southampton Water.

Local knowledge

Know this area?

Old Sea Dogs welcomes constructive feedback from local sailors, harbour users and cruising skippers. If you have spotted something that has changed, or have local knowledge that would improve this Guide, we would be pleased to hear from you.

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