Local Knowledge of Southampton Marinas please.

[john_morris_uk]

With the current forecast and us sitting on the boat in Portsmouth Harbour as the wind howls through the rigging, I’m wondering if a trip to the fleshpots of Southampton might be an option. A reasonably sheltered waters sail will get us there...

The trouble is I haven’t been to Shamrock or Ocean Village for years. Any suggestions? I’m assuming we’ll manage to get a berth?

VMT for any tips.

 

[slipknot]

Ocean village would be my preferred option. Sheltered, no tide running through it. Closer to City Centre. Shop at marina. Plenty of bars & restaurants. I ate in the Har Bar (sp??) recently and enjoyed that.

 

[bedouin]

I'd second Ocean Village - you are more likely to get a berth there - they almost always seem to have space although last time I was there they still had a lot of fingers out of action through overrunning engineering works. Fair selection of places to eat around the marina.

Shamrock Quay has the advantage of a chandlery but a longer walk from anywhere and can get rolly on the pontoons.

 

[DJE]

Ocean village would be my preferred option. Sheltered, no tide running through it. Closer to City Centre. Shop at marina. Plenty of bars & restaurants. I ate in the Har Bar (sp??) recently and enjoyed that.

And a short walk to Oxford Street for more pubs and restaurants.

 

[Carib]

I agree with the above - Shamrock is pretty close to Ocean Village by water, but very much on the outskirts by land!

 

[prv]

Yes, Shamrock is a decent place to keep a boat but it is by no means a destination. For what it’s worth I’ve never found it “rolly”.

There is also Town Quay, but perhaps not the most sheltered in the current conditions.

Pete

 

[john_morris_uk]

Thanks for your thoughts. We’re booked into Ocean Village for tomorrow night. Bar opens at 1800.

 

[Elessar]

Thanks for your thoughts. We’re booked into Ocean Village for tomorrow night. Bar opens at 1800.

Good choice. PRV spot on about the destination comment and lots of good advice.

 

[ashtead]

Always enjoyed OV although it can become rather hot in sunny weather (think Jersey bowl) but apart from the heat which unlikely to be an issue tomorrow the only downside is lack of a decent supermarket nearby and oxford road is a walk on way back . If you have never enjoyed before dinner at the yacht club is certainly a time trip (think first and last in Alderney) . The cinema used to be a good addition to entertain younger crew.

 

[RobbieW]

...If you have never enjoyed before dinner at the yacht club is certainly a time trip...

Assuming you're thinking of the Royal Southampton, they've moved out of the premises in OV and are concentrating activities at Ginns on the Beaulieu

A slightly longer walk from OV will get you to the Platform, opposite Town Quay, imo one of the better pubs in the city

 

[ashtead]

Sad that the experience of dining at RSYC is no longer available, maybe the appeal of time travel is waning. I’ve never been to Ginns so interested to hear more. My daughter used to live in OV and to find a good pub is rare. I seem to recall a venue which SBS exhibitors all frequented at end of shows so maybe that is worth a look if pubs are you thing in COVID world.

 

[Elessar]

Assuming you're thinking of the Royal Southampton, they've moved out of the premises in OV and are concentrating activities at Ginns on the Beaulieu

A slightly longer walk from OV will get you to the Platform, opposite Town Quay, imo one of the better pubs in the city

i joined RSYC for the bar and restaurant and it died a death before my eyes. It went from a great place to a dead place. Classic yacht club run by the crusties syndrome. They worked so hard to their credit but they needed to get younger people in.

To look at the water it’s banana wharf. Or if you are on your expense account the 6th floor bar in the hotel is fabulous looking down Southampton water.

Platform has great bands in more normal times.

Nothing wrong with the weatherspoons at OV. They seem to send the less desirables to the other weathersoons 15 mins away. No outside seating though unless you want to look at cars and be poisoned by smoke.

The grand cafe has a good bar 5 mins walk. No outside seating at all.

And Oxford st has the London. A fabulous pub popular with the gay community and it’s always great fun for all IMO. That had a lot of entertainment and I don’t know what it’s like since lockdown.

 

[eddystone]

Shamrock can be tricky to get in and out due to strong tide; does Town Quay by the ferry terminal take visitors? Think OV probably best.

 

[prv]

does Town Quay by the ferry terminal take visitors?

They went through a phase of not doing so, but their website states a price so I assume they’ve changed their mind again.

Pete

 

[Elessar]

Thanks for your thoughts. We’re booked into Ocean Village for tomorrow night. Bar opens at 1800.

Did you get there John?
I’ll be arriving in OV in 20 mins or so.
(single handed if anyone wants to take my lines!!)

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Did you get there John?
I’ll be arriving in OV in 20 mins or so.
(single handed if anyone wants to take my lines!!)

You going for a beer then?

 

[Elessar]

If I find anyone yeah! Just arriving.

 

[Elessar]

Have to admit that wasn’t fun. Wind on the beam, blown off whilst single handed on a 40ft flybridge motorboat isn’t a thing of joy.
Sailboats with keels have their benefits.
Damage free but inelegant is how I would describe that arrival!!

 

[Sticky Fingers]

...
Damage free but inelegant is how I would describe that arrival!!

Good enough!

 

[john_morris_uk]

I’ve just pm’d you. Which berth are you on. We’re on G6