Hythe Marina. Whats the chance !

[Adrian]

We're looking to move to the south coast next year, after a bit of "on line" research Hythe Marina at Southampton looks ideal, whats the realistic chance of getting a 10m berth there next year? i was planning to go down and have a look in the next couple of weeks, am i realy wasting my time?

Is there anywhere else in the Southampton area where i would have more of a chance for a full tide access marina.

Thanks

 

[waterboy]

Hi Adrian
These days, 10 metre berths, as opposed to larger capacity berths, seem to be relatively easy to find, even on the Hamble.
Ocean Village, the Hamble marinas, Kemps and Shamorck Quay are all accessible at any stage of the tide and are unrestricted by lock gates and may be more convenient. You could try yell.com, then marinas and Southampton for a contact number list.
Happy boating, the Solent still remains one of the best sailing areas in Northern Europe despite what some people say.

 

[fontmell]

Dont do hythe - ques for lock can be horendous

 

[Adrian]

Thanks I'll bare that in mind when i have a look next week

 

[ChrisE]

Another reason for not mooring there is that several of the more reprehensible members of this forum are berthed there. I'd stay away if I were you!

 

[tome]

You should know that Hythe is a designated EU special zone, subsidised for 'treatment of the unusual in the community'. It is hailed as a great success, and you will now see very little violent behaviour as the drugs kick in.

I have it on good authority that the remake of 'One flew over the Cuckoos nest' is about to start filming there.

 

[ChrisE]

Cuckoo\'s nest

Two minds but with a single thought!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Re: Cuckoo\'s nest

It also has a dangerous, and much under-reported sickness..... there have been several mysterious cases of proper sailors turning into stinkpot owners..... very scary....

 

[jimi]

Re: Cuckoo\'s nest

Nicho was never a proper sailor ... he was much too impolite for that!

 

[BlueSkyNick]

[ QUOTE ]
Dont do hythe - ques for lock can be horendous

[/ QUOTE ]

complete poppycock!

In 3 years in Hythe, I have had to queue once on a Sunday evening for about 45 minutes to get in, and maybe up to 20 minutes to get out on a Saturday morning. Neither time has been a big problem, as you can use the time to pack the boat up etc. The usual cause of any delay is while they set the gates.

I did get caught out a few weeks ago, trying to get back in at the bottom of a very big spring tide - had to wait about an hour but could have planned for this, if I had thought about it.

Otherwise Hythe is:
- well sheltered, especially from South and Westerlys.
- very secure, with surveillance and residents overlooking the boats
- non tidal, so no nasty currents when getting on and off the pontoons
- well placed, in that you can turn left or right at Calshot depending on tide and weather
- sociable, especially with the best Italian restaurant for fish courses, in the South.

The downside is having to drive to Southampton or Lymington to buy anything, even a 2 quid pack of SS bolts.

 

[Adrian]

Thanks Nick, these are some of the reasons Hythes on the short list, along with its proximity to the New Forest, after being on windermere for 5 years i dont think i fancy being in a city Ctr(we love walking and cycling almost as much as sailing!)
What are the realistic chances of getting a 10m berth next year? Ive spoken to MDL but all they say is that they will contact me in Jan next year.
And finaly, any idea what the charges were this year for a 10m berth?

Thanks!

 

[BlueSkyNick]

There are spaces now, but I don't know which are residents' berths and which are available for outsiders.

Can't advise on rates either, I'm afraid.

Best to call the marina office direct on both points - 02380 207073.

 

[CaptainThames]

[ QUOTE ]
The downside is having to drive to Southampton or Lymington to buy anything, even a 2 quid pack of SS bolts.


[/ QUOTE ]

or you could even go by boat !

But seriously you are right. Shamrock opened a branch of their chandlery in Hythe for about a year but it has recently closed. I live in the area and agree with all the positive points. Also try Hobbits for good food and the Nelson for good beer. The pub in the marina does good value bagetts and chips etc for lunch. I have seen queues for the lock a few times on hot bank hols, but not often.

Good luck.

 

[CaptainThames]

As for price, they are very reserved about declaring a price until the berth is available. Suggest have a chat when you are there and they should give you an off the record idea. I enquired a while back for a friend of mine with an Ocean 37. I think it was around 5000 for the year but not sure. Other forumites that moor there should be able to give you a better feel for price.....anyone?

 

[Adrian]

Thanks all, ive spoken with the marina direct and they assure me there will be space available for next year, charges this year were about £4K and next year will increase by about 3-4% (although fees not yet set). You could have a new Neighbour next season!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Can anybody reccomend a family hotel in the area we usually end up in a travel lodge!