Chichester or Portsmouth

I don't think the OP will go too far wrong with either Chichester or Portsmouth. Pros and cons of each, like anywhere. And it's not as though anyone has to commit to staying put for life.
 
VicS said:
But the sail to Cowes, that what its all about surely, not just being in Cowes as early as possible, would be just as enjoyable if its 20 minutes earlier or 20 minutes later.

In fact since its about double the distance from Chichester to Cowes as it is from Gosport to Cowes there is twice the enjoyment to be had from being based in Chichester.
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Although if you want to be there quickly (for whatever reason) there's no choice coming from Chichester - but Gosport to Cowes you can make longer if you want.
I always reconned on 3hrs mooring to Cowes - 19Nm - fine in the summer or even a summers evening to get there for the Cowes Fireworks - pita for foul weather or winter when a shorter hop could be nicer - one memorable trip that would've been better had we been closer was Fleet Review - F6 Easterly was hard work getting back and very lumpy East of the forts - if we'd been based in the Solent itself we would've had more time (and more comfortable time) to see all the ships.

So it's pros and cons - neither is right for all occasions ...
 
If you are time-restricted, mostly day/weekending, have kids, and want somewhere that's quick and easy to get to, has lots of places within a couple of hours sail, then my suggestion would be Deacons boatyard at Bursledon. http://www.deaconsboatyard.co.uk/
 
VicS said:
But the sail to Cowes, that what its all about surely, not just being in Cowes as early as possible, would be just as enjoyable if its 20 minutes earlier or 20 minutes later.

In fact since its about double the distance from Chichester to Cowes as it is from Gosport to Cowes there is twice the enjoyment to be had from being based in Chichester.
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My comment was more to do with the lock times really, 20 minutes for a lock out before you even start your journey, even worse getting back in over the summer with queues outside the lock. No longer an issue an issue for me at Gosport.
 
Well there is the sheer joy to be had on sailing away from Gosport, but that's rather tempered by the knowledge one has to return there ! :)

- Speaking from experience of a deep water mooring there.
 
I may be biased but I wouldn't want to keep my boat in places that are handy for visiting.
If you like sailing, then Poole is a better base. If the current/wind is running East then you have a nice days sailing to the Solent, if West then you have Swanage, Lulworth and Weymouth.

And it is probably cheaper!
 
One thing I don't think mentioned to now, the sail along Hayling foreshore can be the best bit between Chichester & the destination.

The widest area with no obstacles or rules in the way, ie Hayling to France, and often a true Southerly sea breeze giving a beam reach, or a wide beat if heading into a strong SW.

Off Hayling, camera facing SSE.

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+another1 for considering Southampton, straight down the M3. IIRC it's not much longer to get to Calshot and open water from the Itchen than it is from the top of the Hamble and you can at least travel under sail. From Calshot you've got the Isle of Wight and the Solent to explore. Depending on wind and tide go West to Yarmouth/Beaulieu for day sails or further for overnighters , East for Chichester, South for a quick trip to Cowes or keep on past the island for France

If you've got mucha wonga then Ocean Village is accessible all tides and is right in the middle of cinemas, bars, restaurants and a Tesco Metro plus easy walking distance to the city centre . For less money there are various marinas and moorings on the Itchen.

I spent the weekend in the Premier Marina Chichester recently and although stunningly beautiful scenery on the way in the facilities were limited. Loos/showers top notch but nowhere to buy milk, the Indian restaurant has gone bust so just a tea-shop. The walk to the nearest co-op took us over an hour one way. Coming out of Chichester required careful planning for tide and depth after the lock and felt like a lot of motoring to get to the harbour entrance. I guess I've been spoiled by the ability to turn up, hoist the flappy bits and go at Southampton!
 
jerrytug said:
Chi or Pompey the "most convenient"?

Well the Medway is much closer and easier to get to by car or train from London, and everything is cheaper. How about a mud berth in Gillingham Marina, or join a club and get a very cheap buoy?

France,Belgium and Holland are on your doorstep (compared to the Solent), and there are diverse destinations to explore, and plenty of racing if you like..

Lots of nautical history as well, check it out, cheers Jerry
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Ah, but isnt there serious status issues about where you live in London. And if the must have, up and coming living areas are on the other side of London from the east coast ............
 
Jungle Jim said:
I spent the weekend in the Premier Marina Chichester recently and although stunningly beautiful scenery on the way in the facilities were limited. Loos/showers top notch but nowhere to buy milk, the Indian restaurant has gone bust so just a tea-shop. The walk to the nearest co-op took us over an hour one way. Coming out of Chichester required careful planning for ttide and depth after the lock and felt like a lot of motoring to get to the harbour entrance. I guess I've been spoiled by the ability to turn up, hoist the flappy bits and go at Southampton!
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Shop and resturant did not go bust their lease was terminated by the Marina. The old offices that used to run by Peters are now being gutted and whole area is to be built with flats and the old resturant/shop/flats is rumoured to be next for demo, getting rent income is better than providing a service to the berth holders. A new bistro that charges an arm and a leg for a meal that would not satisfy a flea is only other food option unless you want to get insulted at the CYC. Otherwise it is as you say a long walk.
Brian
 
There's a bunch of shops including a Spar / One-Stop type job on the right not long after leaving the A27 roundabout, and another similar shop ( maybe a post office ? can't remember ) past the marina turn, on the way to the Witterings.

Both out of walking range from the marina but useful if you remember something en route, in the good old days there used to be the Lock Stores just across from CYC.

Someone is missing a good opportunity to set up a shop at the marina, though I suspect MDL or whoever it is would charge to the eyebrows for a pitch !
 
brianhumber said:
Shop and resturant did not go bust their lease was terminated by the Marina. The old offices that used to run by Peters are now being gutted and whole area is to be built with flats and the old resturant/shop/flats is rumoured to be next for demo, getting rent income is better than providing a service to the berth holders. A new bistro that charges an arm and a leg for a meal that would not satisfy a flea is only other food option unless you want to get insulted at the CYC. Otherwise it is as you say a long walk.
Brian
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I lived aboard at Chi Marina for a year and I see that it hasn't improved.
 
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